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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  Another keeper - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By TIM JONES - January 22 - 7:03 pm

  Our second Mazda product and no disappointments. We shopped for weeks and considered all similar vehicles from $25,000 to $40,000+. Nothing compared for dollar value. This CX-9 set the standard for everything else. We could not find any reason to buy Lexus, Acura etc. Nothing is perfect but we have yet to find any faults which is a great experience, especially considering the selling price compared to others. Yes it would be nice to have better mileage but ride, comfort and build quality are first class.

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  Best buy - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Constantin - January 21 - 1:23 pm

  I bought it in Seattle and had to drive it back to Vancouver WA, at night in the heaviest rain. Car handles great, very responsive brakes and steering. Comfort, I would say, very good. I am 63" and did not have to push the seat all the way back to feel comfy. We have 2 kids and they fit just right on the middle seats. Love the sliding doors. The back door opens up so even I wont have to worry about hitting my head. Kids love it, wife loves it. It is the first time I have heard my wife say about a car that is good looking. If you need a sports vehicle with the space but not the looks and feel of a bus go get it!

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  Sporty - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Krestina - January 20 - 7:13 pm

  So far, I love this vehicle! Since Ive only had it a short period of time (less than one month), my review of it isnt quite as thorough as some others. Ill be taking it overseas to the UK in a few months and I hope I love the handling of my CX-7 over there as much as I love it over here. Only beef I have with this vehicle is totally based on aesthetics. I originally liked the Copper Red Mica, but it doesnt come with the black interior. Having two small children I needed the darker interior. So I got the Liquid Platinum Metallic, and its growing on me *smiles.

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  Unreliable, lots of annoyances, poor mileage, noise - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By wschloss - January 19 - 1:41 pm

  This car is annoying and high maintenance and sorry I bought it. It does have good power and sporty handling and can be fun at times, but "low profile" tires, counter-intuitive controls, and features that sound good on paper but are poorly implemented, make it expensive and annoying to drive on a daily basis. Gas mileage is quite poor. For instance steering wheel radio controls dont have the ability to "seek" or "scan" stations, only to go to the next or previous programmed channel. Cargo area is REALLY small, tie-downs are poorly placed, and the opening mechanism poorly implemented. Key-less remote is non-tactile and not illuminated. Very disappointing.

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  Reminds me of the older more fun accords - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Murse - January 19 - 10:40 am

  The handling, interior design, and decent fuel economy closed the deal for me. A recent drive from San Diego to Vegas at definite extra-legal speeds still gave me 30+ MPG up and over the mountain ranges. If I was inclined to drive at posted limits Im certain this car will get 32-34 on the highway with a range over 510 miles.

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  Large Family Loves it So Far - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By njmaryd - January 19 - 6:20 am

  We bought 04 LX w/ 14k. 1 mo, 1500 miles later we are in love! No problem seating everyone and fitting all FOUR carseats. Nice alternative to bulky mini-vans that looks good and is affordable.

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  I love my Mazda Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Dianne Leonetti - January 19 - 12:53 am

  Have had the Tribute for almost 4 years. I love its size, not huge like the others, so can justify daily use and gas usage, but large enough to haul a complete heating and air conditioning system up to Buffalo from Atlanta for installation in my sons newly purchased home! No problem fitting it all in. Buy one.

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  If you like the feel of a car but need s - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kiele - January 18 - 2:00 am

  If you like the feel of a car but need something bigger this is great!!! I find it to be very peppy and it gets GREAT gas milage.

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jpostyn - January 18 - 2:00 am

  very fun to drive

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  GO MAZDA! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RotaryAK - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the new Mazda3 5 door. I think the regular sedan looks like it had its back cut off. Beyond that it is an awesome car!