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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  silver bullet - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By roberto - March 20 - 12:46 am

  I love this car. Its rough with the gas but hey I dont care. Its soooo fun. It drives so smooth and looks sexy. A head turner. I dont mind paying a note for this. I have the automatic not as potent as the 6 six speed but im not complaining

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  Excellent Car, cant be beat for the $$ - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jay - March 18 - 9:10 am

  This is my 4th Mazda; out of those four this is my second Mazda 6. I opted out of my 2006 sedan and into a 2007 hatchback because I like the look of the hatchback better. After shopping other brands (from Nissan and Toyota, to Mercedes and BMW) I decided to stick with Mazda. Its simply a sporty looking car at a great price, loaded with options you would get nickel and dimed for on other brands. I couldnt be happier with Mazda #4. The Volcanic red looks great on the road. :-)

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  More bang for the buck! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By TD - March 17 - 4:26 am

  Easily the best car Ive ever driven, and Ive had a BMW 330I to compare it to. Excellent power from the rotary engine in any gear, at any speed, tons of torque, tight steering and stop on a dime brakes. This car looks like nothing else on the road, which is great. The Bose stereo is awesome. This car easily gives the most bang for the buck compared to anything else on the street, plus it has a usable back seat that the 350z and BMW dont. Gas mileage isnt great, but who cares? If you want great gas mileage, buy a hybrid. If you want to ENJOY your ride to work, or wherever, THIS is the car to get.

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  If Lexus made a 3-row Cross-Over.... - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ALM - March 16 - 3:26 pm

  ...it would be this vehicle. Bought it used but it only had 74 miles on it!! Great Deal!! Traded in my 2000 Ford Explorer w/ a V-8. What a world of difference. This CUV is so much smoother, refined and quiet. Love the handling and power. Took a long distance trip (1000 miles round trip) and it was a perfect combination for passenger and cargo space. Three rows came in handy, plenty of room for the kids. Minor quibbles: CX-9s w/ navigation require separate i-pod module, no automatic locks when rolling, no rear back-up sensors (Explorer had em), no load leveling system, seat cushion slightly short for taller drivers. Other than that, having a tough time keeping it from my wife.

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  Car Puts A Smile On Your Face - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By consuela - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I Love my car. What can I say. It makes you happy when you are driving it. Wish they never change a thing about the car. Why mess with perfection. I may seem bias, but go into a dealership and drive one, chances are you will either lease it or buy it.

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  Lives up to the Hype - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Boaz - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car that lives up to the hype. It really will seat 4 adults in comfort. I am 6 1" and I can drive this car AND have car seats for both of my kids strapped into the back while my wife rides in the passenger seat. I wouldnt want to drive cross country like this but it works for the occasional evening out or other times when I need to haul the kids. Much has been said about the mileage and oil comsumption but after the last computer software upgrades from Mazda, the mileage has gotten better and the oil consumption has dramatically improved. Mazda is doing a really good job of taking customer feedback and using it to improve the car.

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  This car should be your 1st choice! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By onefanaticgirl - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has exceeded all of my expectations! It is a FUN car to drive. I love the audio controls on the steering wheel and the engine power is perfect. I only test drove this car for comparison purposes and was won over by the comfort and unique design.

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  Super fun sport-like drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barbara Martin - March 15 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 4 Door (with hatch) Grand Touring sedan for two days and am VERY happy to have chosen it over the Toyota Matrix which, although of reputed higher quality, was a total drag to drive. The Mazda is zippy, smooth, and responds quite handily. Of course I wont get quite the mileage, but then Im coming off a 3500+ lb. mini-van so Im still way ahead. I have no complaints at all and recommend this vehicle entirely. If you want a fun yet semi-sophisticated car thats just roomy enough for 4 adults in super comfort and is also incredibly cute, this is your vehicle. I got many more features for less money than the Matrix but ended up with a much better and more nimble ride.

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  Quiet Kicks - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Fun at the Wheel - March 15 - 10:30 am

  I have owned a sports car of one type or another for the last 25 years. The RX-8 rocks. I have had mine to 155 mph and it feels like its glued to the road. Its humorous for the Toyota dudes and the Mercedes sweeties to challenge it. The only thing that comes close is a Mustang GT until you get into the first turn. Then you will see them in the rear view. The Porsche, BMW sports models are plusher but more sluggish in the turns. The Hondas are not in the same league and Nissan Zs. The car can handle a turn like no other. Some complaints regarding the car are the gas mileage (find another car that gets good gas mileage and can go 175+.) For under 30k new you cant beat it.

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  #1 in Smiles-Per-Mile - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ojsimpson1 - March 14 - 7:29 pm

  Id never considered driving an MX-5 until I happened to walk past one at a Mazda dealership one day. Id always thought of them as girly cars, as too small, too slow, too something for me. But I liked the look of this third generation and the price surprised me. I went home that night and researched the car. To my surprise, I found respectable publications and enthusiasts loved the MX-5 for its ease of operation, near-perfect handling and balance, quick acceleration, and reliability. I went back for a test drive and had the keys to one within a week. There are faster cars, bigger cars, and definitely pricier cars out there. But I dont think many below $100k are this fun to drive.