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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  Germany has been crushed Mercedes, Audi take notes - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By OrthoLee - January 27 - 6:59 am

  Love this magnificent piece of art and ironman clad engineering.You want to hear the turbo go zoom it doesnt get better it sounds better than my mustang gt.More torque then you will ever use.Red light champion.Looks can kill and mazda got that right.Technology that will help you stay safe smart city brake system just one word "wow"it stops automatically in case your not paying attention.You got real wood,nappa leather,led lights,active lane keep assist,4 stage one of a kind grey metal 3D color,adaptive cruise,too many and i mean too many features to list. Tesla doesnt even has this stuff and your spending twice as much.Forget toyota,honda ,lexus,acura.This beats audi,bmw,mercedes anyday and no will spend half as much and save on thousands after that from going to there nice service centers.Best reliability and warranty in business.I am in love.Everyone is shocked when i tell them its a mazda .Thank you Mazda.zoom zoom into future.one thing i will like to see in future is more entertainment options like ipad holders and DVD etc.

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  Zoom Zoom with Room!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Glenn F - January 26 - 12:56 pm

  I was a previous Mazda owner years ago, currently a BMW owner. I had been reading about the totally redesigned 2009 Mazda 6 coming out for months now, so when my wife was looking to replace her 2002 BMW 530, I said lets take a quick look at the 2009 Mazda 6 first. Well she loved it and we bought it. With the new "6", Mazda continues to move closer to having the most exciting lineup of any manufacturer today. Exterior looks very Lexus like ( especially from the back). The interior room has been increased dramatically and the truck is huge. With the bigger engine, it has plenty of power. Bose sound system rocks. At around 30K, there is no better value for the money. Initial enjoyment is off the charts.

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  Cool suv - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Edsel Argarin - January 26 - 8:13 am

  Love this car, the power, cornering, braking, passing, it drives like a sports car. Looks good in all angle and the seats are much more comfortable and accelerates/pass better than the pilot with a little bit better mpg.

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  MPV - Muti Purpose Vehicle - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By v946916 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I did not think I would like a Mini-Van. I love the MPV, If you take a long trip and need more room - fold the third seat in the floor. When you arrive and you now need seating for 7, up comes the seat. Its so easy my 7 year old can do it. A great ride - great vehicle. Test drove and rented serval vans prior to purchase.

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  just better over the years - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom - January 24 - 8:36 pm

  We have a 1993 Mazda which is fun to drive and has been dependable and mostly bulletproof for years. The refinement of the 2008, purchased new in 2009,is very impressive. The quick drop convertible top is just wonderful for changing moods and fun factors.

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  Amazing ride - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ra - January 24 - 8:20 pm

  Love this car! Have been driving since April and it is now mid September. I cant tell you how many times I am stopped by people who ask about my car. Not only does it look sweet, it drives like a dream - very smooth and fun! Best part is the roomy interior. I have two very tall teenagers who sit comfortably in the back as well as a very large trunk space. The 12 speaker Bose sound system sounds very good as well.

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  EVERYONE NEEDS THIS! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By POO - January 24 - 10:46 am

  this car is fantastic! i went from a non-fuel happy silverado to this and all i can say is wow! gets about 25 mpg, wish it was a little better! i couldnt be more happy!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Phil - January 24 - 2:26 am

  Im sold on Mazda. Bought S Grand Touring after owning a Progete5 for 8 years. It truely is the poor mans Lexus getting many extras for far less than a comparable equipped Lexus or Infinity. So far Im very happy; going on three months of ownership. I believe I got every option available so the as I added options it got a little pricey but I think worth it.

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  An alternative to Lexus - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By XLEX MAN - January 24 - 2:06 am

  Just purchased the Mazda 6 after driving a 1998 Lexus ES 300 for 9 years. I could not find a car that came close at all to the Lexus until now. The Mazda 6 is that car, it beats out all the other bland cars on the road to date. Everyone considering a sedan should consider test driving one.

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  Awesome little car! - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By acarlton - January 23 - 11:54 pm

  This car is very fun!When I totaled my Mazda3, I started looking at other cars but nothing came up to snuff like the Mazda. At 100hp per 6k rpms, it seems like not a lot, and its not. With a 5M, you can push it a little more and have more control over the car. The interior is excellent in the touring model and does not feel like a tiny car. Road noise is not nearly as loud as I expected. It does well on long trips, getting about 36mi/gallon. I know this is weird to throw in, but this little car handles potholes really well. And unlike one or two reviews I read, it does not "bounce" all over the road. Its very sturdy and handles pretty similarly to my Mazda3 (RIP).