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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  Amazing - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chelsea - August 25 - 6:20 pm

  I have been in love the mazda 3 for years. So when I had my son, I decided to get rid of my trusty toyota pickup and buy an 06 mazda 3. I must say I am simple amazed still to this day 3 months later, It drives perfect, looks perfect, I just love this car, oh and the fuel economy is wonderful! I live in phoenix and go to LA quite often and I dont even have to fill up once - thats over 400 miles on one tank of gas... AWESOME!

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  Love the V-6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim in Iowa - August 24 - 7:13 pm

  The V-6 Tribute is fantastic--very smooth and a blast to drive. Does not have that tippy feel that SUVs often have. I am 61" 195 lbs and feel very comfortable in the drivers seat. Gas prices seem to have motivated sellers-- I got mine below invoice plus $4000 in rebates. People complain about the gas mileage. I am getting a solid 20 mpg -- not great but better than I was led to believe. Good driving habits help. I got pkg 1 -- interior is okay, maybe a little plasticky. Pkg 2 gets you leather and walnut dash but no moonroof which I had to have. Pkg 3 gets you everything but it will cost you. I live on a gravel road where dirt is an issue. The titanium gray does a good job hiding it.

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  Our 2nd Mazda5! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By GottaLoveIt! - August 24 - 6:53 pm

  We bought our 2007 Mazda5 afer running into it at the dealership, and not knowing what the heck it was. We were looking at the MPV van. We were amazed at the versitility, my wife was able to take my daughters basket ball high school team members to games in comfort, even tho some were pretty tall. The last row was a bit limited in the leg room area, but smaller girls did fine! It ngot great mileage, loads of cargo room (Christmas trees!) and build quality 2nd to none!

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  I love my Mazda 5! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By kelbrat - August 23 - 4:13 pm

  ... and heres why. Ive been researching a new car for about a year. Needed something for my 2 boys and I to get around town in. I went in knowing it would be small, and it is, and thats whats great. Drives like a car, looks like a Matrix, but better, and adds the convenience of sliding doors. The back seats are Captains chairs, which makes getting to the third row a breeze. Adults CAN fit in the third row easily if theyre not too tall, so dont let that deter you. I paid 18,600 for my Touring, and you cant get a six-seater for any less. No power drivers seat, but its adjustable 3 ways so you can get it fairly comfortable. So cute!

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  NO POWER - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By JACKRYAN - August 23 - 2:00 am

  THEY NEED A MUCH BIGGER ENGINE IN THIS CAR, OVERALL IT IS A GOOD RIDE.

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  Nicely Built, Great Looks, Right Size - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By movellan - August 23 - 2:00 am

  After 2 weeks of extensive research we settled on the Mazda MPV. We dont particularly like MiniVans, and did not like the idea of driving a dinasour like Odissey. Yet again we needed 7 seat capacity. We really liked the looks and the relatively small size of the MPV. The consumer report ratings are great and since the Odyssey seems to be so popular, Mazda dealers are really willing to bargain.

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  Excellent in every category - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By laci - August 22 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 3 for 6 months now. I couldnt ask for anything better out of a vehicle. It meets all the needs that I asked for and more. The look of the car is very nice but the interior is my favorite. Its not considered a sports car but drives like one. I feel very safe and it gets really good gas milage. Its the fourth car that Ive owned and I like it the best by far.

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  Great purchase - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By retiredinaz1 - August 22 - 2:01 pm

  I bought new in May of 2008 when I moved to AZ. I only have 43,200 miles on it and it still runs like new. I did have to replace leaky shocks once but that was only problem. I change oil every 3,000 miles so believe that helps. I LOVE this car and hope it lasts me another 6 years!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By j Smith - August 21 - 5:16 pm

  Nearing 90,000 miles with zero problems. The only issue has been a few interior rattles that come and go depending on the outside temperature. It looks like I might be wearing out the drivers seat. Very fun to drive, cannot understand why Mazda decided to redesign the car?

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  Not a minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jim - August 21 - 3:30 pm

  What I liked about this car most of all was the convenience and features. Handles nicely and is an excellent value. Anyone in the market for a small crossover vehicle needs to see this car.