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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  The sports car fantasy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By 18 Again - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Remember the cars we dreamed of owning when we were kids, the 65 Vette, the 67 XKE, well this baby is destined to be in this class of great cars. The styling of this car is stunning. People have come up to me to see the car close up and you can see it in thier eyes, Id love to own one of these. Thats the mark of a great sports car. When I get behind the wheel of this car, I feel like an 18 year old kid again.

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  like my CX-9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By bucksull - April 5 - 12:46 am

  Handles great ....firm and sure..... Yet not overly stiff. I think Mazda got it right with the CX-9 performance. Test drive of the CX-9 is a must when investigating your options. This is exactly what I was looking for, an AWD crossover that drives well. Took it to the mountains on ski trip Â…. Handles the snow very well including some side roads that were pretty steep. The 3rd row seat comes in handy and has decent amount of room. I am happy with this purchase.

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  Best choice of 3-row CUV in the market - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ceric - April 3 - 4:40 pm

  Cons: so-so fuel economy (16-17 mixed driving with AWD), few customizing accessories Pros: everything else

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  Tons better than my 2008 Honda Accord - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MNA2002 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 08 Accord in March 2008. It was plagued with fault brakes and other electrical problems. So, buh-bye Accord. I know Mazda owners and test drove the 09 6. I had parked by Accord next to a 6 at the dealers. The 6 made the Accord look like a dowdy Buick. The 6 has had zero problems. The interior is 10 times better than the Accord. The power seat is fantastic for my long legs. On the highway I get 30 mpg -- the Accord got 33, so its a little less. I like a reliable car, and I do believe that I have found it. Ive read some unfortunate things about the current Accords. The 6 might not hold its resale value as much as the Accord, but I wont have the car repairs that Accord needs.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jj.9109 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I had bought my car in Aug 2010. I recently had a 2008 Coblat. I love it but it didnt have enough room. When I bought the mazda I was excited with all the things it was built with. What made me fall more in love with this car is its safety features, I was driving to work going 50mph, when out of no where this guy did a u-turn in front of me on a 4 lane highway. The seatbelts sucked me in and the airbags deployed. It didnt do much damage to the car which I was totally shocked with hitting the guy so hard. If you are looking for a car with good built in features and great safety features this is the car for you.

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  Awesome Little Wagon - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By sjrsangl - April 2 - 10:06 pm

  I absolutely love this car!! On a scale of 1-10 I give it a 100 in fun to drive and exterior design. I think this car has great lines and unprecedented style.

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  Closest to a Mini 5 door Wagon ! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By n2kalo - April 2 - 11:10 am

  I traded in my beloved 03 Mini Cooper. Loved that car, but utility demands forced to sell. But not disappointed so far, M3s is more versatile and has more pickup than my CVT Mini. I also note that the more "bang for buck" features were appealing. This is my second Mazda experience; my first was a 88 RX-7 convertible and it had no problems.. The only gripe so far is that the car doesnt have autolocks and the MPGs could be better. Also obviously the handling is not quite up to the Mini, more lean in corners than the Mini. But I find that the Mazda 3S is much more compliant and comfy on the poor roads in Hawaii. Sporty with a good cross of features and added utility just makes sense.

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  A great small family car to own and driv - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - April 2 - 5:13 am

  I own a 2006 and a 2008 Mazda5s. The purchase experience process for the 08 was much better and easier due to the fact that the dealer was friendlier, less pushy, knew more about the car and knew how to drive manual. It also helped that I knew exactly what I was looking for and that it was available.

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  Great Car for the $$ - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 1 - 2:20 am

  Black on black with the convenience package and rear spoiler. Looks are fantastic and its one of the best looking cars out there. Handles very well around corners. Very little cabin noise. Controls are perfectly placed. Push-button start takes time to get used to if youre used to having a key in your hand as you exit the car. 2.5L has some zip to it and gets up to speed quickly. Leather trim does look cheap and seats are a bit hard. Interior lights look fantastic! Bluetooth works well and very easy to set-up, however have been told that it has some static on the other end.

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  Good value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob - March 30 - 7:53 am

  I have owned my car for 18 months and have enjoyed the experience. Fun to drive and very sporty. Comfortable over the long trip. I just bought new tires after 43,000 miles as I plan to keep this one for a while longer.