Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By EAG - January 7 - 11:30 pm

  I spent forever researching cars to buy and I test drove a few (the VW Rabbit, the Civic and the Toyota Matrix) before I was definite on the 3. The test drives clinched it. My mechanic of 15 years was also enthusiastic about the Mazda and now I know why. I am in love with my car. It is so sporty (looks and performance) and I couldnt be happier. I have the 5 speed and the shifting is so smooth, I would swear it was a pricier model/brand. I love to drive but I was looking for fuel economy too and I definitely picked a winner. The acceleration is excellent, but so is the fuel economy. 25-27 in the city, in heavy traffic, and 32-35 on the highway. Nice! You wont be disappointed at all. Im thinking of buying another for my husband.

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  LOVE this car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Karen - January 7 - 2:13 pm

  I love my Mazda MX5. My husband bought it for my 40th Birthday. My husband is 66 and it is the only convertible on the market that he can actually drive and ride in. We bought an automatic with the manual shifting paddles on the steering wheel. He loves that and I love the automatic. The top is so easy to put up and down you can do it while sitting in the car. The trunk is HUGE, unlike most convertibles. The Mazda is so fun to drive, the wheels really stick when going around corners. While going 80mph the RPMs barely hit 3000. While driving the inside is quiet no wind noise or rattles. We love our Mazda MX5!

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  No regrets - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob W. - January 7 - 12:23 pm

  After looking at many makes and models, we settled on the Mazda. The 300,000 + miles we got on our 1990,323 had some influence. So far, we have been pleased; no surprises. Controls, gauges, and comfort features were well thought out, and fit like a glove. Adequate power, but still good gas mileage. Seats four very comfortably. Glad we chose a model with steel wheels; not the custom wheels with thinner tires. If satellite radio not fully installed (only the control on dash installed) you might want to ask what it will cost to install the radio later. We didnt. Keep in mind this is a low profile car - watch speed bumps and high curbs. Overall, we have no regrets so far. Great car.

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  zoom zoom Mazda 6 zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By zum zum zum - January 6 - 11:06 pm

  One of the best cars Ive ever owned so far, think I might buy a second one so we can have twins in the driveway.

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  Great Sporty Car at a Great Price! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By gigit - January 6 - 11:13 am

  I loved my Mazda 3, which I recently gave to my husband when I bought a new Corolla. It looks so nice, Im crazy about the style of it. Its a fun ride as well, and its at a great price. We have had a few repairs on it. The front and back brakes went out very early and the horn broke, but these are minor problems. The only thing Im not too keen on is the jet black interior. Its a great car and Id definitely recommend getting one. Gas mileage isnt as good as what I hoped for, but its not terrible either. I think the new Mazdas with Skyactiv technology get better gas mileage. I also find that the paint chips easily (I have a white model)

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  Great Value - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Icemahn - January 5 - 7:53 pm

  Traded our 04 Sienna in for the CX-9. Test drove an Acura MDX 08, GMC Acadia and Yukon Hybrid. CX-9 Power and handling is similar to the MDX while the third row space comparable to the Acadia. It truly provides the best of both worlds without compromising style or comfort. Mazda hit the bullseye with this one!

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  HAPPY NEW OWNER - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By HAPPY GREAT GRANDMA - January 5 - 5:00 pm

  I was looking for a reliable, economical, dependable, good looking car. I found it in the tribute Mazda. I feel secure and safe in this vehicle; in fact I just returned from a emergency trip to Texas. I went by myself. I am a female 67 years old and I felt secure driving the Tribute. The gas mileage was good 26.7mpg on the highway. My average speed was 67mph. I am no speed demon. I have had many compliments on my vehicle, all of them positive.

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  This is one great car. Better than expected. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By s100y - January 5 - 12:17 pm

  This is the best car buying decision I think I made. Stunning looks, solid build quality, good visibility, excellent handling and road feel, best steering feel I ever experienced. Have put on about 800 miles, getting 30 mpg (70% city). The ride and road feel is getting better every day as it is breaking in. Power and acceleration is quite good for 4 cyl, better than the Altima/Camry/Outback/Malibu I test drove. Hill start assist is a useful feature. I did not notice any significant road noise as some have mentioned. Gear shift is well tuned for optimum acceleration and fuel efficiency. Touch screen size is good enough, intutive and works well, no problem pairing BT phone.

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  So far so good! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Felipe - January 4 - 4:43 pm

  This is the second review Ive ever written. I only do it when its worth it. We wanted an SUV and didnt like any of the ones available. Then we found the CX-9. It was love at first sight. Just what we wanted. Best looking SUV right now. Its huge inside. Largest wheelbase in the market. The car runs so smooth. No noise from the engine. Transmission is soft, engine powerful. It has all the features that a top of the line car has.

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  Great Minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Dannyman - January 4 - 12:53 pm

  Great Minivan and Great Deal !. Fits in my small garage. Great ride and exterior. Fantastic interior. Smooth engine and transmission. Got mine with plus and 4 seasons packages for around 20K (incl. TTL). A generous trade-in allowance was an added plus. I might be a dad now, but I still got some "zoom- zoom" in me :-)