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:

• 

  Blue light Special - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Best Buy - August 30 - 10:00 am

  + awesome features and creature comforts + great design and styling - in & out + smooth as silk (michelin pilots on OEM 16" alloys) + great

• 

  Pretty truck, great price, average mpg. - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Bryan Jones - August 30 - 10:00 am

  A good-looking, tough truck at a better price and warranty than a Ranger(same truck). 3.0 needs better mpgs. Engine has periodic rough idle and engine pings easily (many posts in forums regarding these so they are common and can be fixed). Rides stiff but handles very well. Good brakes. Check interior/exterior build quality and paint before buying VERY CAREFULLY- mine had trash and runs that needed to be fixed (never as good as factory paint). Chrome around windows causes wind noise for looks only (to be dif than Ranger).

• 

  "Love my CX-9"!!! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By catscanman - August 30 - 9:36 am

  I got a great deal on fully loaded GT. Was looking to buy a Toyota Highlander being Im already a Toyota customer but then I drove the CX-9 "AND WOW"! it is much better and offers a lot more bang for the buck.

• 

  Great Second Car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By professor52 - August 30 - 2:54 am

  I just purchased this vehicle. I was looking for a second car, since Im retired and I sold my car to my daughter. I did research on all subcompact cars available and drove my top three choices. For the money, Mazda 2 was the least expensive and I have had gas mileages from 35 to 40 mpg which is a combined city/highway useage. I chose the manual because of the size of engine, I could change gears when needed faster than an automatic. I dont regret my decision in a time of our economy and gas prices.

• 

  Too fun for an SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By John B. - August 29 - 4:16 am

  I purchased the CX-7 Grand Touring AWD with the technology package. This is a blast of a car to drive - great acceleration and handling (I havent been able to feel any turbo hesitation). The interior is flawless - everything works as billed. The voice navigation works great and the sound system is terrific. Only drawback - no bluetooth capability. The seating is comfortable (both my wife and I are above 6 ft tall). The keyless entry removes a ton of hassles. The cargo area with the rear seats down is more than adequate for what life with 4 active children throws at us. All in all, a SUV with the soul of a sports car. Zoom zoom!

• 

  30,000 miles no defects - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By dennis manuel - August 29 - 3:40 am

  Excellent value, looks and not one defect or rattle after 30,000 miles. Best mpg was 30.6 US gallon or 36.8 Canadian imperial gallon at 70 mph with air and cruise, 2.3 four with 4 speed auto. 17 inch Michelins worn to wear bars at 24000 miles.

• 

  Lexus look with Mazda price! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By flynnski - August 28 - 7:20 pm

  This is a great midsize SUV for the money. I trust Mazdas engineering as Ive owned Mazdas in the past and the car drives extremely well. The car handles quite nicely and despite it being a 4 cylinder, the turbo more than makes up for it not being a v6. It is comfortable for all riders and the back area, while not huge, is ample for groceries, luggage and all the other thing you typically haul.

• 

  A fun to drive, attractive, practical car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By bob f - August 28 - 3:26 am

  This car is the perfect size for my wife and me. We can carry ourselves and our four grandchildren easily. It has a great deal of storage room when we are alone or traveling with two other people. It is a gas to drive and does not feel like you are driving a minivan . Other minivans are way too big for us but the Mazda is perfect. I would suggest anyone looking for a vehicle that has versatility and is also fun to drive check out the 5. I do not think you will be disappointed.

• 

  TOTALLY AWESOME SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-MAN - August 28 - 2:13 am

  Traded in a minivan last Halloween,and i really made the right decision. I own a CR-V and a Toyota and i can really tell the difference in driving,comfort and the responsiveness of the vehicle. I got the BOSE-Moonroof Pack and the sound is amazing. Drivers cockpit is classy. Transmission is smooth,manumatic shift is a plus. Bluetooth and voice command recognition is nice and standard. The interior fit and finish is at its finest,such a handsome look outside but still looks good even when carrying the whole family. This is trully a ZOOM-ZOOM vehicle from Mazda,so fun to drive. Cant wait to drive to Florida w/ the family on Thanksgiving!

• 

  Buying another - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - August 27 - 9:06 pm

  Bought as third car because of experiences with 8 Mazdas owned over the years. Our other cars are a Porsche Boxster and a Honda Pilot. Car was such a blast to drive it accumulated more miles than the Porsche. On May 2, 2006 the car was destroyed by an aggressive driving 18 wheeler who ran over 2 pickup trucks and then me. The speed differential was estimated at 40 mph when the truck hit our Mazda. Structure of the car did exactly what it was supposed to do and collapsed, absorbing the blow. After the crash the front doors still opened & closed perfectly. Even with most of the rear crushed the tow operator was able to drive the car on to the rollback.