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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  Unbelievable - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LIBERTINE - May 21 - 1:53 am

  This is the kind of car that makes one glad to be alive! True to roadster heritage. I recommend getting a pair of good driving gloves to go along with this car.

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  Zoom Zoom Me - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marla - May 20 - 11:23 pm

  I love this wagon! However, two things that are a bit faulty with the design. The seat fabric after 4 months on the drivers side had begun to show wear from getting in and out of the car. The left side support area, and the ground effects on drivers side is wiped clean by my pant leg each time I get in and out of the car. Not pretty. Other than that I LOVE THIS WAGON. Performance is outstanding, speed is there when needed. Great radio, heat/AC and LOOKS.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By CJ - May 20 - 6:03 am

  Just purchased, so its only been one week. So far we love it, extremely fun to drive and a head-turner in the neighborhood. I recommend everyone try this if you are in the market for a large crossover.

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  Better Than a Honda! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Collette - May 19 - 9:26 pm

  I love this car! I was choosing between a Honda Civic sedan and this car and after test driving both at the same price I was so excited to buy my first Mazda after owning a previous Honda Civic.

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  After 6 months, traded it for a Subaru - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By akchris - May 18 - 7:29 am

  After falling in love with the CX5 and really enjoying it, some warts really started to show. My commute changed from 55mi a day, 70% hwy to 40mi mostly city and my MPG really crashed. Was getting 30+ mpg per tank, after moving I never saw 20 mpg again. Then theres the wear on the interior - the seats in my 2004 Honda with 170k looked better than the CX5s after less than 6 months. The drivers seat looked beat after 8k miles and stray threads were popping up in the pass seat. The carpet in the rear hatch was trashed after I moved bags and boxes, I hauled tons of stuff in my Honda and it looked better, cant imagine how bad the CX5 will look in 5 years, brutal. Got a great Subaru trade.

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  Wishing I bought a Odyssey or Sienna - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By joyfulgirl_3 - May 18 - 7:12 am

  I bought a 2012 used with 8.5K. It was flawless except for a stain on the front passenger seat which I have been unable to remove. Another stain is on a back seat that I cant remove. Needs better seat fabric- seems cheap. I have 2 kids and am finding that as my baby turned into toddler, and with a 9 year old, we are outgrowing the car with backpacks, soccer stuff etc. If we had another child, thered be little room for a stroller. No way this car is functional for 4 kids full-time. Since I bought it, the gas mileage has gone down considerably though its well maintained by Mazda. Great to drive forward...seems to have lots of blind spots in spite of all the windows.

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  MX-5 is a blast to drive! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jack - May 18 - 3:23 am

  The only thing I dont like about the car is the seats are not the most comfortable but the car is a blast to drive. I really wanted a car with a V-6 but the style and looks of the MX-5 won me over. I was very pleased with the cars performance and it has some get up and go for a 4 cylinder. I looked at other cars in its class but they did not have as much room and little to no trunk space. The MX-5 has a nice trunk and a storage area behind the seats that you can place items in. The cup holders on the doors makes it nice and allows you to shift the vehicle without worrying about hitting your drink. Im very pleased with my MX-5 and its affordable and offers more than others in its class.

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  for the money - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By clemsonfan - May 18 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR DEFINITELY HAS A SMOOTH SPORTS CAR FEEL AT A REASONABLE PRICE. GOOD LOOKING AND GREAT DRIVING AND RIDING.

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  great minvan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By heiusa - May 18 - 2:00 am

  this is a very good minivan, we love ours. we had a nissan quest before and this is even better!

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  I love my MPV!!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By LJGingit - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my MPV!!!