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 Tribute Rocks!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Meri24 - February 19 - 1:30 am

  Best SUV in its class for the money. Comfortable ride, smooth like a car. Awesome in 12 inches of snow.

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  A surprise in the SUV/Crossover market - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mazzzzda - February 18 - 8:36 pm

  The Mazda Cx9 is a great SUV with plenty of room in the cabin, the large amount of leg room in the middle row amazed my family. The ride is smooth and quiet but like a German car it keeps you in full control with the awareness on what kind of terrain you are in. It seems as Mazda copied other car companies (in a good way) The Navigation is like Acura, the seats like Lexus, the controls like GM, and the overall ride like a BMW. The SUV is simple to use with good controls that even an older generation can get used to. The down side is that the lights in the third and second row are single ones in the middle, it would have been nice to been personal ones. Other than that its a great buy.

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  Best Bang for the Buck. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By damian - February 18 - 8:06 am

  Outstanding suspension for hard roads,it feels sturdy and well balanced at high speeds. Fast off the blocks, stops on a dime. Combined 25 MPG = pwr & economy. Interior build is a superb finish, includes many options. Passenger glove compartment is easily 18 inches deep. Center arm rest sits above a 2 deck compartment with an MP3 and an extra electric outlet. This same center compartment continues toward the center where a door opens for 2 cup holders. Telescopic steering wheel aids for precise seating comfort. Sporty European exterior accented with front/rear stylish lights which standout for looks. Mirror like paint job is perfect. Trunk space is big and not overbearing to the cars look.

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  Picked the Mazda 3 over the Volvo S40 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ekcooper - February 17 - 6:20 pm

  It was time to trade my 2007 Mazda 3 & I was looking at the Volvo S40. The Volvo design was appealing & the size was similar to my 07 Mazda 3. I test drove the 2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring and the Volvo S40. No comparison! Although I really liked the idea of owning a Volvo (safety & status), it really could not compete w/ the fun-to- drive feel of the Mazda. The sticker price for the LOADED (everything including navi & push-button start) Mazda was $25,900 while the Volvo (with some amenities but nowhere near the options) was $32,000. For the feel of the two, there was just no way to justify a $6,000 difference. And, the 2010 Mazda feels much better than its 2007 predecessor. I love this car!

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  Great Automobile - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By cogo1020 - February 16 - 11:55 pm

  The 2012 Mazda5 is a great car for the value! Great design, great ride, great performance, and absolutely great interior comfort! It looks pretty stylish on the outside too! I love this car! You will not be dissapointed.

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  Best Handling in its class - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aviboy97 - February 15 - 8:06 pm

  The driving dynamics of the Mazda6 are just fantastic. The 2.3L 4 cyl could use more power, but at highway speed, it performs very well. Fuel economy is around 31 highway, and 25 around town. Overall, I get about 27 with mixed driving. Build quality and reliability have been excellent.

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  Just Bought My New 2010 Mazda5 7/10 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By luv2drive - February 15 - 1:50 pm

  Ok so I just bought this, honeymoon isnt over only 1k miles on it. Went on a trip w/family little cramped on room but they have racks & a basket or container for purchase will def.invest in one of those.Overall zipping around town love it,look love it,performance loaded,ran great not a slug. Used to drive a loaded suburban this forces me to not keep as much junk in the back as I usually do. It is easy to clean truly a fun car to drive. I dont feel Im in a mom car whatsoever, feels like Im in a little sporty vehicle. Cant say much more than I LOVE IT! You will too but it will force you to keep it clean =@). I have 3 kids one is 16 & tall,very comfy in it and in back row.

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  Buy One! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By HowieinVA - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is the steal of the century. I bought mine new in 03 as it was one of the few 02s left at the dealership and got a great discount on it. For an econonomy car price you get one of the most fun and well built cars on the road. If I had $25k to spend on a car, I think Id still would have bought my 5spd Protege ES. This car has so much poise and is so easy to drive at any speed. It handles like a miata, looks great, is comfy and man does it love to play! This is my 3rd Protege and definitely the best so far. I highly recommend this car.

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  rx8 rules - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By friest - February 15 - 10:00 am

  the rx8 is a totaly asome car

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  Great value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Great from A to B - February 15 - 8:13 am

  This is the first car that I have owned and I bought it new in 2006. I loved this car for all seasons but winter. This car is horrible in the snow! The handling is great if the roads are not wet. The car is overly noisy going over puddles and water. I have no other complaints about this car besides driving it in snow/ice.