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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  A true Zoom-Zoom - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By redkills - August 15 - 2:56 am

  Purchased a M2 just in sept of 2011. I love the handling on the car and yes it may be a bit short on power aka 2 least powered car sold in US market but its light weight and amazing handling makes this the perfect city zipping car. I went with the sport because the touring is a waste of money. you get "extra" stuff you dont really need, plus for those that want to autocross the sport weights less. Id rather add my own aftermarket gear and tuning. such as adding a in dash nav, if you have the touring version adding a in dash nav will make most of your wheel control features useless. lastly, this is a great car for easy upgrading and aftermarket work.

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  fun in my Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By soleil - August 13 - 9:20 am

  What a joy to drive. My husband bought me the car last year because of its sporty look with the hatch, the fact that it was a 4 door and came available in a 5 speed, and its overall safety rating. We got the blazing copper metallic and weve tinted the windows and put on Mazdaspeed wheels to make it look even sportier. For 20 years I drove Nissan 280z-300zxs and this car feels just like that but in a more practical size. What fun and a pleasure to drive; I have to keep an eye on my speed because I get to cruising real fast and dont even feel it. Great pick up, great handling; fantastic sound system and awesome look all make for a real enjoyable ride.

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  Awesome Vehicle, Great Concept - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Devon - August 13 - 2:36 am

  This car is so much fun. I didnt know what I was going to think of it when it came out. Mazda really did a great job. There is plenty of room for adults in every row, and the stow away storage is cool. I am so glad there is a NON minivan out there that I can fit all my friends into!

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  First SUV last Mazda!!! - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Siddiqui - August 12 - 11:33 am

  Great combination of sport and utility. Hate to say interior looks nice but cheap quality material, winds noise and side mirror vibrates when drive more than 60 mph, found alot of blind spots. Back lights each set for 569.00 plus tax!!. Too much rounds to gas station after buying it. Purchased my 09 CX-7 AWD Sport (w/Leather)in July for USD 23000 OTD (out the door) and showed to my cousin and next month he bought 2010 (no leather) but with more nicer interior and options for 21,000 OTD same dealer, which makes me little sad. Fun to drive but be ready to get TICKET!!.

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  i love this car - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By trenticon - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a Mazda MVP two days ago. The one I bought was New. This car is great. I love it, my wife loves it, and my child thinks its cool. I told my mother this is the best thing Ive ever owned except my house. Two big thumbs up

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  Good value for the money - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By SnapRolls - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a replacement for my 1994 Miata as my primary vehicle. Looked at sedans, SUVs, and minivans and decided the MPV offered the most bang for the buck. It drove nice, was quiet, had good fit and finish, and the LX with the LX Upgrade package, traction control, and the 4 seasons package had everything I wanted. Im 6 feet tall and the van had plenty of creature comforts for me. My garage is small but the MPVs "footprint" is actually smaller than some sedans. The seats are very versatile and I can handle them by myself... which was important as a single female.

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  Zoooooom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ERNurse - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my new 3s 4 days ago and I think Im in love. Got the sedan in black with sport package,moonroof package, safety package, and a rear wing spoiler. The sound system is great, great looks, great get-up-and- go, and lovin the HUGE glove box. I drove a Jeep Wrangler prior, so this is a totally different drive, but great fun nonetheless!

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  m6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By khollo - August 12 - 10:00 am

  mazda6-i version with the 5 speed manual transmission makes driving more fun. generous trunk room, ample front leg room,height adjustable drivers seat,cup holders,bottle holders in front doors,6 speaker sound system, plus very good gas mileage (we got 26 mpg on our first tank with mostly in town driving).a quick and responsive handling system that tames curves, zoom-zoom

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  91K and need new engine - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By L Reynolds - August 11 - 5:00 pm

  The 2004 Mazda MPV was reliable until about 65K when I started having trouble with numerous ignition coils. The last straw was last week - replaced all three rear coils - #3 kept misfiring and dealership recommended to replace them all. Then ck eng. light came on again and they cleaned fuel injectors. Light came on again, they turned it off because it said #3 coil again and it was just replaced. Last Friday started and it shook like a go cart - had it towed - now I am told the engine is blown. They want $7K to replace and $3300 for a rebuilt with 1 yr warranty. So frustrating - used to love this van but now am afraid of all its problems - dont know whether to fix - worth $500. now!

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  BEST CAR EVER - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Kryfka012 2010CX-9 - August 10 - 12:03 pm

  i looked at many cross over cars and was torn between volvo xc60 and mazda cx-9 the price and options and power under the engine made the final call. when i could get every option but the indash nav for and out the door price of 36,000 for the mazda and 43,000 for the volvo minus many options and got the extended warranty and matiance warranty for 150,000 miles on the mazda with the 36,000 price.