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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  Zoom zoomin - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike Speed - September 4 - 8:03 am

  I am a Mazda guy. I love Mazdas. My first van was a used Mazda MPV and when I sold it, I got 500 dollars with 340,000 miles on it. I recently had a 95 MX-5 and absolutely loved to just drive drive drive. Then I had kids. So I went out and bought a SUV. (stupid me.) So I drove this SUV for 1.5 years and it was dull. plus it didnt help that I was getting 11 miles per gallon during hard times. So guess what I did? I comprimised and shopped around test drove. I got a Mazda 3 Hatchback. I love it,love it, love it. Beautiful car, fast and fun to drive. plenty of room for kids. So so happy with it. And no I dont work for Mazda.

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  This ones a keeper! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Matt K. - September 3 - 6:33 pm

  I owned a `92 Miata a couple years ago, sold that and couldnt take not having a Miata anymore. Bought a Crystal Blue 2001 LS with 6-spd, ABS, and Sport pkg. The refinement over the early cars and even the `99-`00 cars is amazing, very smooth, great craftsmanship (for a Japanese car of this price), for a 3-yr-old car, looks like I paid $30k+ for it. Very predictable, confident handling, outhandles cars twice its price, makes great sounds, easy to work on, the Miata community is a great one, very friendly and fun! Considered a BMW 3- series because it was more practical, inline-6 torque, German design and engineering, but repairs and maintenance are expensive. Dont regret my purchase at all!

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  Zoom Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John - September 3 - 3:53 pm

  Great wagon!! Drove the Saab, Volvo, BMW3, and the Subaru. I just couldnt find the same value as the 6. I got the slick shifting Manual and what fun it is!! The leather seats are some of the most comfortable Ive sat on.

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  This is a Great Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By mando - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. Ive had a 94 Villager for 8 years and this is a big improvement. Its so much fun to drive. Its smooth, quiet, has plenty of power, handles very nimbly, and Im getting good gas mileage. The 9 speaker stereo system is terrific. Its a smaller van and I dont need to carry 7 people most of the time, but the very flexible space is useful for big items or for stretching out on long trips.

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  great car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By TeeGee22 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd 626 and they get better every year. A great basic fun to drive vehicle with all the comforts you want.

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  Great Fun - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mary - September 3 - 7:09 am

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  COMPETITION IS NONE - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 10 - September 3 - 4:40 am

  Just like the title states. Test drove the Honda Accord; wasnt comfortable. Test drove the Nissan Altima; on the slow side. This is my second Mazda, my first was a Millenia s. Luxury with an attitude. Same goes for the new 6, handling is crisp, suspension feels sporty, ride is smooth and comfortable. More bang for the buck if you ask me. I just fell in love with this car.

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  Very Good, Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda 626
  By China Doll - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Im not a race car driver. Im a working mother with 2 kids. I have received complements by others on how smooth it drives and how nice the interior looks. I have also had complements from people on the street on how they like the car and they wanted to know what kind of car it was. The car excelerates great for me and handles really well. When I travel with the kids from time to time to the beach it would be nice to have some lumbar support. Other than that I love my 626 Zoom Zoom Zoom.

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  I still love my 2001 Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Cary - September 2 - 8:10 pm

  Ive been meaning to submit a report since 2001... I love this car. It has enough power to merge and pass safely on the highway, enough cargo space to haul a gardens worth of plants & mulch with the option of opening just the back window for extra-long items, the seats are comfortable on 8 hour drives and I still feel happy when I see its graceful profile in the parking lot, especially next to bigger, clunkier SUVs. I bought it new, and put over 120,000 miles on it. It still feels like my "new" car. Unfortunately, it crashed last week (no fault of the Tribute), so here I am, looking for another just like it. That says it all: would I buy it again? Yes!

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  3rd Mazda and Loving It! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Ashlee - September 2 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I just purchased a new 2010 CX-7 a few days ago and couldnt be happier with it. We traded our 2007 Mazda 6 to get a bigger vehicle. We never had any problems with the 6 and have always been happy with the service we have gotten from Mazda. I love the look and feel of this SUV. I had test drove a 2010 Lexus RX350, and liked the CX-7 a lot more. I am hoping once the car is broken in the MPG will get better. We also own a 2009 Mazda 6 s GT with a V6 in it and that is getting better MPG then the CX-7. Love the backup cam!