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:

• 

  Still Going Strong - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Shooter20 - October 4 - 10:00 pm

  Weve owned this van since it was new 8 years ago and its still going strong. Its at 110K miles and while its now been demoted to my "work" vehicle and replaced by an 07 Honda Odyssey, its still earning its keep. Its more nimble than the Honda, just not big enough any more for the two much larger teenagers. Great van for a young family or couples that need a multi-purpose vehicle.

• 

  Good crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mazdaowner - October 4 - 10:00 am

  We looked at Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX & Mazda CX-9 when it seemed that our next car should be a family car. Loved my Acura 3.2 TL Sedan but Acura MDX was priced out. Highlander and CX-9 were the finalists and CX-9 won in aesthetics and functionality. Based on reviews, we didnt get the Navigation & wanted to avoid the 20" wheels of the Grand Touring, so got a Touring. Leather is OK. Would like better in-dash NAV since the Garmin 1350T we bought is nowhere close to the Acura NAV we had 10 years ago! Our dealership seems to have a deal with ADS(?) who will install a better NAV (Kentwood) with warranty. $1600/$1900. Yet to try. Paid $30,200.00 with 60 month no interest.

• 

  The 3 is go-go - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By tom-tom - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I was going to buy a Honda fit sport but was concerned about the lack of hp, 4 wheel disc brakes, useful sun-visors and tight legroom for my 71 1/2 inch frame. For a bit more money the Mazda 3 hatchback addressed all of these issues and rides and looks better too. (the smiley grill is livable, and I prefer a happy car) The only trade-off was settling for less gas mileage than the fit offered, but the rewards are worth it. I call the Mazda 3S hatchback "Honda Fits better looking big brother".

• 

  nice car but....... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By rag723 - October 4 - 3:03 am

  The Mazda6 is a nice car and a nice ride but I had problems with it. The gas tank has been replaced because it was making a strange noise, the lumber adjust broke, the weather strip on the windows have been replaced. Ive spend alot ot time at the dealership and I only have 5K miles. Not sure if I would buy Mazda again.

• 

  Administering CPR - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By maxbassmedia - October 3 - 2:16 am

  Bought this vehicle new in Oct 2000. Been extremely reliable. Had a problem w/sunroof years ago, and opted not to get it fixed. Now on my 4th set of tires, and just turned 253,00 miles. Been aiming to get 300K out of it. Just had first major problem, transmission started slipping :( Going to put a couple of grand in to keep it going, rather than get another car AND car payment. Hope the gamble pays off.

• 

  Crappy Vehicle...dont buy one - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Greig - October 2 - 11:10 pm

  This has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I tell everyone to stay away from it. Poor Quality Interior, lots of mechanical problems, terrible gas mileage. The dealership I have been using has no competent technicians - parts have fallen off after servicing. Will be going Honda or Toyota next time.

• 

  Mazda 6 Sport 6-spd manual - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By marvandam - October 2 - 12:56 pm

  I was down to the 2 sportiest and reliable sedans- Accord vs Mazda6. I wanted a manual and unfortunately the Accord Sport only comes in gray and black. I saw the Soul Red 6 and fell in love. The Accord had a more spacious cabin- the 6 has more dramatic style which cuts out space- but Ill deal with it- rather stand out on the road and not be another suburban middle-aged man driving an Accord or Camry (no offense). It drives like a sports sedan- lots of fun. Manual shifter is amazing and excellent MPGs. Engine has a nice tone to it- more of a growl than a typical 4 cylinder engine. The ride is firmer- but I love it because it handles better- thats the trade-off.

• 

  Fuel Consumption - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By 2006 Mazda MAZDA6 - October 2 - 4:16 am

  Nice car, poor fuel consumption (13-16 MPG, city). Dealer unable to find any problem. Non aggressive driver averaged 20-22 MPG, same conditions) with 3 previous Taurus wagons.

• 

  A College Students Dream - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Camille - October 1 - 9:46 pm

  I have had my mazda 3 for almost a year now and I love it. Ive driven it from the coast of California to the coast of Florida and I couldnt ask for anything better. The ride is smooth, reliable, and enjoyable.

• 

  Mazda is Shirking - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SuJun - October 1 - 9:40 pm

  I love driving our Mazda CX-9. Mazda does not support the navigation system we got. It is an old disk and they will not send us a new one -- dont have one. They advertised the ability to add an iPod jack, so you could control it from the radio, when we got it. They have finally withdrawn the offer. Unfortunately, we complained because that add on is one we really wanted. I love my Mazda for driving, but the extras that make it a great car is the company. The company is lousy. Grand Touring, dont buy.