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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  Satisfied with room to improve - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Davey - October 22 - 9:20 am

  I bought this car brand new and now have almost 50K on it. Only had one problem crop up so far with a bad sensor that ran me about $250 at the Mazda dealer. Never left me stranded. I took my stereo out and but in a JVC nav head unit. Great pick up for a 4- cyl 2.3 engine. comfy front seats and rear but short on leg room in the rear for 6 foot people. Truck is a decent size as well. Great chassis and suspension holds the road like nothing else

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  Very happy with my CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By hearingman - October 21 - 11:36 am

  I have had my CX-9 touring AWD for 1 month and look forward to driving it everyday. So far my only regret is not buying the grand touring for a few more dollars. The ride is great, yet I still feel connected to the road. The factory tires are not the best for slick pavement or ice, but seem better after having them siped.

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  Great Experience - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan - October 20 - 10:33 pm

  This car has turned a couple 34+ year olds with two children into the youthful spirits we had be yearning for. The car is fun to drive. I have experienced few better handling cars. The 5-doors styling turns heads everywhere we go. Lower the windows, pull back the sunroof..adjust the leather seats, switch to manual transmission mode..turn the 6-disk stereo up and...zoom,zoom.

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  Mazda 3 for me - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By keith - October 20 - 6:30 pm

  Great feel, fun to drive, handles well, solid braking, and plenty of pickup, especially with the 5 speed. Nice features, great sound, easy to operate.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-9 GT - October 20 - 5:23 pm

  Realizing of course that no vehicle is perfect, I love this vehicle. Previously drove a Mercury Mountaineer and hated it. It drove like a truck and felt very cold. The CX-9 GT is so refined and fun to drive. Smooth, quiet ride, plenty of room, and a very nice feel.

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  Great except for the GPS...zero support from Mazda - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By jsites - October 20 - 6:49 am

  Great little car. Except the built-in GPS which is a rip-off. My brand new grand touring Mazda 3 came with outdated 2009 copy right maps on and SD card. After having a number of problems and fails with this GPS outdated maps (cant find direct route to the dealership for one thing.) I have attempted to get updated maps..... I am even willing to pay the hideously over-priced fee of $200 to get updated maps, they are simply not available (I was promised by the dealer when I bought these maps were easily upgradeable) The OEM supplier Denso says they are "out of stock", they do not respond to multiple emails Ive sent, they refer me back to Mazda, which refers me back to Denso..... what a joke!

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  My new rig - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dale nelson - October 19 - 7:33 am

  Previously drove an Infiniti G35 for two years and find the Mazda Tribute to meet all of my needs....excellent stereo (nearly as good as the Bose system in the Infiniti)...Lumbar adjustment works well....plenty of power, but only getting about 16 mpg in town so far....Anyway I would rate this rig as an 8 against the 10 of the Infiniti.....not far behind for $15,000 less cost and cargo room is excellent even compared to larger SUVs that I compared it with......I swore I would never own an SUV, but I love this rig.........

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  Give it an A, not and A+ - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cee - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car...good accel, excellent looks, stylish interior. This car MUST be purchased with the manual transmission, V-6 Sport Pkg. Otherwise, go buy a Corolla and a child seat for the back. Great Bose sound (even better with XM Radio). While I dont drive it a ton, I absolutely love the time Im in it. Being its new, it still gets a lot of looks and curiosity. (I doubt he was sincere, but an owner of a BMW 5 series asked me if I wanted to trade while we were sitting at a traffic light.)

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  2003 Mazda 6 with leather seating - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By redsoxfan - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The seats can be uncomfortable on long trips. Also, when the trunk is released, it does not pop up very high (maybe a couple of inches). This is not convenient for shopping. The trunks in the other cars in this category fully pop up when you press the remote button on the keychain.

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  Nice im surprised - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By bandit - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Its a good car gets good highway gas miles..runs smooth..very comfortale