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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  My just reward - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michael B. - June 1 - 12:06 am

  I just purchased the iSport on Thursday. WOW... Very fun to drive, great on corners, accelerates good enough for interstate roads and speed limits. The body style is excellent. I love it.

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  fabulous car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bekah - May 30 - 12:13 pm

  I love this car. So cute, so much fun. I feel like I am in a hatchback sportscar. LOVE IT. Would recommend Mazda to anyone.

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  Awesome peppy car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nancy - May 28 - 3:43 pm

  I love driving this car. Its small enough to get around and find parking in NYC, but when the seats are down I was able to fit 2 mountain bikes in the bike with the front wheels off. No problems yet handling in raining conditions, havent tried driving in snow yet. Fuel economy could be better, but at least it takes regular vs premium.

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  What a nice ride! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zach - May 28 - 5:30 am

  I went to over 15 locations to find a Mazda 6 in my area. Now I know why they are so hard to find. This is one of the best mid sized sedans for the buck! I found a beautiful Sonic Blue 2005 Madza i sport 6 sedan and it was a major upgrade from my 94 Olds Cutlass Cierra to say the least. The handling of the Mazda 6 is very good and the speaker system is above average (No Bose). My mother drives an Acura TSX and she wants to trade with me. Bought at 57000 miles. Now at 63000 miles.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By jwgprogolf - May 26 - 10:00 am

  MPV has a great feel when on the highway. Excellant pick-up when proceeding from a stop position.

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  Mazda MPV has the soul of a sporty sedan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Formose Pereira - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the best compact Minivan that I have driven and for a growing family of upto 8-10 year olds ,this vehicle is ideal.You may need to upgrade the quality of the Music system.

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  a true joy to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By blueboat - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The rx8 is truly a fun car to drive. It gves you a sense of youth as you rev the rpms up to 8000. The steering is fantastic and I dont miss my bmw 740 at all! The price is amazing, buy it now!

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  Fun and comfy! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By pedslpaz - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my 2005 Tribute "s" (2wd) for a few days, but so far I love it! I had a 2003 Ford Escape Ltd for a few days, before I bought this Tribute, and now that I can compare the two, I can say that the Escape drove more like a truck and the Tribute drives more like a car.

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  Love My 3! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matthew Smith - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for 3 and Im still in love. Its one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven, definitely an enthusiats car. Remember, at its heart its an economy car, so dont expect ferrari like performance, but its soul is definitely zoom, zoom. Handling is great, its got plenty of power. Ergonomically its great, all controls within easy reach. Shifter has a nice short throw, clutch is smooth and weighted just right. ABS is responsive. Interior is roomy, backseats too. Cargo aplenty and versitile. Love the giant glove compartment. For the money, I dont think you can get anything better. And it looks great too, inside and out!

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  A WINNING SMALL CAR ENTRY - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JOEGFED - May 26 - 10:00 am

  THE SURPRISE IS THAT IT DOES NOT DRIVE HANDLE OR LOOK LIKE AN ECONOMY CAR. THE INTERIOR FOR ITS CLASS IS OUTSTANDING. THE 17 INCH WHEEL ENHANCE THE RIDE AND APPEARANCE. THERE ARE NONE IN THIS CLASS THAT GIVE YOU SUCH VALUE FOR THE DOLLAR (IE THE LIST OF STANDARD EQUIPMENT IS IMPRESSIVE).