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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  Fabulous Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gary - November 10 - 10:13 pm

  My Mazda 3 wagon is the coolest car I have ever owned. It is fabulous and I would highly recommend it. It drives like a sports car; it has ample room for passengers and gear. On a recent road trip I consistently got 33-35 mpg. (typically, 27 around town.) Yet is has plenty of power and cruises very comfortably while relaxing and listening to the CD.

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  my blue zoom zoom! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ariesgirl - November 10 - 9:50 pm

  I missed driving a stick. So, I went out lookin for one,and I got the pick of the litter, and at the right price too! I just LOVE my new,low mileage, metallic blue zoom-zoom. It ROCKS!!!!!

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  Great AtTRIBUTEs! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sfbase6 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I went to a Subaru dealer to test drive a Forester because my father owns one and hes very happy with it. The dealer I went to just happened to be a Mazda dealer as well, and they were offering a $5,000 rebate for the 2003 Tributes. I test drove one of the three that was left and totally loved it. I used to drive sport cars and this little SUV was comparable in both power and handling. The stock stereo system sounds great, driving position gives you panoramic view with hardly any blind spots, and I think it is one of the most beautiful SUVs out there.

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  what - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mary beth - November 10 - 10:00 am

  breath taking so amazing so pretty not big and not to small so so cool

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  Fun to drive, comfortable... concerned - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By socalowner - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Cool to drive. Many compliments on the Mazda6 sports package style. Good handling & comfortable. Trunk has good amount of space. My Mazda6 has good acceleration when in the higher gears. At times feels as if transmission is trying to catch up, especially in the slapstick manual mode. My concern is how much quality the transmission has. I have had problems changing gears in both the manual and auto modes. I cant tell yet if it is me getting used to the sportamatic or if there is actually is a problem. Still a great car.

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  In limbo... - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By imnmpbaby - November 9 - 7:30 pm

  I had been looking at a Mazda 3 for about a year, and finally purchased mine back in May- its beautiful and gets a lot of looks around town. Moving from a Pontiac Grand Am GT1 to this car took a bit of getting used to, but I really enjoy my new car. If they could fix the AC problem with this model, this car would be absolutely perfect!

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  Best Buy SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jimev - November 9 - 11:26 am

  I love my CX-9. The best styling of any SUV out there PLUS it has a 3rd row! This is a lot of SUV for the at any price but especially for the money. I might trade this on in at 90K or maybe not. Not even a hint of any mechanical trouble so far. My son has been asking me to sell it to him when I finally get a new one. My main motivation to get a newer model would due to significant improvements in the HMI (GPS - Navigation, etc.) Maybe with Honda and Toyota having their issues Mazda will finally get the respect that they deserve.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Starke - November 9 - 7:23 am

  I absolutely love my RX-8. Its a blast to drive! The effortless acceleration and outstanding handling even make the daily commute exciting. Its not the best for a Nebraska winter, but Ill put up with that for the rest of the thrills.

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  Mazda MPV LX - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Dick - November 9 - 4:03 am

  This is our second MPV. First one was a 2000 model with very few options. This time we went with the LX Plus model with almost everything but leather. Wife loves this auto as it drives like a car, is smaller than the Honda and Toyota models and allows her the flexibility to shop till she cant cart anymore.

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  soccer mom has never had so much fun - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By kirk - November 9 - 12:16 am

  Im only 12 and my mom and I were not very happy about the idea of a minivan. My dad told us to see if we liked the Mazda and we did. The power and and style of it are great. My mom and I have both think this is the coolest minivan there is. Lots of power makes a mom in a Yukon turn red.