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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  Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By cfrantz84 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  My Wife and I love are new CX-7. We were very impressed with the performance style. We test drove the Nissan Murano and the Ford Escape but none of the two got are attention like the CX-7 did. For the money you cant beat this SUV. I can honestly say this is really the first car that we just enjoy driving. All I can say is ZOOM ZOOM

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  Nice little unit - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By robb - April 21 - 6:06 am

  Fun to drive. It has a lot of nice little "luxury" items standard in this model. I am 64" and my wife is 53" and we both can fit, though when I am driving my right leg is a little tight against the console. The passenger side is very comfortable. Only real complaint is there is a LOT of road noise, tires and wind are a lot louder than I was expecting

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  Im in love - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By NH - April 20 - 9:46 am

  Test drove a Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Volvo XC90. Wife nixed the space-ship looking Nissan Murano on looks alone. I wanted a third row for times when we cart around our kids friends, and all the luxury amenities. But didnt want to drive a boat; spend more than $35K; or end up driving a boxy, boring SUV like everybody else. The second I saw the Mazda in-person I was sold. Exterior is honestly a work of art. Test drove both the Touring and Grand Touring. Bought the Grand Touring. Much better ride and so many little worthwhile enhancements. Zoom zoom.

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  Sold Benz for the CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Steve - April 20 - 2:33 am

  Was tired of commuting and carting kids to sporting events in a car that had bad gas mileage and was always dirty. Selected the Mazda as an affordable, reliable and bad weather capable car that I wouldnt mind getting a bit dirty. Looked at the Tribeca and RDX. Tribeca drove like a mini van and the MDX was overpriced.

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  Love my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By carol - April 20 - 12:56 am

  Ive had my hatchback for three weeks and absolutely love it. The ride is smooth and the car definitely has great pickup. The folding seats are great for storage and very easy to get up and down. It is a really comfortable car to drive. The air conditioning is good, the stereo great and the interior is very comfortable.

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  One of the best cars in its class. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By pezzy669 - April 19 - 7:19 pm

  After 8 months with my Mazda 3 Grand Touring sedan I am still extremely happy with my purchase. Of the 5 cars I have owned over my lifetime this is the best car I have owned. The fun to drive quotient of this car should be the benchmark in its class. It does mean a firmer ride but for myself it is in no way objectionable. The interior features are astounding. Bluetooth, Bose stereo, heated seats, leather, etc. make for a very nice place to be. Overall you cannot go wrong with the Mazda 3, it is definitely a worthwhile competitor in the segment and in my opinion leaps and bounds better than the Civic and Corolla.

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  Pretty good value & great handling - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By abarge527 - April 19 - 6:56 pm

  We bought the vehicle after exhaustively comparing it to the Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX. In the end, we bought the Mazda because (a) the only area the Highlander was better was fuel economy, and (b) the MDX, while a better car in terms of luxury, features, and style, was considerably more expensive and given a feature-by-feature comparison, the Mazda was a much better value. Overall we are happy with the CX-9 and dont regret the decision. After having it for 2+ years, we are in a position to offer a long-term review of plusses and minuses which we hope the manufacturer reads and makes use of.

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  Love my new Mazda 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By A Erickson - April 19 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned my new Mazda for a month. Just love it. I traded in my suv gas guzzler. So I am loving the gas mileage. I know it is not as good a others on mileage but for the style compared to Toyota and Honda I would sacrifice. Im am still getting use to the front grill, it seems to grow on me everyday. This car is so fun to drive compared to my tank I use to have. My first new car was a Mazda 323 back in 1988 loved Mazda then and I am loving Mazda now dont know why I went away from Mazda.

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  TIPS - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tony Conti - April 19 - 7:33 am

  NICE SUV VERY BAD ON GAS

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  bset value - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JD - April 18 - 9:26 pm

  If your looking for fun but are on a buget, buy a miata! Its like going on vacation everytime you get in! It is truely a FUN car! The car handles like its on rails! Once you drive, youll understand Mazdaa slogan zoom-zoom!