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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  Good Ridence!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Someones Mom - March 28 - 4:10 am

  My lease is up next months, good ridence. Cant wait to get rid of this car. Its fun to drive but the interior quality is horrible. Cheap carpet and floor mats. Cheap interior overall. Cute car but bye-bye!!

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  Fine Balance - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Stuart - March 27 - 5:43 pm

  Owned for a bit over two years and love the car. Outstanding reliability. Finely balanced ride/handling trade off. You feel the road, but its not punishing. A bit on the noisy side even with the hardtop. Without the hardtop, visibility is so-so to the right and left rear. The hardtop also significantly stiffens the structure. As a result, I leave mine on all of the time. The engine is adequate from a power standpoint, and is responsive to throttle inputs, revving quickly. The stock exhaust strikes a perfect balance of tone and sound level- its an audio delight. Shift action is excellent although if not careful, a rushed 2-3 shift may bypass 3rd and snick into 5th. Excellent car.

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  Very pleased with the CX-9 - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By wbedggr - March 27 - 9:23 am

  We purchased our 2011 CX-9 about a month ago and are very pleased with the car. We traded out of a 2006 Honda Odyssey, after looking at the new Odyssey and not wanting more of the same (although it was a great vehicle). But we werent ready to give up the thirdrow seat just quite yet, either. We wanted something a little more interesting to drive, as well. So, as advertised, the CX-9 is a treat to drive for a large crossover and the interior has a solid and upscale feel. Lots of room in the second row seat for the kids.

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  Best Miata Ever! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Amil - March 27 - 7:13 am

  I love this car, I have owned 8 Miatas over the years, and this is the best one Yet. I just love it!

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  My new Go-Cart. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By ZewmZewm - March 27 - 12:00 am

  This roadster is the real deal. Forget about torque, 20 mph around a turn faster than a Vette. Ya baby! It is one solid automobile. Check the oil, join a club for the premium cause you will need em. I get 17 mpg in city driving - 22 highway with no a/c at 75 mph. I wish I could efford another 40th Aniv. Ed. to put in a garage on blocks cause I am gonna enjoy this one till it be dead. I have had for over 3 weeks and put on 1000 miles and put in 52 gallons of 93 octane and 1/2 quart of 5w/20.

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  It always came back to the Mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By blooper - March 26 - 2:00 am

  After test driving a whole slew of autos the Mazda for the money was the best value. Af few others came in close, a few came in a bit better but cost a lot more money. The dealership was well run and very up front on the whole transaction. I could of purchased a much more expensive vehicle but why?

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  First Truck Great first expreriance - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By fcortez - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This my first truck and I am enjoying it I looked at the Ford Ranger but selected the Mazda because of the unique style and better warrenty. The 4liter engine gives about 18 mpg in town but makes the truck fun to drive. Tight direct steering feel makes for a sporting drive.

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  Tributes - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Xzcharly - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems whatsoever with my Tribute. It drive well, handles well and had plenty of cargo space. If I had to think of a complaint, it would be the road noise. It is slightly noisier than my past vehicle.

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  mazda mpv - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By smittchell4 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Its not as quite on trips as I would like for it to be,and on same long trip, seats were not comfortable. Drive well plenty of pick up for a van. Asked if was fun to drive? ITS A VAN, not a sports car!

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  A Tribute? After 6 months of ownership, - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The overall design is a class look, smooth ride and smooth responsive handling.The Tribute has less of a truck look then its brother the Escape. The Escape seems to have a more rigid supension and is a little more responsive in the steering, which taunts you to play a little harder with the Escape then the Tribute. No problems so far in the first six months of ownership with the Tribute except for a sore elbow from the cheap looking hard plastic interior door panels which need to be upgraded, along with the minor annoyance of wind noise, which is not a problem if you wish to have you music on all the time and loud.