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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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fish fosh - July 18 - 4:13 am

  I purchased this car 5 days ago. I have had 4 Beemers looking to race me. (I didnt of course). People young and old look at this car. Lots of flash for the money.

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  Excellent so far. - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Todd - July 17 - 1:26 am

  Bought the CX-9 after extensive research. Looked at the Honda Pilot & CR-V, Ford Flex, and a few others. It came down to the Pilot & CX-9. The Mazda has more power, better interior/exterior, better brakes, and seems to ride better. We traded a Honda Odyssey for it & it is our first Mazda product. Vehicle is black & looks absolutely sweet after its been washed. Couldnt be happier w/the purchase. Capital Mazda of Cary gave us a great price. It is loaded (back-up camera, Bose system, auto rear hatch). Took it home for under 30K. And gave us exactly what we wanted in trade for Odyssey + threw in some extras. Very happy we went /the CX-9!

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  Love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Carlover - July 16 - 1:50 pm

  I love everything about this SUV, minor changes and better quality i would ask, don`t get wrong is minor like door handles. Love the Bose, leather, blue tooth, zoom zoom power, rims, this SUV is great.

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  TOP RIDE TO HAVE - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By HotMazda3Mama - July 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best out at this year. The cool low sleek design on the outside and the sporty, modern/futureistic design on the inside make for one of the best (of all things a hatchback) all around vehical for a younger gerneration. Another great thing about the mazda 3 is that it is one of the smothest, most quiet rides that I have ever owned, cutting road noise to almost a minimum and taking turns, bumps, and rough driving to another level (very comfortable)!!! This is the top ride to have if you are wanting heads to turn as you dirve by. Mazda definatly lives up to Zoom Zoom in this car.

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  I love my Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Paul - July 13 - 2:46 am

  I purchased the Miata to use only when on special days. But since then, I have needed to use it as a commuter car. I commute 82 miles round trip each day. I have approximately 94,000 miles on the car and have never had a service call. I average 31.5 mpg in rush hour traffic. I cant wait for good weather to put the top down. The car is noisy and I wish the stereo were better. The seats could be upgraded, I have worn a hole in the driver side seat. But other then those issues, I love the car, and plan on buying another one when this one dies. I live in a snowy climate, and was told that the car would not work in the winter. I put 4 snow tires on it and it goes like a champ. No prob

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  A Tribute to the Mazda Tribute ES-V6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kim - July 12 - 6:53 pm

  My Mazda Tribute ES-V6 is a 2003. I just purchased it last Tuesday and I love it!!! Its a safe ride, with fun and comfort all rolled into one vehicle.

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  GREAT CAR!!! FORGET FADING COROLLA AND PLASTIC INJECTED HYUNDAI - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomhugger - July 12 - 6:10 pm

  BEST car ever invested with more appreciation to Mazda company than what I expected in other compact cars. NEVER will I own the cliche Toyota or plastic injected Hyundai. Forget about people saying "oh, you have to have car as reliable as Toyota or Honda.. BS. Any car in the Mazda line are much reliable and better built than family picnic Corolla, experimental Elantra, questionable crush proof Civic and BMA wanna-be Jetta also over-compensating interior light show Focus. Very glad to own a car that not what everyone on the road is whining about . I feel totally safe in this car than my Honda. Id recommend this car to anyone and will continue to follow future Mazdas.

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  SAFETY - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By JUAN - July 12 - 2:00 am

  MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT WITH OUR 2 MONTH OLD MILLENIA. THE OFFICERS AT THE ACCIDENT ATTRIBUTED THE MILLENIA WITH THE ABILITY OF MY WIFE TO GET OUT AND WALK AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT. WE ARE GETTING READY TO PURCHASE A SECOND MILLENIA AND POSSIBLY A THIRD. INCIDENTLY THE MILLENA WAS TOTALED BUT THE OTHER CAR FAIRED ALOT WORSE. I AM SAD THAT THIS IS THE LAST MODEL YEAR FOR THE MILLENIA.

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  mpv lx 2003 - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By alan p - July 12 - 2:00 am

  everything in this van works and looks well. the smaller size is what makes this model work for me. when alone i drive aggressive and need the smaller size to maneuver in traffic. when driving with four in the van it is comfortable and well mannered. i drove with six in the van once for 150 miles and nobody complained and the van handled well and braking was excellent. my review takes in to consideration of the value factor, with the discounting with rebates by the dealer. decent lx package for less than 21k.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rebecca - July 11 - 10:50 pm

  I love my car! The only "bad" things I could consider is the stereo system could be a little better. And I am used to SUV driving in the snow, not such a light car, so thats a switch for me. Has good pep, and nice bright low beams and the temp on the mirror is always nice to indicate whether road conditions are icy, etc. It has fast acceleration (the 2.3) and tight brakes. Good buy, and definitely satisfied.