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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  Excellent Bang For The Buck! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Steve Richards - June 18 - 1:30 pm

  Just bought and so far, am VERY impressed with my CX-9. It replaced a 3 year old Volvo XC-90. Feels solid, drives great, looks great and I actually prefer it over the Volvo. Plenty of room inside to buy just about anything with the seats down. Rear seat heat and a/c is actually effective. Keyless everything is great. For the price, it cant be beat. I looked at much more expensive vehicles including Audi, Mercedes and Lexus and aside for the interior wood trim, softer leather and a little extra glitz in these high end crossovers, the Mazda is a winner and represents incredible value. It really has everything youd ever want.

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  Sporty design and fun to drive - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Acepsu94 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were interested in purchasing an Odyssey as our first van, but came across the MPV in the Consumer Report mag. Read and research this vehicle and was impressed by the reviews and safety features. The wife and I stopped by a local dealer and checked it out and my wife fell in love with it. A week later we bought it at dealer cost (try to negotiate below invoice - Dealer holdback of $459). I just can not stop loooking at our new van. The design ROCKS!!!!

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  LX plus - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By MJDU - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased an LX and am very happy with it. I bought quite a few options. I also wanted leather but wasnt impressed by the factory leather on the ES so instead had dealer (via a contractor) install nicer quality leather for the same cost; did the same with the DVD -- had Circuit City install a more recent Audiovox unit (w/TV tuner) for about $300 less than dealer would have charged (despite buying a 5 yr. warranty).

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Napster - June 17 - 7:50 pm

  Traded in my Protege5 for the Mazda3 Special Edition. What a find! Excellent handling and an interior that belongs on cars costing twice this amount. I couldnt be happier with my purchase. Find a dealer with a Special Edition and make an offer.. Then Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!!!

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  RX-8 - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Steve - June 16 - 11:23 am

  I have now owned this vehicle about a month. The handling is one of the best features of this vehicle. The acceleration and tracking in corners is way above what I expected. I am currently getting around 18 MPG city driving. I am a 49 year old adult and would highly recommend this vehicle

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  This car rocks!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By DanelleT. - June 16 - 10:16 am

  Mazda doesnt lie. This car goes zoom zoom! and it has the heart of a sports car. I love it. The internal design is genius. There is so much more to thrill you about owning this vehicle! I paid $14,000 for this car and I think its worth every penny. The color of royal blue with purple fleck catches everyones eye. My 18 year old son loves to drive it.I love this car more than any other car Ive owned and Ive owned quite a few. If you are thinking about buying this car, DO IT! Youll never look back! Make sure you get the color you want, because thats what others see first. They teased me for being picky but I dont regret it.I love my car!

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  My Bentley - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Bentley - June 16 - 5:33 am

  This little car has never failed me. Its as reliable as a Swiss watch. Its the perfect car for "running around in town and to work every day". Living in Miami I use the A/C 11 months out of the year. My traffic commute is in stop & go traffic and I average about 24 - 25 miles per gallon. Folding the back seat forward provides all the space two people need to load luggage for a 14 night cruise. Sustained highway speeds running above 70 mph is not what the car was designed for. I suspect Ill be replacing the original tires at 30,000 miles. This size is an expensive replacement. I change my oil every 3,000 miles. My Bentley is painted silver and looks fantastic!

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  long term SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ALC - June 15 - 10:50 pm

  This is my second Tribute and third SUV, no longer have the need for a 4x4 station wagon. Overall its been good (28,000miles), looking to trade it, seems to have a terrible trade in value, even towards a new Mazda sedan. Ford builds this zoom-zoom suv and they put on the worst tires, Continental Contra If I ever buy another car with Continental tires, Im having them include new tires in the price. Gas mileage isnt great especially at $3.00 a gallon. With the 4x4 on, were looking at 12 to 13mpg. You have to wonder, why did they stop making the EXCURSION?

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  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob - June 14 - 4:26 am

  I never expected the Mazda6s sports sedan to be so much fun to drive! We have 3 vehicles and 2 drivers in the family. Everyone likes to drive and ride in the sporty sedan. Its very comfortable with the new for 2006 interior. Im not a young person having been driving for 40 years. Ive been a car and motorcycle enthusiast for nearly my whole life. Ive owned cars such as a Corvette, a Porsche, and traded in a 2004 GTO on the Mazda6s sports sedan. This has to be the most fun car to drive that Ive ever owned! Even my picky adult daughter who wanted another sports coupe bought a 6s identical to ours except for the exterior color after looking at every car in its class. FUN! FUN! FUN!

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  Love the Tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoom...Zoom... - June 13 - 8:53 am

  Just got my Mazda this past weekend and I love everything about it so far. Drives really smooth, its a perfect fun size SUV, looks sporty, and Im hoping to have many good years with it.