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:

• 

  great, cheap, good-looking car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By patcmcd - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Great bang for the buck; who needs a more expensive car even if you have the money?

• 

  Now I know why they say "Zoom Zoom" - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Amy - January 26 - 9:06 pm

  I LOVE my car!! This is my first Mazda! I had traded in a Chevy Cavalier which I had really enjoyed - until I test drove this car! I have the Grand Touring Hatchback. The moonroof is nice and I love the Bose speakers (the sound quality is excellent) and the leather interior is very comfortable! I drive a lot of city miles and average about 22.5 mpg. When I go on trips though and am on the highway I am getting more like 30 mpg! I am very happy with my purchase!

• 

  Mazda6i Sport Auto - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By RRB - January 26 - 8:20 pm

  Black with beige; 4 cylinder auto. Owned two months. Extra gear in 5 speed auto helps this engine a lot - very responsive with one or two aboard. Slower with 4, but acceptable. Engine a little noisy when pushed hard, but sounds good otherwise. Overall very satisfied, especially chassis, styling and comfort. Bose stereo is excellent. Michelins have low cornering limits - better with more air in front. Am getting 28.5 mpg every time in mixed driving. Very good steering and brakes. Excellent balance between ride and handling. Very quiet in highway cruise. Good price if you shop - almost $5k off sticker after $2k rebate, 500 financing and dealer discount. Compare before buying a 3Touring or S.

• 

  FUN - FUN ZOOM - ZOOM - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By ?? - January 26 - 11:43 am

  I have owned my RX-8 for exactly one month. I know, not enough time to have a unbiased opinion yet...but I will say that this car is the most fun vehicle I have ever driven. The interior is very sharp and all the controls and design are very well put together.

• 

  Best Value without a doubt! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-9ers - January 25 - 11:13 pm

  Looked a Lexus GX470 for months but did not want to pay high prices for DVD and navigation combo, this car gave me both and a much lower price. Perfect size car for the wife to drive too. Love all the features!

• 

  Great fun car for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By CK - January 25 - 6:40 am

  Bam! Mazda has kicked it up a few notches in the compact car segment. The car is everything I expected and more. After taking it for a test drive, I knew I had made a right choice in purchasing the 3. The list of features in the fully loaded GT is something you would normally find in cars retailing for more than $30K. I got mine in true red and it looks great. The engine is quick for a car in this class. Not the old 4 bangers of the past. Overall just a fun car to drive.

• 

  New CX-9 GT Owner - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By dnwdeep - January 24 - 12:36 pm

  We have owned this 2008 car--a loaded AWD GT for a month and a half but have only driven 1,000 miles so far. We LOVE this car--rides better than our 2004 Audi Allroad but there are a few missing elements that should be available on a car at this price. The interior is very nice in beige. Adjustable Xenon headlights are good.

• 

  Picky Shopper - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By LAZ - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd MPV.Had 93 model for 10 years and been shopping, narrowing the finalists to Odysessy, Sienna, and MPV. Decided the best price/value would be the MPV and feel we made the right decision. The 04 model gets better gas mileage than our previous MPV. Rear windows is a plus and the tail gate rear seat is a winner with the kids. Went to a drive in movie and they loved this feature. Have taken one vacation trip and the handling was flawless. Read some of other consumer reports on the MPV prior to buying and found many of the negatives to be unfounded.

• 

  best one yet - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By roger65 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  best i ever owned fast & quick response. One bad feature shift lever is too long & blocks radio knob, sometines i put wipers on instead of car in gear. Roger.

• 

  Orlando - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Freddy Pops - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Not the best for gas mileage but overall, a well made, good looking, fun- to-drive car.