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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  Another hit!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Andy Chandler - April 6 - 1:13 pm

  This my 3rd Mazda and wont be my last. They make great, stylish and affordable cars and the CX-7 is no exception. Just like the Mazda3 this is a big hit with me. For a SUV/CUV type vehicle the styling is unmatched. So is the performance. A great looking SUV with lots of space, a high performance turbo engine, wonderful handling and six sweet gears plus lots of goodies standard.

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  Problems - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Hey882 - April 5 - 11:50 pm

  I recently bought this used car in February 3rd, and I drove till the 5th and the car broke down. Having no Acceleration when i was driving and when i pulled up to the side trying to re-start the vehicle it wont start. So i brought it to the Mechanics to repair the problem, they found out that the "Fuel Pump" was broken. So I got it repair and drive it for another 3 days the same problem appear. So I think this is not a good car unless you want to have as a back up. Right now if the car is fix, Im still worry about driving this car around. Its like wasting money to buy a car that cannot drive.

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  A Miata thats car-like - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Yasu - April 5 - 2:36 pm

  I like that the new gen is just a better car, meaning its possible to go on long road trips in relative comfort. It makes every moment a drivers delight, the destination irrelevant. The cabin is intimate, shaped so that the car, me, and my companion are one. Unless were fighting. The higher rear sill contributes to this, and blocks the feeling that the car behind you is going to drive into your skull. Other cars treat you with relative respect, vs. the older gen. Slides are very controllable, yet cruises in a variety of gears easily. You can race it, you can commute it, you can distance it. You can also supercharge it but thats a different story.

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  Mazda MPV - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Patty Barnes - April 4 - 9:50 am

  My Mazda MPV van is just the perfect size for my husband and me. There is room for his wheelchair, groceries, our grandchildren, the dog or the 2 cradles we just brought home. The seats are comfortable, and he can lay back and rest while Im driving. There is plenty of room to stretch out and carry lots of luggage when going on a trip but its small enough to zip through traffic.

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  This Van is the WORST EVER! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Sue - April 4 - 7:50 am

  This vehicle is the worst car I have ever owned. We have had to replace the starter, alternator twice, 2 batteries, ABS sensors, drivers side motor that operates the windows, brackets that hold the rear gate up when open, heating/cooling pipes, and 3 transmissions. Most of which has left us with no vehicle while repairs are being done, and no offer to pay for a rental, and note that most repairs take a minimum of 2 days. Some longer as parts have to be ordered from China or Japan or someplace like that. This is the worst experience EVER! Also note that this is our only vehicle and we have 4 children who all involved in activities, not to mention the things that must be done.

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  Great Car! Great Price, nothing like it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By MWTat BOM - April 4 - 1:13 am

  Awesome car, great price, seats six, hauls like nothing else. Minivan like use, non-minivan look. Must see, must sit, MUST DRIVE! ZOOM-ZOOM!

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  Coming from a Rav4, a step down - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jayne10 - April 4 - 1:08 am

  I live on a gravel road in the land of snow. The car managed just fine this winter with our snow, ice and slop. I did not have any trouble getting up the hill to the house. I get less mileage than others, as you would expect, given our driving conditions. Driving along this winter and a piece of the interior plastic below the dash just fell off. Why? I dont know. It is now lying on the counter in my kitchen waiting to be dealt with. I dont really think that I would buy another one. Lacking power.

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  2003 Mazda Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Buzz Wichmann - April 3 - 6:50 pm

  This is a fun car to drive .. not as fuel efficient as my 96 Protege was but the better looks on the 2003 model negates the lower mpg rating for me. Still 34 highway/24 city not bad .. roomy comfortable car despite being so small with good sound system - highly manuverable as well with tight steering

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  Turning Heads - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - April 3 - 3:03 pm

  Amazing. Took a while, but I finally tracked down a Titanium Grey with Red/Black interior. As far as I know, this was the only one for sale in Texas at the time. Means I get a unique vehicle. Have had many comment on how sharp it looks. Living in the Hill Country (Windy roads up and down hills is the norm), I truly believe this car was built just for my area. You have read it all, performance, comfort, everything. I cant think of a single thing I dont like. Well, here is my biggest complaint. Would be nice if the 6 disk CD changer played random accross all disks, not just 1. So there you have it. :-).

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  GT AWD Tech Pack in SEFLA - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By EM - April 3 - 2:06 am

  My wife and I were looking for her Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer since we wanted to scale down in SIZE... our truck didnt fit our garage. I normally borrow her car to pull my Sailplane (glider) so we were looking for a fun, medium sized, sort of an SUV. We just got ours 2 weeks ago. I have not seen another were we live. So far we love it, well engineered, quick and lots of fun.