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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  Luxury with an economy price - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Michael - May 7 - 7:43 pm

  Just bought the Grand Touring edition. The styling is fantastic. But the true wow factor is the interior. The designers did a wonderful job designing an interior that is just as beautiful and well appointed as a German car. Pair the "hopeful" reliability of a Japanese car with the build quality of a German car and Im in love. Kind of looks like a Range Rover Evoque with an Aston Martin open face grill. Sweet. Ive read the other reviews which were quite technical. If youre a driver and appreciate an SUV that not only looks good but drives like a car "all wheel drive Grand Touring" this is the ride for you. The red one is ugly. White or black. Come on....,

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  I love my "Baby" - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jen - May 7 - 6:10 pm

  Great car, fun to drive. Handles well. Many amenities that other cars in its class dont even offer. Drive it so you can see!

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  New used PRHT automatic MX5 - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By convertable - May 7 - 4:46 pm

  We purchased our car used in New Orleans with 7900 miles on it. We flew to New Orleans from Wa State to pick it up and drive it back home. We put 4K miles on the car in 2 weeks. We had to pack light but were able to get enough shorts and tops in it to make the trip. We averaged 31.6 MPG over the 4000 miles. We had no problems with the car or our backs and legs on the trip. The hard top helped with the noise as it was up most of the time on the freeways. I had read reviews about squeaks with the top and as soon as we drove off the lot I heard the same thing. Mazda in Wa. was able to fix with foam tape in the two receptors for the top at the top sides of windshield. Lots of Zoom Zoom!!

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  2004LX - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By kolt1 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is a true mini-van. I was considering buying a sedan, but this van drives/rides like a sedan...and when compared to a sedan, it has tons of cargo space. It gives you the best of both worlds. I cant say enough about the versatility of this vehicle. Anyone who is considering purchasing a mini-van should definitely test drive this one.

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  Dx: Boring commute; Tx: Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By billmanrj - May 4 - 10:00 am

  A blast to drive...have you ever seen a Miata driver who didnt have a smile on his/her face? Impractical but who cares! My favorite game (in Florida it often rains daily) is to gamble and beat the weatherman by driving with the top down. Said by a co-worker after a ride..."In the long run, I bet this is alot cheaper than therapy".

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  I love it and I am not getting rid of it - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimmy - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 LX 4WD and I love it! I had to special order it to get what I wanted and it took 2 months to get, but I am so happy with it! I traded in my 2 yr old Mustang and havent looked back since! The V6 has the pick-up that I love and was used to from my car and it drives very much like a car. It is extremely easy to handle and makes Atlanta traffic a breeze! My boyfriend has a Honda EX CR-V but he prefers to drive my car because as he said, "It actually goes when you push the gas peddle." No regrets here!

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  Honest review by a happy owner. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Shlep - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Between me and my wife we have to fight who gets it to go to work. New V6 engine great 200 hp. all I need it has plenty of power for city or highway for any normal family. The size is perfect for 7 passengers normally we have 3 or 4 but we have had seven once . So if you need to always move a ton of people or 50 sheets or dry wall buy a larger van you will be happier. We liked the MPV Mazda features like the power rear windows and the fold down rear seat,and the modern looks. My wife has a two year old Protoge and has been perfect so far.

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  This car has soul! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BadgerPat - May 1 - 10:33 pm

  Mazda is the under appreciated Japanese brand, but they are the most fun to drive. I needed a commuting car and chose this as a nice balance between completely boring fuel economy and something that I would like to drive since I spend about 2 hrs and 20 min in it every workday. It is very reliable and you wont be disappointed if you buy one used. I am giving mine up to my 16 yr-old daughter and feel comfortable with her driving it.

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  Zoom Zoom, Yeah Baby - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BBoy_N_OTown - April 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS is the car for my fellow Baby Boomers on a budget! The ride is awesome, taking turns like a fine tuned lean mean driving machine. When I step on the gas to pass or change lanes, my head pops back! Man, what a rush. The cockpit interior is awesome, I love the red lights. Its so much fun, I sometimes just get on the road and go nowhere. And when I get there, I turn around and head back!

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda6 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It drives and handles beautifully. I opted for the automatic, and I love that it allows you to shift manually if you want. The turning circle is a little wider than some others, but it definitely is the most fun car to drive and hugs the roads like it was on rails.