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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  Kid Hauler - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By CRSMP5 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I was very reluctant to buy a mini- van. Now that I have owned it for 6 months I couldnt be more happy that I purchased it. The electric sliding doors are a major convienance with 2 kids. There is a plenty of room for all your needs when you fold down the 3rd row seat. Good feel when cornerning and has car-like to drive to it. Great alternative if you would rather spend 20k instead of 30k plus for Toyota or Honda.

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  good vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By siebers - May 25 - 2:00 am

  the construction in and out is fragile. Sheet metal and interior plastic easily marred or bruised

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  One Excellent Car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By sevenkevin - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great futuretro styling makes it uniquely beautiful to look at from every angle, both inside and out! Quality fit and finish, and of course top notch rotary performance make this one stand out from the rest! She closely resembles a magnificent thoroughbred. Maybe a little hesitant out of the starting gate, she makes up for it in the stretch with smooth linear acceleration. On the road handling inspires confidence with quickness and agility. For unqualified driving enjoyment, elegance, agility, and styling there is very little competition at this price! Comfort for my 6 frame is very nicely accomodated in the front, and relatively adequate in the back.

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  Napoleon of Mid Sized - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By GeorgeM - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Prior to purchasing the Mazda 6 I owned a 2002 Honda Civic EX and while the fuel economy was great, the Civic just wasn’t practical for me anymore i.e. size does matter. So I began searching and stumbled upon the Mazda 6 and requested a test drive. That was it. I was hooked. The Mazda 6 is a champ. Not only is it one of the sharpest affordably mid-sized vehicles on the road, it is quite the performer; very choice. May I advise anyone who is looking for an outstanding vehicle…purchase the Mazda 6. Need I say more?!

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  Great Crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By talydude - May 25 - 12:47 am

  Bought a used 2010 Touring with Bose package/rear view/ power lift around a week back. Like it so far. Drive is very smooth. Transitioning from car, rear view camera helps a lot. Very calm until 60 miles. after that gets little noisy. Did i say drive is smooth. yep.

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  MY ZOOM ZOOM - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By BF - May 24 - 7:20 pm

  I have this car 6 month 8500 miles and still love it. I have owned 15 new cars in my life and this holds 2nd place as my favorite. 1990 Chevy Lumina Euro holds first place. Great car fun,fun,fun for a 4 door family car. Being a 38 year old guy with 2 kids and a wife it fits the bill. Wife drives a crossover. Glad to buy the 2008 and save big$$$. No problems, no complaints. Good room in front looks great. I have to recommend putting on a spoiler it changes the whole look of the car. The Zoom Zoom makes it happen, go Mazda

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  good all around small SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By nils - May 24 - 11:30 am

  Drove several Small SUVs before deciding on this one (Xterra, Escape, Vue, Equinox, Liberty, others). Tribute was the best overall value. With good rebates got some nice options including moonroof and 6-cd changer. I find the FWD to be just fine for my style of 99% road driving. Dont pay extra for 4WD unless youre going to use it off-road.

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  Great Microvan - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kurt - May 24 - 11:10 am

  Compact and well-suited for city driving. Pretty peppy on the highway too. Handles well. My wife and infant son like it a lot.

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  3 is happyness - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By silvermzda3 - May 24 - 1:26 am

  I have had this car for 2 months and a little over 4k miles and I am like a little kid every time I get to drive somewhere, even work. I wanted a GTI, but it was a little too pricey; tried the Rabbit, and was disappointed after the GTI. Found a wonderful compromise in the 3 that gave me a solid, beautiful car with zoom zoom, and a better reliability record. I have since driven a Civic EX and am I ever glad I got the Mazda. Available power is not over the top, but is more than adequate for spirited driving. The gas mileage suffers when you zoom, and it’s worth it. I love to drive and this car feeds that desire.

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  Buffeting - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By deepblack - May 22 - 9:36 pm

  When driving my new Mazda 6(Ive had it two weeks) with the rear windows down there is severe buffeting and air pressure that caused the eardrums of three of us to hurt even though we only were subjected to this phenomenon for about 10 seconds. Never experienced this in any car I have ever owned. Anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do? Did you call Mazda and what was their response? Also, I calculated the mileage I got driving locally and it was 23.7 MPG although the cars computer indicated 18.8 MPG. I really like my Mazda 6 overall with the minor exception of the buffeting issue noted above.Ha