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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  MPV LX - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By mfenrn - March 22 - 5:46 pm

  I traded my Camry in to buy "a van" because of my ailing father who required an electric wheel chair. It was a purely practical decision based on needs and good reviews. Little did I know how much use I was about to get from it with the upcoming hurricane season! It hauled all the plywood and related supplies needed with ease. It also accommodated the 7 foot collapsible ramps and Jet Three wheel chair for Dad, still allowing room for luggage and extra passengers. I fell in love with this car/van. It drives and rides like a car, looks nicer than any other van (my opinion), handles beautifully! My only complaint rests with the transmission, which sometimes "revs" when you accelerate.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoom - March 20 - 9:40 am

  I love this car. I had the 03 4 cylinder and traded it in for the 05 with a V6 and it makes a world of difference. I liked that car, I love this one. With the V6, traction control, ABS and side airbags it is sporty, fast, safe and I wont get lost in the crowd.

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  Love It - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By ZoomZoom - March 20 - 1:16 am

  I have had my Mazda CX-9 for a year now. My husband and I both love this car. I have owned many cars and this 1 is the best by far. We have 5 teenagers at home and have taken them on road-trips in this car. The interior room is fantastic. After years of mini-vans, I am thrilled to have a sporty car that is fun to drive. I have had no problems with this car at all.

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  15 years NO MORE HONDA - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mom2DrewAidan - March 18 - 4:13 pm

  After 15 years of Hondas I have moved on. I gave my husband the 2004 Honda Element which is still a great vehicle for driving around with kids and everything at Lowes. But mom wanted a sporty fun car for the commute to work and pick the kids up in school. LOVE IT. Great gas mileage. Pulled ahead during the gas shortage in the Atlanta area.

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  my opinion if it counts - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gary matheney - March 18 - 10:00 am

  fun fun fun a car that is just plain and simply a fun car to drive

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  wow the car is tough - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By spanishfly - March 18 - 10:00 am

  For the price and comfort there is no FUNNER car to drive than the P-5

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  My report - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tuckers mom - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV because my husband travels 100 miles daily to work. We needed a 4 wheel drive. I looked at many models, including those in a more costly catagory. This one fit it all: looks, reliability, price, mileage, comfort.

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  out standing - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jleo9625 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle has a look and feel of a luxury sports coupe it drives good and handles great to the road.

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  love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Davids Lyre - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned

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  First Four Door - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By misskel82 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Rides smoothly. Takes bumps great. Awesome Bose sound system. Not fast from the take off, but overall, quick. Nice options. Would of been nice if the homelink was more user friendly and the buttons werent so confusing. Came from a Z28 to the Mazda 6.