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 minivan! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By moonkitty - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great van for us. Have the towing package. Pull the boat or the camper with no problem. Seems to have enough power although in Poconos on the hills a bit slower. The 3rd seat is great because it folds down. Also the ease in taking out one or two seats in the second row. With 3 kids we take out 1 seat in the second row to pack all our stuff and have even taken out both seats and have so much space.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Tex626 - July 5 - 6:30 pm

  My 2000 626 LX is coming up on 90,000 trouble free miles. All I have ever done is normal maintenance. Although some more horsepower might be nice, I like the great gas mileage, excellent handling, and excellent reliability. It is a fun car to drive. This was my first Mazda and I have already bought a 2nd Mazda. Great Car!

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  Sporty.....but a letdown - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kevin Kells - July 5 - 7:30 am

  I have owned the Mazda6 since March now and put over 9,000 miles on it so far. Its a nice, sporty looking sedan but It needs some improvements. The engine sounds nice but in terms of power, its lacking. At 215hp stock, i am getting smoked by Accords, Camrys and other sedans. The car handles good, but the turning radius is horrible and the suspension will rattle your teeth when the road is bumpy. Front interior is roomy, but rear is very small. Gauges look nice but the dark lettering and colors could be hard to read sometimes at night. Interior feels cheap too. Overall its a decent buy, but for the money you can spend $3-4k more and get a Passat or a SE Camry.

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  Great! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TER - July 3 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great car. I purchased mine in February and have had a great time driving it. The sunroof is essential. Fuel economy could be better (I have a 6 Cylinder), but I can deal with that no problem.

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  Most Bang For The Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - July 3 - 2:36 pm

  Test drove this and a Civic and handling and pick--up were like night and day. I was looking for something that got good gas mileage, but yet could still get out of its own way. This is this car! Pick-up is good and handling is exceptional. It hugs the road great and I was actually impressed with the lack of road noise. This is a compact Mazda, not a Cadillac CTS; there is going to be road noise. Im 36 years old and starting to feel the miles in a car and after a 300 mile trip yesterday I dont feel that bad. This car is loaded with little perks which I think are cool. Overall I have no regrets and feel comfortable with this purchase.

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  First MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KO - July 3 - 12:33 pm

  Well, I wanted a sports car and I found one for sure. This is a third car for the family for fun driving so I was trying to keep the price lower and fun factor high. This car definitely achieves EXCELLENT price/performance. And even though it is priced less than other roadsters - the build quality and careful design shows the minute you drive it. You cannot go wrong for the money. And I have owned 5 other sports cars over my driving career including a late 80s 911. Technology has advanced incredibly fast since. If you want a car that is cheaper and safer than a Harley, and yet reach the performance levels of an 80s vintage Porsche - then do yourself a favor - and test drive one today.

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  Never buying a Mazda again. - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By kmdw - July 3 - 10:39 am

  My wife bought her CX-7 used with around 40,000 miles. Timing chain broke at 60,100 miles. No check engine light until car actually stopped running (in passing lane on busy interstate). Mazda is replacing the engine right now, no questions asked, despite her not being able to find all her oil change receipts. I suppose we have to thank everyone else before us who had this problem and complained, otherwise wed be in the same boat. This thing apparently develops other problems that we dont want to to have to deal with, so as soon as its fixed, were trading it in!!!

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  Grand Touring Rocks! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By crisrn - July 3 - 9:16 am

  Weve had our CX-9 for just a week and we love it! It is very comfortable and it does not feel like we are driving a mid-size SUV. When going on the freeway, the accelerator is extremely responsive. The turning radius is surprisingly sharp, which makes parking in tight spots and u-turns effortless. The ride is also very smooth, even with the 20 inch rims.

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  Fun, Practical, and Good Looks - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By richee51 - July 2 - 12:37 pm

  Have driven for a week now, love it. Traded a Prius with great mileage, for something I can enjoy, with 6-speed manual, I can shift, sun roof is great, interior and exterior are just cool. Really like the car so far. Gas mileage seems decent so far, wont be on the Prius level, but willing to give up mileage for a bit of sportiness.

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  The best vehicle out there! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Geo - July 2 - 5:03 am

  I just traded in my 3 hatch for a 5 Sport and am so happy I did. This car, like the 3, just exceeds any and all expectations in every way. That is how I felt about the 3 - but they have improved some things and the car feels bigger. Its quieter, smoother, still tight, plus all the room is unbelievable. My 2 kids are under 4 and one is in second row, one in 3rd row - that way you can still sit with them and use the cubby under one seat for toys! Mind boggling the space inside - it doesnt look that big from outside ... elegant, sleek ... classy inside and out. I love the cloth and dash; it just works for me as do all the new Mazdas.