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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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By veritas66 - June 18 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car with 34 miles on it during the summer of 2007 and now have 125,000 miles on the car. So far, it has been an excellent vehicle. Then only maintenance I have done is replace the battery and spark plugs at 80K and put in a standard k&n air filter when I purchased it. It gets oil changes every 7500 to 10000 miles with Mobile 1 and still has its original brakes! Now for the complaints, this car does eat tires, I have gone through three sets of summer tires and switch tires out every winter for studless. Thankfully I have only purchased one set of winter tires, and that has lasted me. Last complaint, drivers door lock sometimes doesnt work, but that is ok. No other problems.

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  WOW, ALL THIS FOR 36K?? - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CX9 Lover - June 18 - 9:00 am

  Have had almost every SUV made in the last 30 years, and I can say without question, that this is the best value for the buck of any that I have owned.. Came from a H3 Hummer, which cost me almost 45k, to this, which is a fully loaded GTAWD for 36k; BLOWS AWAY the competition, and, even though I didnt need a 7 passenger SUV, the cost vs. value for this guy was impossible to resist...Compared to a Pilot, Santa Fe, Ford Edge, and a few others, there is NO COMPARISON! Just flat out fun to drive, and solid and stable as any car or SUV I have ever owned..and , even my wife LOVES it, and she hates most SUVs...

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  WOW - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By larrybrwn - June 17 - 9:06 am

  Who says you cant have it all in the same package and have it be affordable never owned a Mazda! Way to go guys. Cant wait for my next one. That is if this one ever dies. 80,000 miles on it now and still no problems!

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  Poor gas milage - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lordmetalz28 - June 16 - 10:45 am

  although i love everything about this car. i bought it for the gas milage and the gas mileage is disgusting. so now im locked into a 5 year 13k mistake.

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  Minivan mom - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By dcr - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I had driven several mimivans and hated the way they all drove. I decided to stay with a station wagon until I drove the MPV. I love it! Its roomy, fun to drive and has to be sturdy with my three children. Although it is not a performance vehicle, I didnt need one, I needed a reliable form of transportation that would stand up to the test of rowdy children and thats what I got.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Boudrot - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. After driving many other models, the MP5 was clearly a superior vehicle. It is fun to drive, great looking, comfortable and the quality is top-notch. It handles like a dream. The ride is a bit rough and it is a tad noisy, but these are minor complaints. Overall, this is a great buy.

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  GO CART HANDLING - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MIKED - June 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A SUPERB HANDLING CAR. ITS 16 INCH DUNLOPS REALLY GRAB THE PAVEMENT. COULD USE MORE POWER (EXHAUST AND COLD INTAKE ADDS A BIT) SHIFTER AND CLUTCH REALLY SMOOTH. BEST SPORT COMPACT SEDAN THIS SIDE OF A 3 SERIES BMW!! EXCELLENT FIT AND FINISH - A GREAT CAR!!

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  Zoom zoom mpv mom - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By vanmommie - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The van really is easy to drive. Love the Moonroof, the windows that go down in the back. The tumble under seat for getting your stuff back there. Perfect height to side in and out. Not to big. Not a big brick in the wind.

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  New CX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Keith - June 14 - 4:53 pm

  Purchased new CX9 AWD GT a couple weeks ago. Replaced 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer that was wrecked and totaled. Looked at Toyota Venza & Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX and Chevy Traverse. In comparing features, style, size, towing, performance and price, the CX9 was an easy choice. 0% for 60 mo. was the deal clincher. Leaps and bounds ahead of the TB. Wife drives it regularly and loves it - very important. Only disappointment is mileage, but expected this based on research done. Have owned Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Chevy, Toyota and Honda as daily drivers - so far very happy with the Mazda - hope it stays that way.

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  The Best - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Run - June 14 - 3:00 am

  Dont think that this is a waste of money. This car has done a lot for me. I had a Honda and it broke down. So I decided to buy a Mazda; since the day I bought it my life driving a car has been great compared to drivina a Honda. It might be pricey but I can say it was worth it.