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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  Very happy, so far! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By j73alb - August 5 - 12:20 am

  I love the exterior and interior styling of this CUV. Performance is really good for such a large vehicle. Acceleration, steering, and braking are all the same or better than my wifes coupe. We took the cx-9 on a 1000 mile trip this summer. We averaged over 22 mpg and this was with 5 people, luggage, and driving through mountains. Not bad for a CUV! We also test drove the new Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia and the Mazda was our favorite. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  A joy to drive! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - August 4 - 6:50 pm

  Now two years old, this is the most fun car Ive had in my life (Im 65)! I cant take the smile off my face each time Im in it. Plenty of power, terrific handling, and great, great after-market products. Miata clubs all over the country and the world which make it a joy everywhere you go. I dont know anyone whose had one and regretted it I know at least five people who have 2 or more of these cars. Its like a small vacation each time you get in it. It appeals to ALL ages and gathers a crowd everywhere you go--even more when you travel with a club.

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  The road car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By willie robinson - August 3 - 6:10 am

  After test driving Honda,Toyota. Nissan, BMW, Volvo, Mitsu, the Mazda 3 came out on top for me to replace my wifes G35 and we were not disappointed. Put about 400 miles in three days and what a road car we got - every thing in it but the nav. My wife said its quick and fast, love the car, do your research and test drive all the rest, but you will love the 3 trust me.

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  Its an ok SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Lissette - August 2 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my Mazda CX7 in 2007 and I regret it. Less than 1 year my Air compressor Blew. Then the AC after the year in January of 2009 It doesnt work now that the warranty is up, I have to pay. I took it to Mazda 1 wk after the Manufacturer Warranty was up, they said they couldnt help me. Oh by the way do not get the tire protection, its a waste of money they say that all mazda dearlers accept the assignment, NOT. I had to pay out of pocket. Couldnt do anything about it because dealership closed.

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  Blurry Window - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Theresa - August 2 - 1:10 pm

  My rear window is blurry as if there were plastic across it, and really can be noticed with ultra violet rays. My dealer agreed with me and checked on another vehicle and verified that was the same way. It is very annoying especially in heavy traffic when you constantly need to check through your rear view mirror. God bless you if you get migraines, it is actually painful. What about the safety factor, it is not a clear window. Where do I go from here, let me know your thoughts.

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  2005 Mazda MPV - certified used car - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Joe - August 2 - 6:00 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a year. It had 24000 miles, I found out it was a rental car from Florida but it was in great condition. It has been the most versatile vehicle I have owned. We are avid Ikea people and hauling furniture is one of the best things about this van. I pulled out the middle row dropped the back and made it into a cargo van. I hauled an L shaped couch and it fit. Even though its smaller than the Sienna or Odyssey, it still has a lot of room. I have hauled appliances and also building supplies to my rental unit. When relatives come to visit, I can fit all seven of us plus put a stroller in the back! A+

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  My Amazing Mazda Protege LX 5spd. - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By littlemissinjured - August 2 - 4:30 am

  My parents bought this car for me when I was 15. I loved it then, and I love it now. It is more than reliable and very good on gas. On average I get up to 34 mpg - somehow. Learning to drive this car was a breeze. The clutch is great and hasnt gone out on me yet. I drive it to school and back daily, so thats at least 40-45 miles. The only problem Ive had is that sometimes my gears stick and my trunk popping mechanism was broken. But, it got fixed. I highly recommend this vehicle to new drivers and drivers who want the feel of a sports car wrapped up into a sporty, fun to drive sedan.

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  What a Ride!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kathy - August 1 - 1:13 pm

  Ive had my Mazda6 for a week and I absolutely LOVE it! It handles well, its quiet and my blended gas mileage for the first tank was 26 mpg. The heater works great, too!! I had an Acura Integra, but had to "grow up" a little bit. The Mazda6 was the right choice for me because I now have an automatic instead of a stick and can actually get more than 2 people in my car comfortably! It looks great, too!

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  Great Ride - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wayne - August 1 - 10:33 am

  A very fun car to drive. Great handling and one of the peppiest in its class. My only inconvenience with this model is that the headrests block the rear view mirrors view and the side window design makes it challenging to see cars in either lane when changing lanes. Took a little bit of adjustment to turn my head more to the sides before changing lanes to catch the blind spot. Cant say enough good about his car. Ive had Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas and the Protege before, and this car is by far the best for handing, acceleration, and just pure fun. The other did however have better fuel economy.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By BF - August 1 - 12:06 am

  This car had everything and more. I traded my BMW for this Mazda 3 mainly based on looks and improved fuel economy. This car fully loaded (more so than my BMW) cost me about 15000 LESS than my BMW. I absolutely love it! Super fun to drive and very reliable. I find myself looking forward to driving to and from work. Great car especially for the money.