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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  What A Car - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By AFMIII - September 11 - 4:26 pm

  I love this car!!! It has more power then i expected. I am averaging 21.5 mpg. It is real stylish and very zippy. Bought it in the Competition Yellow. Sure do turn some heads when i go speeding by. I recommend this car highly.

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  True Value for Money - Best Compact SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By dfordhiraj - September 11 - 4:26 am

  After looking at Honda CR-V, RAV4, Nissan Rouge & Mazda CX-7, the CX-7 is the best value for money compact SUV. It has a solid engine, which gives decent power with a good mileage for an SUV. Acceleration is smooth. The car has a solid build feel. The seats have a high quality cloth material. My daughter spilled carrot juice, but the juice didnt seep in the seats and we were able to wipe it off. The steering has all the possible controls for the sound system. It has got by far the best interior. The dashboard is pretty well designed. It has enough space in the trunk. All in all the SUV is a nice pleasant car to drive in town and across long distances.

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  Cant Fault My RX-8 - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By ash8 - September 10 - 10:43 pm

  So far no problems at all, I really can not fault my Superb Mazda RX-8. Fuel economy rate for performance is very acceptable, what do people expect, it is not a Civic, it is a Sports Car. Handling is Superb, #3 in America. Braking is Excellent # 10 rated against all Exotics. Performance is Fantastic for a 1.3 Litre Rotary, 0-60 in under 6.8 Sec is fast for ANY car. Great Value, nothing comes close. This car is Unique. Not a day goes by without a look or comment....is that the new Porsche..one guy asked. Would I recommend this car...Hell Yes..

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  Happy with a 5 speed - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Alex Hensley - September 10 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this car new in 1998 and have had few problems. The ABS failed one week after the warranty expired and the weather stripping came loose after seven years.The Ford/Mazda product isnt as high quality as pure Mazda products Ive owned previously. I have gotten over 40 mpg on highway trips and city travel averages in the high 20s. After 8 years the only repair I have required is brake pads, plug wires and cleaning the throttle body. Friends that have the automatic transmission have had lots of problems but the stick shift has performed flawlessly. My Mazda truck is going strong after 21 years with out needing ANY major repairs. I think the merger with Ford has weakened the product.

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  Best in Class 3i automatic - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve Cypher - September 9 - 1:23 am

  55 year old. My last car was a Focus ZX3 5-speed. The quality and attention to detail is incredible. Mine is Rally White with the moon roof, ABS, sport pkg and all the air bags. The car handles much better than the Focus and has the aggressive look of a BMW. Fit and finish is world class and the materials in the interior are light years ahead of any of the products offered by the big 3. I looked at the new Civic and really disliked the new dash layout and that was the only other vehicle that I considered.

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  Nice car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By fredo - September 8 - 8:46 pm

  More than adequate acceleration with great handling characteristics. Like the style and design in silver -- looks like the sports machine it is. Have had no mechanical problems to date although just got a recall notice about possible engine cooling problem. Did run the car hard during our peak hot week -- temps mid-90s for 600 miles with little stopping along the way and everything worked fine; comfortable ride with no excessive heating indications. Lots of inquiries about "whats that?" with lots of positive comments about the cars design. Gasoline consumption depends on how you drive it. Did check on one throughway trip at average speed of 70 and got almost 24mpg. Less when playing in city.

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  6 was it after lots of research - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6nWNY - September 8 - 6:40 pm

  Have Bose/moonroof package & convenience package. Car has handled extremely well in the snow and climate control has been great during the recent cold snap. Replaced my 00 Grand Am GT1 6 cyl. Felt comfortable from the first test drive. Tested Corolla, Civic, Camry, and others but settled on the 6 for its combination of style, handling, features, and safety. Great value. Can be a bit slow off the stop line, but the 4 cyl flies nicely on the highway once at speed. Convenience package is a must to get rid of the Buick like upholstered door trim. Xenon lights a huge plus. Bose sound is great. Like the aux jack in the armrest. Rural road and expressway commute - averaging 27-28 mpg at 2700 mi.

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  one fantastic sports car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By williama - September 8 - 10:00 am

  what can i say - awesome! lots of power, fantastic handling and looks great both inside and out. Sun roof is good, although not as large as the one on my old 82 RX7. Got the spoiler on the car and think it adds to the looks - doubt the performance is much affected but I think its a positive. Negatives - the gas mileage is not great but so what. This is a sports car not an econo box - remember you still are not using as much gas as an oversized SUV. If you decide to get one youll not regret it - see you on the road and I will if you are driving this car!

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  Best Test Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Test Driven - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a foreign vehicle or a car and this was the most comfortable car. It is fun to drive, easy, lots of room.

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  A great value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By chemsal - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my S hatchback. It has lots of pep, handles great and a super value. My wife drives a 325 XI BMW which is a super car, but dollar for dollar I perfer the Mazda. Its been over a month now and I still enjoy my drive time in the car. If there is a better valve out there I dont know what it is.