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:

• 

  Bobbies MPV - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By momatweety - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This an excellant vehicle. It works for Vacation, work and everyday commute.

• 

  Started out as my dream car..... - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By lenalou22 - May 13 - 12:05 am

  My CX7 is in the shop again, this time with a $2500 repair. It has 45,000 miles on it and needs a second timing chain as well as a new turbo. I also had the AC replaced this summer. I was so in LOVE with this car when I got it, but after putting 20,000 miles on it and paying THOUSANDS of dollars in repairs, I could not be more disappointed. Mazda knows all of the problems with these CX7- yet doesnt stand behind it when they happen over and over again to according to all these reviews, everyone. Some people say they havent had problems yet, they will come. Just wait. Had I known Mazda was made by FORD I would have never bought it in the first place.

• 

  Very amazed about this vehicle !!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Guillermo - May 12 - 10:56 pm

  WOW, that basically what comes to mine mind when describing this vehicle. Great performance, excellent Cargo space,comfort is awesome either at the front row and second row, dashboard is very nice and neat, bluetooth is also another great feature and extremely easy to setup. Mazda should add to their Basic package the Cargo Cover and Cargo Mat. We purchased the Sport Model and added the after market leather. Great Choice, way much better material the factory installed, cheaper. You will not go wrong when considering the purchase of this vehicle.

• 

  HAD TO BUY ANOTHER - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By slim loewe - May 11 - 10:00 am

  still the best bang for your bucks in SUVS. still have my 2004 tribute es. my wife has a bad back and loves this car. love the V6 (zoom zoom)in both vehicles.decided time to buy with no payment 90 days and 0% for 60 months.lucked out as this was the only V6 in the state of florida. the 2010 has all the bells and whistles, michelin tires, back up camera , sun roof , heated front seats (great for bad backs) etc. i did test drive hyndai sante fe (nice), kia sorrento (nice) and mercury mariner (ok). im 64" wife 52" no problems.so had to stick with mazda tibute. got a GREAT deal from dealer plus a surprise $500 loyalty rebate.

• 

  Best In Class, Most Room for 7 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Tim - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This by far has been one of my favorite vehicles. Ditch the mini van fellas and reclaim your masculinity. Bose stereo rocks, crystal clear, ipdod jack, DVD entertainment, leather heated seats. Ride quality is very smooth, gliding on air. Lots of room with the 3rd row seat. Being 61 even I can ride back there comfortably. Go out and buy one. Bought ours used and saved lots of money. Actually have equity in this vehicle..they hold their value.

• 

  WOW! This car has it all, >$40k - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Jorojoro - May 11 - 10:00 am

  So far, the car has performed way above expectations. We were looking for a family car with GPS for her and a DVD system for the kids. I was most concerned with luxury class features and styling such as adaptive Xenon lights, leather interior, Handsfree B/T operation, auto liftgate, etc. Our CX-9 Grand Touring has ALL of this.

• 

  2009 mazda6 - 1 year later - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By tamoshanter - May 11 - 10:00 am

  bought this 2009 mazda6 for my wife last year after she put 235k on her 2000 626. she loves it - base model, sound system very good, very good pickup for a 4 cyl w/ 6 spd manual. black interior shows dust and dirt more quickly. you can bury several bodies in the trunk without blinking, and sleep in the back seat with two others. ride is smooth, handling excellent (for its size) and A/C will freeze you in seconds. we had a 1990 protege with 250k, and i got the hand- me-down 2000 6 (averaging 150 miles/daily) and still running like a watch.

• 

  Zoom Zoom for sure - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Roy - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Compared to every other vehicle in this class, I could only find one that compares favorably with the Mazda3 (Forte with the 5 speed ECO package). Everything else seemed a bit outdated, and not have as many features standard. That may change in 2012 with the new versions of the Civic, Elantra, Focus, and Cruze. The Mazda has the best ride, great handling, solid feel, and a knockout interior.

• 

  Too much fun - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chris68 - May 10 - 10:30 pm

  I bought a high-mileage Miata on eBay with the intent to convert it to an electric drive. The little car has been so much fun that I kept putting off the conversion. Although not a muscle car, I find that it has enough power, combined with the incredible handling, to make any driver smile from ear to ear. Incredibly reliable with lots of DIY resources available on the internet to fix little issues and find parts. I impressed my wife by being a Sunday mechanic for the first time with this car, and replacing soft top myself. Also added a roll bar for great looks. Car still turns heads.

• 

  Wow, what a car, what a price! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mumsiev - May 10 - 5:53 am

  I just bought my Mazda 5 this weekend after looking at it for over a month. I am the first one to own it in my county and boy do I get some strange looks. I dont think people know what to think of it. I got it in the Stellar Silver Green color which is quite spacey, but I love it. The moms I have shown it to want to go buy one today. There is no other car out there with the size, looks, comfort, options and style for the money. No one can believe how little I paid for it. I think the Mazda 5 will be a big hit - sell your big SUV and ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!