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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  A- - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By JGZ - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great power. Good Looking. Reliable. Nice Size with lots of room.

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  My blue rx 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Eric W Calamusa - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car needs a few goodies to give you low end power

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  You cant beat the value of this car!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kelly418m - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this car provides you with the best value for your money!! It has great gas mileage and drives so smoothly. Also, I must mention that the body and interior of the car is very up to date and really makes the car look nice. If you researching cars right now, I believe you will not have to search any more because the Mazda3 has everything you need and want, all in an economical, yet, trendy car!!

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  Zoom Zoom w/ No Guilt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By indigolane - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is sporty, sophisticated and hot all at once. Even light on the gas, you can fly. The steering console wraps around you with the feel of a more expensive sports model. Someone who likes to drive must have designed this model, cause it is a joy.

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  SAFETY SECOND TO NONE - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Larry - September 1 - 9:56 am

  I was hit broadside (T-boned) on the passenger side at an intersection. Lady ran a red light and hit me. I must say I am thankful I bought the CX- 9. The side curtain airbag deployed instantly (no white powder, clean) the doors and structure took the impact and protected me, I was completely unhurt. While both front and rear doors were completely crushed the doors did not bend into the inside, the side windows did not break. As a matter of fact the doors STILL opened and closed. Mazda has built an extremely safe and exceptional vehicle. The CX-9 was repaired (two new doors)and is back on the road as good as new. Feel free to read my previous review dated 1/13/09. Thanks Mazda, life saver!

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  So much fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sue - September 1 - 8:40 am

  Love Love Love this car! It is so much fun to drive. It corners great and has great pickup. Love all of the features in the car as well. The bright headlights, the heated seats, the nice stereo make driving this car awesome!

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  Curious - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Oscar - August 31 - 6:10 pm

  I just bought a used CX-7 and so far I like it. I used to drive a Mazda 3 but i broke the tranny twice in 2 years. Im hoping this one is much better. I see the reviews and now Im a bit worried. Im curious though to see how its going to perform in the future. The car looks great and the engine strong. That TURBO is nice but wish the lag on it wasnt so long. 0-60mph in 7 sec. cant be beat for a crossover. Also the heated Leather seats are life saver out here in the cold.

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  Only had 3i for 2 weeks, but I love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dkw411 - August 31 - 8:16 am

  I needed to find a stylish, economy car after my 95 trans am convt died. I thought that I would never find a vehicle that looked and performed as well as my trans am, until I found the 3i. I test drove this car and I loved the handling, performance, and overall looks. I do not miss the 285 hp, gas guzzling trans am at all. This mazda gets great gas mileage and it performs surprisingly well for the price. I first test drove a new Suzuki Forenza, which was nice, but the 3i seems to be in an entirely different class. I am about to graduate from college and I am on a strict budget, so I fell in love with the price tag on my 3i. I recommend this car to all college students and anyone on a budget.

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  Horrible Struts, Bad Service, LEMON - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By djtorch - August 31 - 3:16 am

  There are so many things I loved about the CX9. But, my gem turned into a LEMON. At mile 4000, I heard something fall off the car and its been rattling ever since. The rattling was mixed in with excessive road noise. Later the two noises were joined by squeaking and creaking like an old wood ship on the high seas. I took the CX9 to Mazda service in Vallejo at least 10 times for this issue! I"m not kidding. They tried to repair it about 3-5 times. No Luck! They replace the control arm twice and the struts twice and its rattling as loud as ever.

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  Great vehicle, skip the Nav - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mazda driver - August 30 - 7:26 pm

  Purchased top of the line with all features, Side view warning system terrific, back-up camera excellent, sat radio great, ride tight, excellent, pick up so so, space terrific. Nav is terrible. Enter "Walmart" and it sends you to a walmart in different state! Interface is horrible. Buy a Garmin instead.