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 - The less known superstar - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Tom Zachariah - January 16 - 7:40 am

  I bought an MPV about the same time that my brother bought a Sienna. At the time of buying my MPV, the only reason for me buying was that I was getting a good deal from my dealer. But after I bought my van and also experienced the Sienna (also considering what my brother paid for it), MPV is just excellent value for money. It has everything (even more) that a Sienna has to offer. We think MPV is better in driving experience and over all styling but lacks in leg room for the second row and engine noise. If Mazda can make it quieter, MPV is the best considering what you pay for it. My family is all happy for the choice we made and will recommend it to anyone with a small budget & small family.

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  More Than I Expected! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Truthsayer - January 15 - 10:20 pm

  I traded my 2008 M3 HB GT w/Bose-Roof pack the exact same trim and package as the 2010 that I got. Scared like heck that it would not be as good I took the plunge. This car has turned out be to Superior in every way. More solid build, better handling, more power, smoother transmission by leaps & bounds. This trans mated with the new 2.5 is a marriage made in heaven. It doednt hunt or over shift and electronically is dialed in better than my BMW was. It hits gears on the money and the new frame makes this thing float along better than a Lexus is250 -no lie. Its smooth, responsive and at 80 you feel like launching to 150 with ease. I cant begin to describe the value of this car- unbelievable-tops

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  I Love My Car!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Jackie - January 15 - 4:53 pm

  I have a week with my CX-7 and I love it. Im glad I made the right choice. My car is so comfy and spacious, everybody loves it! The driving is awesome. Its super smooth and fast. I will recommend this car to everyone.

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  Winner! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By waynew - January 15 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car after having owned 3 Corvettes and 3 BMWs. It is more fun to drive than any of them. Not the power of the M3, but it does ok and the handling is superb. Ride comfort is just right for me. Not too hard like an M3 and not soft enough to screw up the handling. Mazda got it just right. A really fun car to drive with just the right touches in terms of features. Our options included sport suspension with 17" wheels and satellite radio. I would have ordered the premium package but instead bought this one off the showroom floor. The power hardtop is brilliant. Take heart guys, my wife loves to drive this car!

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  Zoom Zoom Again!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Donnie - January 13 - 12:56 pm

  I bought this Mazda 6 as an upgrade from my Mazda 3. This car is unbelievable. Not only is it fun to drive, but the ride is out of this world. You get it all in this Mazda 6, comfort, luxury, eye catching and dont forget the Zoom Zoom. I looked and test drove 3 other cars (Infiniti G37, VW Passat CC & Toyota Venza) This car beats them 9 out of 10 categories. If you are looking for a new car I would recommend you take this Mazda 6 for a ride...You will not be disappointed

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  Awsome Mazda6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - January 12 - 5:00 pm

  I have now owned the Mazda6 for almost a year now and I have 11,200 miles on it. I still love to drive the Mazda6 to work every day. My Mazda6 is averaging 22 city/29 highway in gas mileage. I am very pleased with the gas mileage for all the power. I have not had any problems with the car. It has performed very well. The Mazda has a lot of quality that I enjoy. The 5 star crash test rating gives me a peace of mind. The blind spot monitor system is awesome. Love the rain sensing windshield wipers. What can I say; I love everything the Mazda6 offers.

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  Great Rise - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By craig - January 12 - 8:56 am

  I had to sell my Jeep due to the gas prices but wanted something that had utility but with better MPG and could sit a 6-2" person comfortably. The Protege5 was the one. The car is solid as a rock, handles VERY well, is well designed (except the door locks), plush inside and good on gas. Im averaging 29 mpg with the optional sport shift transmission. I recommend this car highly. The engine is very revvy and a bit on the noisy side. The stiff suspension provides a nice amount of road noise. Braking is also very good, the steering very responsive and the steering wheel itself is very comfortable. The door lock system is the only poor design issue I see in this car.

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  Money Well Spent - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By b.fox - January 12 - 5:30 am

  Would I buy this car again - you betcha! Out performs the Protege ( which was my first Mazda purchase), excellent acceleration, everything on the dash is convenient, plenty of room.

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  Mazda Cars Rock - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Raymond - January 11 - 5:56 pm

  I love this car. I cant say enough nice things about the car. I love it so much I just purchased the Mazda 3 also. These cars rock. I think that says it all.

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  Mazda gets it right.!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rick - January 11 - 2:03 pm

  Well, all I can say is WOW!! I traded in a 2006 RX8 Shinka, and besides the obvious loss of power, I dont regret it a bit. If you put the car up against its competition you have to come up with the Mazda 6. Hands down. I havent had the car but a couple weeks, and everyone at work is like nice car, what is it? Now they know. Whats not to love? Thank you Mazda. Keep doing what your doing. People are watching. This is one happy customer. ZOOM-ZOOM!!