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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  Most Practical Vehical - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gordon - December 4 - 2:40 pm

  Our other cars are Toyota Sienna and Honda Fit. The Mazda5 has most of "Best" plus more. It is as fun as the fit and as practical as the Sienna. The other car Mfg has them but they are afraid of image. We Mazda 5 owners like the image this car has.

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  zoom-onology of mpv lx - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Geno - December 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I conducted extensive research on the purchase of an suv, when we decided to purchase the MPV instead. It handles like a well tuned car and with three young children, it not only represents a great value, compared to other similar vehicles, but provides comfort and space for our needs. The sliding side doors are a must and the electric windows are a major plus for kids that like to feel fresh air. We are thrilled with our purchase!

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  Awesome - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By petronilus - December 3 - 2:13 pm

  I was not really planning to buy a new car but couldnt resist the CX-7. Great design, great acceleration, great interior, nice navigation system. Just awesome.

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  1st week - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By artsmazda5 - December 3 - 8:40 am

  So far, this car, minus one particular issue Ill get to later, has been just about perfect. I feel proud driving one of these down the streets of San Francisco. This is especially so when i drive by the two other cars I was within moments of purchasing instead of the 5 - the Subaru WRX or Forester. Im 33, I have a 3 1/2 year old son and Im recently separated. I agonized over the decision. Do i get the WRX, i.e. single-guy, race-car on a budget. Or the Forester, i.e. time to grow up, go conservative and be "responsible". My answer, why not some "responsible" zoom-zoom, i.e., Mazda5. Ive read lots of complaints about the power, but the stick I got makes for some pretty exciting driving!

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  30K mile UPDATE- - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - December 1 - 2:02 am

  I have revirewed my 2008 versus this 2010 and already have concluded it just that much better. I will focus on the passing of time,servicing and performance continuity. I replaced the Avid-Yokos which I found on the harsh side like the previous 08-09 suspension set-ups but slightly more ameinable to all-around driving with a bias towards all-out sports car tuned firmness. I installed Bridestones new Pole Position S-04s and even though the overall tire is heavier at 70-90mph this car is silent and super-stable at 85 Im turning 2900 rpms and its not even breathing hard -this damn 2.5 wants to be ridden to 120+ and sprout wings. Everyting else is tight and right ! Just oil/filter and gas .

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  Style, Value, and Performance - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michael - November 28 - 4:26 pm

  This is our second Mazda, having just traded a 2007 CX-9. Exterior styling is much more attractive than Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, and it is much sportier too. This car is a tremendous value. We paid $28,500 with $2000 in rebates.

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  A great small suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ddobie - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I know the Tribute is classed as a compact,but it feels bigger and more secure than other compacts.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By janway3 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife talked me into test driving it while I was preparing to buy a Mazda 6. Well that was all it took. A lot of car for the price. will make you feel young again at any age. And talk about drawing attention, the stylig is great.

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  08 Tribute i Touring - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By David - November 27 - 11:10 pm

  The wife and I have been doing research on small SUVs and we purchased a great one! The Tribute has a ton of standard features and Mazda did a great job with instilling the "sport" into driving, even in this SUV. We werent expecting it to go fast since we opted for the 4 cyl but so far we are impressed. It doesnt have a problem passing, merging, etc. Also the interior quality is 10+. It feels like the knobs to turn the vents are wrapped in leather. And the glossy black dash isnt cheap, its sturdy polished ABS. Love the car! If you are comparing it to other manufacturers this one has a ton of standard features for less cost than the others.

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  Just took delivery - so far so good - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By mrod500 - November 27 - 12:07 pm

  I havent had the car a week yet but so far so good. I agree with the others that its arguable one of the best looking cars on the road today. I also like that Im not lumped into the "Camry and Accord" group. There simply arent that many Mazda 6s on the road so its nice to be a little different. I can see why they charge more for red or white. I went with white since so many of my friends have red cars. It looks great! I traded in a Corolla for this car so naturally it feels super loaded to me and it is. Its got literally everything. Ive had several BMW models in the past and I like to feel the road and thats what you get with the huge 19" wheels.