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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  Fun but noisy - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By David - November 8 - 1:56 am

  This is definitely one of the funnest cars I have ever had. With that said it is also the noisiest car I have ever owned. Lots of wind noise when the top is up and the more you drive it the more it seems to develop new rattles. (mainly in the dash) Anyone approaching six feet tall will not be comfortable in this car! Fun yes....would I buy this car again. No!

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  Buy it, you wont regret it - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JohnO - November 7 - 4:30 am

  My first new car since 1997, this vehicle is fun and gutsy. I have the power to merge and pass, and the handling to take curves with little effort. I researched a Dodge and a Toyota, but after driving this car, I loved it.

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  Zoom Zoom is everywhere - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By adick75 - November 4 - 8:59 pm

  Great car for value on the market. Good millage as a cars with over 270 PS under hood average 21 miles per gallon. Bed side is only limited speed to 132 mph. In Germany hgwy no doubt. You can get easy over 155 mph and the worst is that this car can do it more than that. Nice acceleration 0-60 under 6.5 s. Beast!!! Only speed limit and breaks poor quality (pads changed after 14K miles and rotors after 22K) are under average. Also hand set free system is screwed only for US and Canada with dailling European nr you can do it on phone book.

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  First-time buyer - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By TJohn2 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Dodge Caravan for 10 years, this car was a revelation! I test-drove a Honda (too bulky), a Pontiac Montana (poor reliability record, noisy), a Dodge Caravan (bulky,and reliability in question) a Subaru Forester (not enough storage space). Everyone at the dealership a gem to deal with. The extended warranty was fairly priced and covered pretty well everything for 7 years! I love the car & the Company!

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  Great SUV in the Market - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Khiem - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Best in its class!

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  Great van! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By vanman - November 3 - 1:30 pm

  My wife and I are expecting our second child in a few weeks and were happy to have found the Mazda5 just in time. Its perfect for our growing family and the price is right! It looks way better than other minivans and is surprisingly roomy inside. I usually dont like driving all that much but I find myself looking for reasons to drive the M5! Oh yeah - and our 2 year old loves it too!

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  Its a great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By T. Morris - November 2 - 11:03 pm

  Ive driven this car for 6 months now and I still look forward each day to drive it. It looks good, rides great and is truly fun to drive. It is very agile on the road which is especially helpful in highway traffic. Also, this car is really easy to park compared to other cars Ive owned. I would highly recommend the MAZDA3 wagon to anyone.

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  Value King! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Glenn - November 2 - 3:10 pm

  This SUV is wonderful. The V6 makes all the RAV4 and CRVs green no matter the color ordered. For about the same price as a cramped and bouncy RAV4 I got this Tribute with many more features options and the Tribute actually has a rear bumper. This Mazda is a really usable size too. At work we ride to lunch and get to see each others vehicles. The RAV4 is more like a mini-micro-SUV in comparison. It has a 4 cylinder engine which idles so fast when cold that it jerks when you put it in drive while the smooth Mazda V6 feels like a much more expensive vehicle. Do yourself a tremendous favor and drive a Tribute before you spend too much on a RAV4 or CRV. We have two Tributes now and love them

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  Slot Car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Candice Paul - November 2 - 3:34 am

  That is what my husband calls this car due to its handling. It is hugely fun to drive. It hugs the road like nothing else I have driven. Fun and zippy; zoom zoom describes it perfectly. I am 52" so the form factor is perfect for me. It feels like it is hugging me as I drive.

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  Incredibly fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Matt - November 1 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this car used after the lease on my Hyundai Tiburon ran out. I can say with confidence (even though I love Hyundai), this vehicle is a huge step up. A true performance sports car with luxuries to satisfy any driver (Grand Touring Edition at least). DSC gives you confidence to run it hard on turns, and nothing beats the jet like roar of the rotary passing 8000 rpms. Shifts are smooth and accurate and the car is comfortable for any trip. Gas mileage is on par for cars of this class (350z and Mustang GT), so I dont mind that.