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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  Super slick - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MCP - August 11 - 4:30 am

  My Mazda Miata MX-5 answers the call for fun, speed and reliability. There are quite a few on the roads because it is mechanically sound, beautiful to just watch travel and has consistency in braking, shifting and driver expectations. The top is easy to fling done and pull back up. It has no leaks in the rain, the leather interior has been well protected and looks/drives like a much younger car even though it has 92,000 real miles. It is legal to roll the odometer back so beware of those asking a high price for low mileage-nobody has a top if the line roadster from 2007 with 60,000 miles or less. Its too much fun to let it set and decay. Id rather not drive it on the interstate but I do if Im only going a few exits.

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  Great car!! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Michael - August 10 - 12:30 am

  Very nice car in all aspects with the exception of gas mileage! Still though if you need the third seat this is the cream of the class!

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  Zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By tom kuester - August 9 - 10:20 pm

  So far so good. Some tire road noise. Not sure about transmission. Exhaust needed repair. Still like it a lot. Good ride and mileage. Tows OK for a 4 cyl.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By DJ in TX - August 9 - 8:33 pm

  This is my first Mazda and I must say that I was impressed from the moment I started the car. Compared to all the cars I test drove, (Rogue, Murano, highlander, Tiguon, RAV4, Equinox) I have been very pleased with what the CX- 7 offers. Gave me a smooth, quiet ride on the busy Houston streets at a very affordable price! Very impressive, you wont be disappointed...

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  I Love This Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By darkmanrob85 - August 9 - 9:00 am

  This car is very fast. The drive is comfortable and smooth. I love how it just hugs the turns. The combination of cloth and leather seats is the best. I cant say enough about this car. I just love!!

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  Great Car but dont buy one - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dennis - August 8 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased a new 04 less than 2 years ago. Loved the car for the price until clutch started to judder so bad car was not drivable. Mazda TSB 05-003/05 describes defective clutch plates. Mazda will not cover repair because car is more than 1 year old. Dont be left holding a $1300 repair bill for a defective car. Buy a Honda.

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  Our First Brand New Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By clownthebobo - August 8 - 9:10 pm

  We were looking around for a new car to replace the Expedition for about 1 month. We looked at a few different cars (Pacifica, Maxima, etc.) until we found the 5. It has exactly what we are looking for! Sporty, good looking, easy on gas, safe (a lot of air bags) and room for family of 4 crammed with luggage. We recently did a 100 mile trip to Victoria, BC. and had no complaints. The handling is so wonderful, understeer is very, very minor. The Navigation works great on major roads and highways, but not in rural areas. Easy in and out of the second row via sliding doors are a blessing. We currently have 900 miles on the 5 and are averaging around 400 miles per tank.

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  I love it - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By kylejj - August 8 - 12:20 pm

  I traded in my Honda Civic for this car and I am now a Mazda guy after loving my Honda. I test drove and researched many of makes and models, but ended up finding Mazda was just a better car and then the price made it even better. The car is a blast to drive and I do drive very hard, but still return an average of 34mpg for 50/50 city/hwy driving. The car handles great, but does have a tight suspension where I feel all the bumps, but that is because the roads in Indiana are awful. The controls are great and easy to use. (no navigation). There is plenty of room for 4 adults and our luggage. I love the versatility of the Hatchback.

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  Nothing too fancy but a great family car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jccables - August 8 - 8:33 am

  Bought the car very recently and have put about 200 miles on it and love the car so far. The handling on it for a front wheel drive wagon is superb for the price I paid for it ($9000) and the engine seems to have the power needed to haul the little bit of extra weight around all the time. Myself and my girlfriend have 3 kids between the two of us and we can all ride comfortable without a problem around town and still have enough room to pick up groceries if we need to. Traded my 02 xterra for better gas economy and a firmer ride. Didnt have a need for 2 SUVs

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  Its the small things... - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6 or 3 humm?... - August 8 - 3:23 am

  Overall, my Mazda has done everything and more. The long trips and are comfortable and short trips are quick! I enjoy the tight and quick response handling. As for quick comparison, my last car was a Ford SHO and I would have to say that the 4-cylinder in the Mazda really moves when you go from point A to point B safely.