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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  2008 CX-9 GT AWD ++++ - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By armann - October 18 - 4:03 pm

  The vehicles design is superb. The drivers seat is the best, you have all the buttons strategically located. Great bang for your bucks.

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  Joy to Drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Love to Drive - October 18 - 1:53 pm

  Drives like a race car. Hugs corners at whatever speed. Very stable at high speeds.

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  Most fun ever for $19,000!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Redlinez - October 17 - 10:50 pm

  Well, this is like our 50th car so you wouldnt think Id be very excited, wrong!!!! I just found out about the 4000 rebate Thursday evening and bought one of only 2 remaining V6 5 speed wagons. We absolutely love it!! Its pebble ash metallic with beige leather. Weve never been much on gold colors but this color is really cool. No other car comes close until you spend around 30k which we dont have. Too early to rate reliability but with free loaners, I dont really care. This car is full of a lot of little neat things to discover. Lots of tie downs, especially love the rear fold down seat handles in the cargo area.

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  Find a better car for the money buy it!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sam - October 17 - 1:53 am

  Odometer just turned 61k. Has not been to the garage for anything. Stay below 70 MPH in the highway and youll get 30+ MPG. Aside from the "cheapy" wiper blade used and easily worn seat upholstery, the car is still in perfect shape or showroom quality. It is fun to drive an a windy and twisty roads. It also goes 110 MPH+, just do it safely. I do my own maintenance and been using hi-grade synthetic oil and K&N air filter. If you can find a better car value than Mazda 3, buy it.. it will be hard to find one. PS, check your battery water periodically. Enjoy!

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  Class Act - CX-9 Base Model w/AWD - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By SammyHagar - October 16 - 6:03 pm

  Shopped and shopped - viewed and drove them all in the CX-9 class, the Mazda CX-9 was the winner hands down. White is the new Black when choosing color - The Mazda white is awesome when viewed on a sunny day. 60 months 0%, Owner Loyalty Rebate $500, $100 under invoice - pretty good deal - $3000 - under MSRP

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  Great Compact SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Shad5000 - October 16 - 12:03 pm

  The AWD V-6 Grand s touring model is top notch in its class. I upgraded from the 2003 Tribute this year and I am very pleased. The car/truck gets lots of compliments and its new styling is a hit. The drive is smooth and the cockpit is sporty and overall is a great drive. Small glare during the day from the dash color on the glass but Im sure I will get used to it.

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  Titanium Gray w red & black leather int - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Zokkhon - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Amazing car to drive hard. Very smooth, makes you look like you are a better driver than you are. Expect attention from strangers regularly. Mine has all the options available from the option brosure. Fender strakes, deflector, appearence pkg, rotory accents, extra interior lighting, wing, ect. Had it for almost a year (the board will not let you put 2003) and people still compliment me on it all the time. Gas milage is not good and it only drinks premium. About the same mpg as my friends G35, but much better gas milage than SVT Mustangs or GTOs If you just want to go fast in a strait line buy one of those, but if you want a real drivers car with a unique flair look no further.

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  owner on rx8 since 2003 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tom frazzetto - October 16 - 10:00 am

  vehicle is great but don,t try to go out in the snow. need a winter car

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  2nd Time Around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX3 / RX8 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second vehicle w/a rotary engine. The first was a RX3 that made me a believer. The handling is incredible and more impressive is how smooth and quiet this practical sports car is. A recent auto magazine called the RX8 a sports car you could talk your spouse, in this case my wife into buying.

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  In front of the pack - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pizzle - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I researched compact cars for over a year before I purchsed my red Mazda3 hatchback. What an amazing car! I cant count how many complements I have received at traffic lights and toll booths. More importantly, the car is comfortable, reliable and a pure pleasure to drive. I commute 30 miles to work everyday and enjoy every mile thoroughly. The Civic and Corolla are great cars...but the Mazda3 is greater. The exterior and interior are fantastic for this class of vehicle. The styling is very Euro inspired. If you want a great car for under $20000 this is the winner hands down. One test drive will speak volumes!!!