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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  Affordable without much sacrifice - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Familyof5 - April 7 - 5:36 am

  We have 3 kids and couldnt see affording $30,000+ for a new minivan or a cross-over. This car was much more affordable and will cost much less to maintain. It rides like a car, but has a interior layout like a minivan. We wont be able to tow a boat or carry an 8 wide piece of plywood, but we never did when we had that capability with our previous minivans. The kids love it, but we havent taken the first vacation in it yet, so we may be sacrificing on space and power when the car gets fully loaded with luggage. Im a tall guy and I push the limits on most cars. Leg room and head room could be better, but I fit and I like the feel when I drive.

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  Very satisfied wuth my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By TribOwner - April 6 - 1:20 pm

  After 3+ yrs of ownership I remain very satisfied with my Tribute LX. I carefully researched all comparable vehicles vs my reqts. I still believe it is the best value for the money of its kind. After 40K miles, I installed quieter, softer riding tires vs the factory tires; noticeable change in ride and quietness. Easy thing to do. My young adult teens really like the leg room space in the back seat and enjoy driving it. MPG is competitive. I have the premier sound system. Sporty, responsive engine that can be used to tow if you wish (I have not yet).

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  Another hit!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Andy Chandler - April 6 - 1:13 pm

  This my 3rd Mazda and wont be my last. They make great, stylish and affordable cars and the CX-7 is no exception. Just like the Mazda3 this is a big hit with me. For a SUV/CUV type vehicle the styling is unmatched. So is the performance. A great looking SUV with lots of space, a high performance turbo engine, wonderful handling and six sweet gears plus lots of goodies standard.

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  A Miata thats car-like - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Yasu - April 5 - 2:36 pm

  I like that the new gen is just a better car, meaning its possible to go on long road trips in relative comfort. It makes every moment a drivers delight, the destination irrelevant. The cabin is intimate, shaped so that the car, me, and my companion are one. Unless were fighting. The higher rear sill contributes to this, and blocks the feeling that the car behind you is going to drive into your skull. Other cars treat you with relative respect, vs. the older gen. Slides are very controllable, yet cruises in a variety of gears easily. You can race it, you can commute it, you can distance it. You can also supercharge it but thats a different story.

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  Mazda MPV - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Patty Barnes - April 4 - 9:50 am

  My Mazda MPV van is just the perfect size for my husband and me. There is room for his wheelchair, groceries, our grandchildren, the dog or the 2 cradles we just brought home. The seats are comfortable, and he can lay back and rest while Im driving. There is plenty of room to stretch out and carry lots of luggage when going on a trip but its small enough to zip through traffic.

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  Great Car! Great Price, nothing like it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By MWTat BOM - April 4 - 1:13 am

  Awesome car, great price, seats six, hauls like nothing else. Minivan like use, non-minivan look. Must see, must sit, MUST DRIVE! ZOOM-ZOOM!

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  Turning Heads - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - April 3 - 3:03 pm

  Amazing. Took a while, but I finally tracked down a Titanium Grey with Red/Black interior. As far as I know, this was the only one for sale in Texas at the time. Means I get a unique vehicle. Have had many comment on how sharp it looks. Living in the Hill Country (Windy roads up and down hills is the norm), I truly believe this car was built just for my area. You have read it all, performance, comfort, everything. I cant think of a single thing I dont like. Well, here is my biggest complaint. Would be nice if the 6 disk CD changer played random accross all disks, not just 1. So there you have it. :-).

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  GT AWD Tech Pack in SEFLA - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By EM - April 3 - 2:06 am

  My wife and I were looking for her Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer since we wanted to scale down in SIZE... our truck didnt fit our garage. I normally borrow her car to pull my Sailplane (glider) so we were looking for a fun, medium sized, sort of an SUV. We just got ours 2 weeks ago. I have not seen another were we live. So far we love it, well engineered, quick and lots of fun.

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  2005 Mazda M3 - all around great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - April 3 - 1:03 am

  I just bought a new, off the lot, M3 from a local dealership. My motive to buy was to own a more economical vehicle - i was driving an F150. This vehicle handles great. I got the sport package which comes w/ 17" wheels - it really grips the road. It performs much better than my needs, and also cruises on the interstate very comfortably. The external styling is superb, w/ a noticable euro-style feel to it. The interior features are also great, although just a step up from adequate. It has a super sharp feel and look when sitting in the drivers seat - all primary and 2ndary controls are at easy reach and visible. Overall I am extreemly pleased with the purchase.

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  CX-7 best value CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By erb13 - April 1 - 12:23 pm

  Bought the vehicle for my wife, as it had all the options she wanted and was the right size. Very versatile, excellent quality and one of the best handling vehicles of its type. After 2500 miles we are very satified with our selection, no problems to date. Mileage has averaged 21 mpg for mixed driving. Great vehicle for trips.