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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  Mazda Millenia S - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By larry banks - October 23 - 5:10 am

  Ive had this car for four years. I bought it because it was different from a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I love it. Its comfortable, sporty and has plenty of room front and rear. All in all, a very well-engineered car.

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  From Maxima to Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MazdaMan - October 23 - 1:20 am

  The 2009 Mazda6 is a class above the Accord and Camry now. It now rivals the Nissan Maxima. I recommend this car to anyone that wants the latest technology and a powerful V6 all in a affordable package. Get yours for before the dealers jack the prices up due to demand. Enough said.

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  Satisfied with room to improve - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Davey - October 22 - 9:20 am

  I bought this car brand new and now have almost 50K on it. Only had one problem crop up so far with a bad sensor that ran me about $250 at the Mazda dealer. Never left me stranded. I took my stereo out and but in a JVC nav head unit. Great pick up for a 4- cyl 2.3 engine. comfy front seats and rear but short on leg room in the rear for 6 foot people. Truck is a decent size as well. Great chassis and suspension holds the road like nothing else

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  Zoomin Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ANPope - October 22 - 12:50 am

  My last car was an Audi A4. When it was time for a new car I went with the Mazda3. Its fun to drive and responsive, with decent handling for this price range. The only handling problem is the tendency to spin the front tires when making a 90 degree turn from a stop onto wet roads. It affords good visibility and I never have a problem merging quickly into traffic. I get 30 to 31 MPG on the highway even with the larger engine and automatic transmission, although you can knock 2 MPG off that when running the AC.

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  Very happy with my CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By hearingman - October 21 - 11:36 am

  I have had my CX-9 touring AWD for 1 month and look forward to driving it everyday. So far my only regret is not buying the grand touring for a few more dollars. The ride is great, yet I still feel connected to the road. The factory tires are not the best for slick pavement or ice, but seem better after having them siped.

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  Best of Times, Worst of Times - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Bob Bennett - October 21 - 9:16 am

  The interior is comfortable and we have taken many long trips in this truck. Its handy for around town, trips to the builder supply store, and the antique shop. Its my work car, and has been reliable so far. All these are offset however by the poor performance and abominable gas mileage: about 13 mpg all the time. My previous car was a full-sized sedan that got 10. Some improvement. The transmission has to work hard all the time and the truck barely keeps up with Bay Area traffic. I had wanted the four-cylinder, 5-speed model, but let myself get flimflammed into this model. Its my fault, but I would never buy this truck, or shop at that dealership again.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ****** - October 21 - 2:13 am

  Have owned this vehicle for the past 5 years and love it. After 110,000 miles, it just got its 3rd set of tires (originals lasted 64,000 mi) and only other maintenance was oil changes. It snows here practically daily from Dec-Apr and my Tribute gets through all of it with no problem. Have another, larger SUV in the household, but take the Tribute when it snows. Gas mileage is just ok, but I can get 24 mpg on the highway if I watch my speed.

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  Great Experience - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan - October 20 - 10:33 pm

  This car has turned a couple 34+ year olds with two children into the youthful spirits we had be yearning for. The car is fun to drive. I have experienced few better handling cars. The 5-doors styling turns heads everywhere we go. Lower the windows, pull back the sunroof..adjust the leather seats, switch to manual transmission mode..turn the 6-disk stereo up and...zoom,zoom.

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  Mazda 3 for me - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By keith - October 20 - 6:30 pm

  Great feel, fun to drive, handles well, solid braking, and plenty of pickup, especially with the 5 speed. Nice features, great sound, easy to operate.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-9 GT - October 20 - 5:23 pm

  Realizing of course that no vehicle is perfect, I love this vehicle. Previously drove a Mercury Mountaineer and hated it. It drove like a truck and felt very cold. The CX-9 GT is so refined and fun to drive. Smooth, quiet ride, plenty of room, and a very nice feel.