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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  Great Suv! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By sysop - September 5 - 5:30 pm

  I picked up a new top of the line 2008 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring for my wife in January of 2009.This car is amazing comparing to other SUVÂ’s like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and the Lincoln MKX the CX-9 was the best choice for the money.The CX-9 is Sporty, stylish and roomy loads of cargo space, easy access to spacious third row, even for an average-sized adult, The two- passenger third-row seat is one of the roomiest youll find. And the second row seats are very comfortable for adults. The CX-9 an attractive dash design and an adequate number of technoland an adequate number of technology and entertainment features too many to mentioned. got an excellent deal! Couldnt be happier

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  My Protoge - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By sendel74usa - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with that car, have had it more than a year now, the only thing i have had to do is change the oil and rotate tires. Overall an excellent car!

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  Many pros - one con - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dairyland Purchaser - September 4 - 9:40 am

  Overall I am having a great experience driving the Mazda3s GT. It truly does want to zoom-zoom. I love the car. The only negative is that it is hard to read the instrument dials in bright sunshine. I cannot rate the reliability as I bought the car new, but I am counting on it lasting many years.

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  Love My Miata - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RPE - September 3 - 12:26 pm

  I have only owned my little red Miata for 3 weeks...but I love to drive the car with the top down. It is a blast. I also have a 79 MGB..but this car hugs the road, the curves unlike the MGB. It has 128,000 miles on it..but motor sounds great. The get-up-and go is much faster that my 10 Corolla automatic. We have had several hot days in April and have been able to drive it, top down. Cant wait until Summertime. Will have to sell the MGB..that was the deal with my wife..but, oh well...I have owned it for 20 years..and I guess it is time to pass it on! A buddy of mine at work just bought an 03.....drive one...youll buy one!!!

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  Nice fun car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob Renner - September 1 - 10:00 am

  great car and fun to drive

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  My blue rx 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Eric W Calamusa - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car needs a few goodies to give you low end power

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  You cant beat the value of this car!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kelly418m - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this car provides you with the best value for your money!! It has great gas mileage and drives so smoothly. Also, I must mention that the body and interior of the car is very up to date and really makes the car look nice. If you researching cars right now, I believe you will not have to search any more because the Mazda3 has everything you need and want, all in an economical, yet, trendy car!!

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  Zoom Zoom w/ No Guilt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By indigolane - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is sporty, sophisticated and hot all at once. Even light on the gas, you can fly. The steering console wraps around you with the feel of a more expensive sports model. Someone who likes to drive must have designed this model, cause it is a joy.

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  SAFETY SECOND TO NONE - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Larry - September 1 - 9:56 am

  I was hit broadside (T-boned) on the passenger side at an intersection. Lady ran a red light and hit me. I must say I am thankful I bought the CX- 9. The side curtain airbag deployed instantly (no white powder, clean) the doors and structure took the impact and protected me, I was completely unhurt. While both front and rear doors were completely crushed the doors did not bend into the inside, the side windows did not break. As a matter of fact the doors STILL opened and closed. Mazda has built an extremely safe and exceptional vehicle. The CX-9 was repaired (two new doors)and is back on the road as good as new. Feel free to read my previous review dated 1/13/09. Thanks Mazda, life saver!

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  So much fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sue - September 1 - 8:40 am

  Love Love Love this car! It is so much fun to drive. It corners great and has great pickup. Love all of the features in the car as well. The bright headlights, the heated seats, the nice stereo make driving this car awesome!