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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  Wow! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Boston - November 25 - 1:10 pm

  This car sets the value bar at a new level. Think Honda value with Acura performance. Drove an SUV since 1998, and have not looked back at all. This car excels at everything. Handling, acceleration, slick 5-speed, amazing build quality. You could easily change the Mazda logo to BMW, Acura or Lexus and people would believe. First tank of gas delivered 29.6 mpg in mixed! Strongly recommended.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Daniel - November 24 - 11:16 pm

  I love this car. I compared the car to many others, but for the money, you get more in a CX-7 than the competition. The car has a beautiful design and gives great performance.

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  Red Raphaela the wonder car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jolie - November 23 - 11:30 am

  Yes, the title is silly but that is actually my nickname for my 2000 Mazda Protege DX. She jumped out at me when I went to a Mazda dealership a couple of days after Christmas, 2000. Buying her was the smartest thing I ever did, transportation wise. She stayed looking like a new car for five years. Even now, she just has a scar on her back bumper and another tiny ding on the rear trunk. Its only because I have a habit of putting it in neutral at stop lights and twice someone bumped me when the light turned green (my foot wasnt on the brake to turn the brake lights on). In nine years, I have only had to replace belts and brake pads. Honest!

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  Great fun cuv !! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Ken McWilliams - November 21 - 2:55 am

  Its more like a car than a truck. Quick and nimble but more room than Honda CR-V or Toyota rav 4

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  bang for the buck - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rice - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Paid 21,500 with factory step guards and rear bumper step up plate, and the dealer installed an fantastic after market power sunroof that looks and acts better than a factory one. This is a GREAT looking car.I dare you to tell me a ML320 looks 20k BETTER! This car has much gettie-up, the V6 200 horse zooms. I has a little apprehensiv about buying a car with anything to do with FORD name, but I prayfully took a shot. So far 13,000 trouble free miles. Had a lot a snow this winter in new york and the 2wd pulled through 24in of snow with only minamil trouble, I can image what the 4wd would do. Gas mileage I would is better than average for a V6

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  Many strong features, a few minor irritants - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By howard44 - November 18 - 11:34 am

  Weve had our GT for two months and 2500 miles. Id give it 93 out of 100. Its a stylish combination of fun and functionality. Compared to other SUVs, the CX-9 is sporty in appearance and handling. Engine is strong and relatively quiet. Transmission is smooth. Interior quality and design are well done. Third row is both usable and accessible. I think it stacks up well against the Enclave or Acadia for less money. There does seem to be a problem with wind noise on the highway. Like some other reviewers, I paid $100 over invoice, with front window tint and pinstripe tossed in.

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  Not too bad - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Jay411 - November 18 - 4:23 am

  Sporty looks both inside and out, suspension is a bit stiffer than similar cars in its class but it handles extremely well, braking is excellent, the turbo 4cyl. is surprisingly peppy but does have some "turbo lag" at times. Some minor complaints, the heated seats barely get warm and you would expect better sound quality from a Bose system, last but not least COME ON MAZDA both touring models should get an auto dimming rear view mirror!! Overall a nice little crossover with a great sporty feel. I tested the CRV, Outback and Rogue and ultimately choose the CX- 7

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  Mazda3s - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By darin - November 16 - 9:20 am

  My wife and I always liked the 3 since it came out but never bought one until now. So far I think it is a great car compared to the others in its class. You feel like you spent in the 30 to 40 price range. Upscale interior compared to others in its class, great styling was also a key in our purchase. I am pleased with the gas mileage, although should be better. You will not find a car that gets better MPG that is this fun to drive.

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  The car for tall people. - 2012 Mazda Mazda6
  By jim9200 - November 15 - 10:35 am

  Im 65 and finding a comfortable car without breaking the bank is quite a feat. But here it is, the Mazda6. Plenty of room, great price and the the Mazda6 is a blast to drive! It hugs the corners and accelerates quickly for entering the freeway. Telescoping steering wheel and height adjusting seat makes it a very comfortable ride for long trips and the way the windows are designed, one really gets a beautiful, unobstructed veiw of the outside world. I gave it a 4 in the performance because its a bit sluggish starting off at a light but makes it up once out of 1st gear.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun-better than my Z3 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By texasgirl - November 14 - 1:23 pm

  The only thing I liked better on my BMW Z3 was the body style/shape. This Mazda handles curves like a dream, smooth ride, well thought out interior. Absolutely love the top! Can be put up or down from the driver seat in about 5 seconds. No boot to mess with. Great city gas mileage. Love the combined key/keyless entry remote.