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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  Mazda in Waco, TX - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Greta Texas - May 22 - 10:20 am

  I just bought my dream car. Never thought Id own a sports car and now I do. The RX-8 is sporty yet is also has a backseat, four doors, and a trunk to hold groceries. I love it!

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  2007 Mazda 6 S 3.0 V6 - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevenmazda - May 22 - 8:51 am

  I bought this car used with 58,000 miles and loved it right off the bat. If you own the V6, it makes the nicest sounding noise I can think of for a car in this price range. It isnt super powerful and some modern day 4cyl could probably beat it, but it is refined and I loved it. It was hooked up to a 6spd automatic that was always eager to downshift, and will go through the first 3 gears pretty quickly, The ratios are nicely laid out. It turned in crisply and handled very well also. Unfortunately all this fun to drive goodness led me into a car accident, thankfully, only involving my car. I put 30,000 miles on the car in 2 years with my led foot and nothing at all broke, even at the track.

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  We bonded - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By peter - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a true sports car, the sound is zoom zoom. It handles like a dream, with space for four adults and a trunk. Gas mileage and the fact you need hi test is the only downside. But based on the purchase price compared to the rest out there its worth it

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  accountant - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By ab - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a few Mazda Millenia and can say that they are reliable. With excellent handling, comfort and looks.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By CCRAY - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my decision. I had a 93 MX-6 with the same engine (2.5 V-6) and it is terrific. Wasnt sure what to expect with the automatic but it provides good power. The interior layout is very good, Im a big guy 63" 280 and have no problems. If it had the Honda nameplate it wouldve won every award, but I like Mazda because you can usually get a good deal and their build quality is good.

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  Miata is one smooth cruise - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By robert rousoos - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I previously drove a 99 Miata and really enjoyed the new model over the old 97 model.. The 2002 is an improvement also because it comes with fog lamps, a better designed interior(ie. two cup holders, storage nets),a wind blocker, an electric antenna, brighter head lights, electric windows and mirrors and much more comfortable bucket seats, all standard. The downside is that the leather interior is only available in tan. The gas mileage is down about two miles per gallon, and the performance is about the same despite claims of increased horsepower. The top can be put up or down is about fifteen seconds even though its manual.

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  Ok for what it is - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By blue - May 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a functional second vehicle this is a great option. Minivan features without a minivan feel. Build quality is definitely cheap, and absolutely consider getting this only under warranty. Driver comfort is an issue for me (62"), my large foot (size 15) does not fit on the gas pedal, i need to push it with my toe. Its my wifes car and she is 510 and loves the car. In cold weather (-20C), intake manifold control runners were getting stuck due to cheap plastic composite materials that seem to be unavoidable these days. In hot weather, sway bar bushings caused terrible creaking, just annoying noise. Excellent service from dealer/Mazda for both issues

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  Great bang for the buck - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mitch - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Really nice price on a well built car. Wind noise on the highway is annoying, and interior lacks storage, but overall a great deal.

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  My second CX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Homer.too - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2009 Touring and kept it 18 months. Decided to move up to a Grand Touring in 2010. Wife wanted the power tail gate and we both wanted the back up camera and in dash GPS. This baby is loaded, the only thing missing is the moon roof which we didnt want anyway. Got a smoking deal. Upgraded a year also went from Touring to Gran Touring loaded for $8,000 tax, license incl. One real disappointment. The GPS system is very weak. Will not pull up POIs close to my house. Major chain stores we all know and have been in business several years do not show up. Also took a short trip last weekend and twice was told "could not provide guidance". This was on state hwys. WEAK real weak.

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  Outstanding value. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By TJ Fischer - May 21 - 6:56 am

  We have a 2004 Mazda 6s (same platform) and though the CX-9 is larger, it still feels like youre driving a sports sedan. Traded in a Mazda Tribute for the CX-9 to gain some more space. The CX-9 is a very quiet ride and excellent for getting our toddler in and out of the back seat. This vehicle is clearly meeting our needs as a young family and we plan to keep this vehicle for a long time. During our comparison shopping, we strongly felt like there was a huge bang for the buck with Mazda. Weve had nothing but positive experiences driving all of our Mazdas, especially this vehicle.