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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  Great value for a cool CUV - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Sagar - May 31 - 5:46 pm

  As the reviews said CX-9 is a cool design, great drive and excellent value for money. Drives like a car, is a very roomy people carrier with sporty looks. Am getting about 20 - 21 mpg during the first month!

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  Best car in class - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - May 31 - 2:33 pm

  The Mazda 3 is by far the best value for the money. Great features, awesome to drive and great design. No other car on the market can match the performance, comfort and style in its price range. Very reliable and well made. Definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  2000 Mazda Millenia S Millenium Edition - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By neo1249 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle from Mazda. It has a combination of comfort, performance, and style that I havent seen in a luxury sedan. I havent had any maintenance issues with this car in congruence with previous years.

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  Get the Options - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By tomloudy - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle to drive. Great exterior look. Roomy interior even for large individuals(extended cab). Four door entry makes life easier getting briefcase or bag from behind front seat. Mazda options really upgrade look. Seats are not cushy but OK. Interior design is nice. Everything nicely accessable. Gas mileage is not great for midsize truck, but power makes up for it on B4000. Upgrade options are worth it. Makes me smile every time I get behind the wheel! Even after I paid for it. More truck for the buck than Ford Ranger. Longer warranty than Ford.

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  Fun and affordable - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Guntherdriver - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This car was a gift for attending an in-state school, and the money saved from the lower tuition went to this purchase. This has been an amazingly reliable car for all my needs, be it packing it with people for a night out, or carrying a load of surfboards.

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  2003 MPV ES - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By 2003 MPV ES - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I have driven nothing but Honda Accord EXs for the last 10 years and as such was waiting for the Honda Oddy price to come down to a reasonable level. Well that day apparently will never happen and as such I purchased for an incredible price a Metallic Silver MPV ES with ground effects, etc. Two days later we packed up the family for a 2 hour journey for some R&R and this vehicle was great. Cruised and handled effortlessly at 80 to 90 mph, the kids were comfy and all our stuff fit easily. I just hope that is as reliable as my Accords which both were into the 100,000+ mile range with no major part failures.

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  The 8 is great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By webman - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2002 Acura RL for this little red RX-8 w/Grand Touring Pkg. Gave up some luxury, but am having a blast driving it. Not a day goes by when someone doesnt ask me about the car. My RL never got this kind of attention.

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  Amazing Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LesPaul - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Unique, clever design throughout. Wonderful rich-looking interior (no cheap plastic crap). Mazdas design team really broke the mold and came up with a car that stands out in looks, performance and style. Highly recommend.

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  Yes!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Derf - May 31 - 10:00 am

  good overall but gas mileage is not as good as i thought 18/24 6m version

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  Awesome Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom - May 31 - 9:33 am

  I had an 02 Protege ES and loved it. But the Mazda3 S I recently bought just blows that great car out of the water. The quality of the interior is something youd expect to see in a BMW 3 a couple of years ago (its that good). While it feels a bit heavier and less agile than the old Protege, the Mazda3 is better in every other way, and still handles very nicely.