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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  Decent economy car - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By hmowner - May 13 - 10:44 am

  Of so many choices in the compact car market, Mazdas marketing motto has been "Zoom Zoom". Well, I bought into that hype but found the car to be just one of the economy compact cars. It gets decent mileage and it is fun to drive if you rev the engine and give up the mileage. You do pay a bit more than other compacts for the privilege of enjoying the "Zoom Zoom" - which is really about the car handling, not the acceleration. Interior is a bit old compare to Hyundai/Kia. The major surprise that I found is the terrible road noise. Dont know if its the factory tires or the car itself, but this is one of the nosiest compact!

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  A different kind of breed - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tru Tone - May 13 - 5:33 am

  Everyone looks at it, says its nice and people love the color; they say it looks rich. I love it, its very sporty, it handles superbly through Los Angeles crest highway. I finished in first place in a novice class at the local autocross event taking on Suburu WRX wagon, Suburu Impreza STI and a couple of 240 SXs. The exterior design reminds me of Audi S4 model.

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  Great Little Car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Robert - May 11 - 3:20 pm

  The Mazda2 really is a great little car. I traded in my Jeep Commander and am loving every minute in my Mazda. It handles like a go-kart around corners and acceleration is fine for a car in this segment. I really like the feel of the electronic power steering, but the throttle progression of the gas pedal is a little odd. The quality, fit and finish, and standard features cant be beat! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a small car, and I prefer it over the Yaris, Fit, and Versa any day. My dad put 250,000 miles on his 1981 Mazda GLC, and I hope the same from my Mazda2.

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  Excellent value and fun to drive!!! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By newtozoom - May 11 - 2:46 pm

  I looked at the Audi Q7, Subaru Tribeca, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, & CX9. The CX9 offered the most value and room compared to the others. My wife loved the look. I liked the Bluetooth phone features, navigation system, memory seats, keyless entry & start system, and the list goes on. This is my first Mazda. After doing my research, the CX9 offered an all around excellent package. It has the space for my family of 5 and is fun to drive; unlike my previous car (Toyota Sienna). If you want a roomy, fun to drive, and aggressively designed SUV the Mazda CX9 is worth a test drive.

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  great value on great car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By asterix - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car for zipping around town. Fast enough with the 5-speed. Maybe it cause I had a 88 Volvo brick, but I dont thik this car is underpowered (the Volvo was underpowered...). Fit and finish are very nice for the price. Lot of stuff comes standard. Cant lose w/ 0% financing.

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  holding my breath.... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jp2spidey - May 11 - 10:00 am

  bought 2/2002. been in the shop 3 times as of 9/12/02. 2x for stalling problem. 1x for headlight switch not working. (relay problem i was told). headlights not coming on at night is a "bit" of a problem.the dealership has been great, no question about that. i even believe that mazda has not been very forthcoming with them. still,having to keep returning to the dealer on a new car is not very encouraging at all.now we must drive with a constant "readiness" to take the gear shift and quickly move it back into neutral to restart the car while moving.who wants to drive with that kind of pressure??we are considering the lemon law as of this moment.

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  Best Deal on a SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By JCB - May 11 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Tribute almost a year a go. 16000+ miles, 3 cross country trips and we are still loving it. Fuel economy has improved ...we are averaging 20 mpg in Atlanta traffic! on the highway we managed 25mpg. Not bad considering the great power and comfort. We seriously considered the Toyota Highlander and the Range Rover Freelander, but Tribute wins... power, price, space, ride and for far less than the others.

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  Zoom! Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Shawnee - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Terrific vehicle for the value. Reliable, comfortable, easy to get in and out of. Can fold down back seats with easy. Good visibility. Would purchase another one in a heart beat! We have had 2 other Mazda products, cant beat um.

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  Awesome Ride - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By rick31621 - May 9 - 4:46 am

  Great ride, awesome acceleration, average gas mileage.

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  My Little Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3driver - May 8 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 in Nebraska and drove it back to Vegas. Thats 1255 miles. I got an average of 24-26mpg the whole way. Not bad, but definitely could be better. This includes the driving in Colorado. If anybody has driven through there, you know what I mean. I got about 24 in that area. Your auto-stick really comes in handy up those hills. I was in 3rd gear up most of them. While in Nebraska, it was really cold. For some reason it didnt want to start early in the morning at 0 degrees. Not sure. After it was started, everything was fine. Took a couple times, but it did start. I tried putting heet in the gas tank, but didnt seem to do anything. The tail end likes to slide in the snow. A+