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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  Will they learn its all about the seats? - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By John - September 21 - 11:56 pm

  I test drove a 2005 model, 4 cylinder last year, and found it sporty My only complaint was why do the designers not add even 1" more padding to the front seats? This would open the potential to a whole new range of buyers. We decided to buy an 06 just recently, and it is perfect for what we need. Family of four, with two big dogs, who get the rear cargo area. I am 5 11", and 200 lbs, with a 44" chest and I have plenty of room for both with room to spare.

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  Great SUV for the money!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Harry - September 21 - 3:10 pm

  Have had CX-9 Grand Touring for over four months now and I have absolutely no complaints. Well designed, great performance, practical in every way and attractive to boot! I researched this vehicle and others for over five months not wanting to make a mistake that I had to live with. So glad I bought the CX-9... this car kicks!!

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  My spirited M3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jjr 3rd - September 21 - 7:36 am

  The vehicle is razzy and fun to drive. I am a little over 60, but enjoy the crisp and positive handing, and response I get from the 160 h.p. engine. The interior as well as the exterior is easy to maintain. Basically although a sedan, it handles like a sports car. Sticks like glue on the interstates. I am often questioned; "What kind of car is that" from various age groups. The only negative I can think of is road noise, which may be do to tire selection. Have had no problems what so ever. Other than oil changes and a tire rotation, Ive had no problems. Id buy another one.

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  Never too late to Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hill Country Guy - September 21 - 4:36 am

  Its an awesome driving experience for this 67 year young kid in the Texas Hill Country and the ease it handles and hugs the road on the curves. Ive only had it for two weeks and its averaging right at 30 MPG. My neighbor told me that its a motorcyle on 4 wheels. The six speed auto tranny is very smooth and Im still learning the paddle shifting feature which is fun. I agree with others, that you do need to stop after a couple of hours and limber up. Mazda did a wonderful job on the exterior and interior design and the soft top is so easy to operate. I wish Id done this 10 years ago.

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  Couldve been better - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By modred17 - September 20 - 9:23 pm

  Bought almost 3 months ago, and while I like the style, I find it has little substance. I am very disappointed by the gas mileage. Averaging 21 miles in city and 29 on interstate. Should be better for a 4 cylinder. The automatic transmission is slow to respond sometimes. Rear seating is also a little cramp. Should have spent more time looking at other makes.

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  Fun sporty Mazda with lots of features - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By rporterincincy - September 20 - 1:26 am

  My wife bought the 2009 Mazda 6i loaded with leather, sunroof, Bose stereo, everything but Navigation. She loves the car and finally understands why some people are "car people". Lots of interesting features (a switch to adjust the headlight aim, auto wipers, ac, lights, and locks. The car now has 43k miles and has only needed tires and brakes. It has never broken down, the interior and exterior are perfect. I would like the speedo to be larger with easier to see numbering (hard to tell if you are going 75, 72, etc.), and would like the gas mileage to be just a bit better. At 75 mph, the tach is showing about 2,500 rpm. This all said, the ride is comfortable and firm, seats are good.

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  Still lovin this car! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By 56jets - September 19 - 10:00 am

  After 14 months and 20,000 miles, this car is still lots of fun to drive! Love that there arent 50 of my car in any given parking lot - that, from a former Honda Civic driver of 17 years. Standard features compare favorably to more expensive cars. So happy to now have automatic transmission, I havent even tried the manual feature yet. Word of warning - keep an eye on the speedometer since you may not realize how fast youre going...

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  This is what I feel about my Mazda! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Terry Yu - September 19 - 10:00 am

  First This Car have a handsome looking that I think is one of the best looking SUV in the Maket. On the other hand, Fuel Economy for this car is not good, Use a lot of gas!!! For the Performent of this SUV is just ok! It is not I call V6! Anyway other than that this is not that bad. It just doent like my other SUV TOYOTA HIGHLANDER!

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  Great Fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Elliott - September 18 - 7:16 pm

  A very nice car, and a great value for the money. It has excellent acceleration and handling, and the shifter is a blast through the gears. I tried the Civic, Elantra, and Sentra, but the Mazda3 was just more fun. I also like the black interior with red gauges. It makes the drivers seat look like a fighter cockpit. Theres enough room for four in a pinch, and the trunk is big enough to fit all of my stuff, too. My gas mileage has been about 26 mpg in mostly city driving, which is so-so compared to cars like the Civic, but good enough for me. If I wanted to save the planet I would have bought a Prius.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cody W. - September 17 - 2:50 pm

  I have had this car only for a few days... but it is Great! Since I was down sizing from a fully loaded SUV I still wanted all the comforts I could get. I got the sGT 5A with both the moon roof and Tech packages. I got it in automatic because of all the city driving I do. I like having all the toys I can get and for the price I paid, it was a steal. I got it for a thousand under invoice. The comfort and interior design are perfect. I took my girl car shopping the other day and I had a dealer from another manufacture tell me that he thought it looked great and he was going to get one. The car drives tight and firm just like a sports car. Its all about ZOOM ZOOM baby.