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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  Wow and fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By upland - December 6 - 10:03 am

  We were considering other SUVs & crossovers such as the Murano & Acadia & CX7 & XC70. Have been in a Volvo V70 with 3d row seat for the last 250,000 miles and was looking for another dependable vehicle, but something a little bigger and one with a higher ride height. Well, we found it in the CX-9. We looked at all trim levels and decided on the GT AWD in Pearl White & Sand Interior. The Bose sounds as good as most after market thumper stereos. The CX-9 drives as good as it looks. The fit and finish is as good any other vehicle we considered. From the side view it looks like a lot of other mid-sized SUVs, especially the Lexus. Weve driven it a month now, and we love it.

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  9 Month Review - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By MPV39 - December 5 - 4:53 pm

  I had a hunch that the Tribute would be a very good vehicle because I have owned 2 MPVs and knew the Tribute would be a great addition to the family. Fun at the Beach, in the mountains and love to ride with the Moonroof open. Great Vehicle......so far. Needs the front bracket mounted, but I mounted it anyway because there are 2 small places where you can drive screws into the bumper and display your favorite tag. Go Noles/Dawgs!!!!!

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  Highly Recommended - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By LuvintheMazda5 - December 5 - 4:30 am

  I am one who has always dreaded the idea of converting to a mommy car (minivan). After carefully researching several vehicles, we stumbled upon the Mazda5 sports wagon (I call it a mini-wagon). This is my BABY, I love this car! For me to not want to drive my BMW X5, it had to be great! Its so practical for use with transporting the family (seats 6 adults comfortably) and the versatility in the cargo spacing is wonderful. Highly recommended.

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  Bang for the Buck - Knock on Wood - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Master D - December 5 - 4:03 am

  Okay fellas ... It would be a wise investment for the safety of all to purchase a set of winter rims and tires as most of us above the 49th parallel understand that there are different compounds and characteristics of rubber that suit different temperatures and environments. The M3 has great curb appeal, well laid out interior - with excellent visibility ( the rear head rests can be removed easily and replaced as needed), excellent fuel mileage when driven decently, excellent handling and acceleration for highway passing. Overall one of the best improvements by a manufacturer in the economy/4cyl class - hope it holds true to my experiences so far ... knock on wood!

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  Its getting better all the time... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By wondergreen - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Love the handling! Very nice around twisties. Engine likes high rpms. I love the crisp throttle response, when youve got the engine above 3000 rpms in 3rd thru 5th gear. Cannot imagine having an automatic when the manual is so much fun to drive! I like the smooth ride and the interior is very nicely thought out (no quirks in the design). Audio is definitely sufficient (6 spkrs - 6cd changer) for the frequent rocker! But the best feature is the handling, steering response, and the handling and the steering response, and handling/steering response is great. I also like the handling/steering of the vehicle.

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  Excellent - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By stevegru - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Handling is fantastic. I enjoy driving to work every day.

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  Just Luv it - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By rpbrick - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for about 3-wks now and already have 1300 miles on it. Build quality is top notch w/no rattles or loose things to complain about. Engine is quit willing and quiet also. I got this car w/6-cd package and moonroof and just love the sound & sky. Trans is nice and smooth (5-spd) and ride is also great (firm, yet well controlled). Many compliments from my carpool buddies. Would highly recommend!

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  All in the details - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben MazdaSP - December 4 - 6:00 pm

  I got my Mazda SP after spending months researching and test driving sport sedans from EVERY other manufacturer. I was very meticulous and demanding. I then knew exactly what I wanted: a charcoal Mazda3 S manual. It took me weeks to find and was floored when I did. Great car! Transmission is superior to all others that I drove. The interior is designed very well; you can tell a great deal of thought went into every detail on this car. This car feels as though it should be 2-3 times more expensive than it is. I dont ever feel that I have to drive somewhere, I GET to drive somewhere! Ive had it for awhile and still love it.Its done great both in the hot summer and on snowy mountain passes.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brook - December 4 - 3:56 am

  Just bought a 2006 Mazda 3 Grand Touring. Only one day old so all I can say is so far so good. The "bells and whistles" are the best part along with solid driving feel. I love the manual choice on the automatic. Dealer said if you use it consistently you can dramatically improve gas mileage. Need to see if thats true. I bargained hard for this car and you can get it for invoice if you wait and compete for different bids.

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  Miata... a blast for the bucks - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bill - December 3 - 9:50 pm

  Ive owned other roadsters, but the Miata is a blast for the bucks. After driving a Triumph Spitfire and an MGB, the Miata is like a high dollar exotic sports car. It will get up and go if you know how to drive it (keep your rpms up, kind of like driving a small displacement sports bike). The motor is smooth and Ive never been in a car that connects you to the road like this one! No complaints, best toy Ive ever had. Ive been walking around smiling and humming the "zoom, zoom, zoom" song since the day I bought it. Its an absolute blast.