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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  tomsmiata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By coskey - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The Mazada Miata is an excellent sports car. It is fun to drive very inexpensive to operate and maintain. Retains a high resale value. Excellent curb appeat and attention grabber on the road. The ride comfort is excellent. fit and finish EXCELLENT. Overall great car.......

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  Best Roadster on the road - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By aneel - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a car that was so well made. Everything that needed to be thought about to put in a sports car was done on this one. Nothing is poorly done... everything is first class

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  Mazda van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By John Madden - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Mazda Van we had. We had the 2000 and the 2003. the 2003 Has a better engine and 16 in tires which give it a better ride.this van is good for a small fam.

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  Perfect car for me! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ex FC 13BT owner - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love anything with Rotary Engine. This new 13B-MSP is by far the best rotary engine ever, well best engine ever IMHO. Great in every aspect. I can "feel" the passon of Mazda engineers from this car. Thank you!

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  A thing of beauty - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By larmo1 - June 11 - 1:34 pm

  I am not really into righting reviews, but I love this car. It is perfect for me. It has great gas mileage, fantastic looks, and has a comfortable sweet ride. Holy Cow! Did I say reasonably priced? This is the best car in its class hands down. It gets the same gas mileage with a 2.5 liter engine that my old Honda Civic got with a 1.7 liter engine! What I like most about the Mazda 6 is its smooth acceleration. Most cars lurch or surge when pressing on the gas. Not the Mazda 6. It smoothly and competently accelerates. And I challenge you to feel the transmission shift. It is a thing of beauty. The transmission shifts fluidly like a diver making the perfect dive... not a ripple.

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  Excellent minivan replacement - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By eml - June 11 - 1:53 am

  As a replacement for our minivan (Nissan Quest), the CX-9 is nearly as versatile, just as comfortable and much more fun to drive. The acceleration is excellent, the ride is smooth and the handling makes it feel much smaller than it actually is. Weve been on some 5 hour road trips with no complaints from our 2 teens in back. Weve also filled the 3rd row with teen-aged friends with no complaints on in-town trips. The front seating area could use some more storage space and the mpg is merely adequate but overall this is an excellent choice for those who need a versatile carrier.

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  Excellent and FUN little car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By s1652 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in August after holding off all summer to make a new car purchase specifically so I could test drive it before making any decisions. I am so glad I did. I had test driven the Fiesta and was not as blown away as I expected after all the hype, and had looked closely at the Yaris as well. This car is fun to drive! The more I drive it the more I love it. I have driven more in the past 3 months than in the 6 months previous with my old car. If you do a lot of your driving in the city as I do it is perfect for navigating tight side streets, making quick turns and edging through traffic. It does just fine on the highway. I have found the 100 hp to be sufficient.

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  good all around car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By NiceCar - June 8 - 1:20 pm

  I have 20" wheels on mine. It is not smooth as some people like. but it is so cool, it offset the bottom dis-comfort. fuel economy is not great but ok considering the size of the engine and the zoom you get when pushing down the paddle. 24 GPM on a 12 hour flat land highway trip at 75 MPH cruise control. GM and Buick (Encore & Traverse) are asking few thousand $ more for a compatibly equipped vehicle. Traverse and Arcadia interior is all cheap plastics. I though I will qualify for some bail out discount.not.Cant see a reason to 1st pay GM to build cars and 2nd buy cars with higher price. not all at lost, Mazda is a partner of Ford which is still an AMERICAN company. so I was told.

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  Good Car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SanMan - June 7 - 11:23 pm

  I sold my 2004 Camry Solara and bought this one. It was a step down as far as luxury is concerned but this car is too much fun to drive. Also it has the utility of a full size car. I was surprised by the trunk space for such a small car. I absolutely enjoy driving it.

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  Worlds best car EVER made - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lidia - June 7 - 6:56 am

  I needed something that would take me 40 miles to school and back 3 times out of the week. I fill up once a week. Gas is amazing! The driving never gets old or tire some. I love all four cup holders I can put stuff everywhere. I has a bigger trunk space than you would think. Its also very roomy on the inside... lets just say my 90 pound lab can fit in it Im sure anyone can. The car speeds up quickly when shifting. Zoom zoom this is the perfect car ever made