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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  A Keeper - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Mikki - January 1 - 2:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Mazda. First was B2200, then 99 MPV an now 2001 MPV. Our only complaint is that it hummed in the winter. I drive it approx. 40+miles 5 days a week and everywhere on the weekends. Its roomy and fun to be in. As you can see by the miles, were always on the road. I thought about Cash for Clunkers, but why get rid of a gold mine.

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  40 MPG Gotta luv that. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff Adams - January 1 - 3:56 am

  I have put 20,000 highway miles on this vehicle during the last 6 months. It is as smooth now as the day I bought it. I love the body style and the thrill of driving such a stylish yet affordable vehicle.

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  great van, but.... - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Sarah Agee - December 31 - 6:20 pm

  This van is so fun and sporty! I had a Maxima before and this van drives just like the car did. I love it!

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  Not too many issues... - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By rmcclimond - December 31 - 3:58 pm

  I bought my car in 2007, with 6 mile on the odometer. Had only a couple of issues until now. My husband was driving the car, had to break hard, then as accelerating, between 3rd and 4th, heard a loud boom, pulled over to check. Didnt see anything, now the vehicle wont engage when put into reverse. Guess well hit the mechanic on Monday.

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  Love It - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Becki Moss - December 31 - 1:33 pm

  As a woman I can say Mazda did their homework. This car is great, fun and easy to drive and I love it.

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  2005 3S - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bamark - December 30 - 4:50 pm

  Ive had this car for about 6 months now, and it is a very reliable, responsive and fun car to drive. The metallic red turns heads, the interior is well done, and gas mileage has averaged 27 combined with the 2.3 .

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  a true - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Gwa71 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The best thing I can say about this car is that it is soooooo much fun to drive. The most fun is found on a deserted curvy road and the least fun is found sitting in traffic. This car begs to run.

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  Impressive - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Aaron - December 30 - 2:30 am

  We test drove the MDX, Enclave, Traverse, Pilot, and Highlander. None compared to the CX-9 for price, power, interior quality, fit and finish. We went with Grand Touring with assist package includes Nav , Back up camera, The Blind spot radar is very cool. MSRP little over 39k. We leased with min drive off $1200 for $550 a month 42 months. That was $200.00 less than any of the vehicles I mentioned above. I also like the fact that this is truly a Japanese Car. Engine, Trans, and assembled in Japan. Oh and news flash there are not any US car companies any more. They have been Multi National for a long long time. Yes I know mazda is owned by ford..

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mike - December 28 - 8:56 pm

  Had the vehicle for about 1000 miles now and I really like the thought that went into it. Finally found a vehicle that had what I was looking for without paying the premium price. Fuel mileage is nearly 30 on the highway but I dont drive it hard. Handling is great. Even considering the recall I still love it. My only complaints are things that should be easy to resolve.

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  Mazda 6 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Duket68 - December 28 - 1:13 pm

  I compared the Acura TL, IS300, G35, Passat, and others before making the Mazda my choice. I was dead set on a V-6 so the S model was the only choice, too bad I didnt know gas would rocket up! After looking at all the comps, and for the price, the Mazda was the best choice in bang for the buck. I commuted and wanted something with some zip (or Zoom Zoom), the reason for the v-6 and just couldnt bring myself to pay the extra $10K for a TL, IS300, or G35. I got it all in a Mazda. I think Mazda is the sleeper; in 2004 when I bought my car you just didnt see that many Mazdas. So 27000 miles later, I still like my car, nothing is broken except for the wallet for owning the V-6. Its still fun!