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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  Absolutely love my car!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Brooke - March 24 - 8:20 am

  I absolutely love my car. I have owned this car for approximately 2 years and have loved every minute of it. This car rides like a dream. It is probably the smoothest riding car that I have ever been in, with the exception of a Lincoln Town car.

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  Mazda cx-9 Grand Touring awd - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By Donna G - March 24 - 3:45 am

  I love the vehicle and the mazda line of cars. The problem I am having is that I dont put a lot of miles on the suv and things are happening, things that I never heard of before in my life owning other vehicles, like; the heat shield bolts rusted off and Mazda had to put bolts back in to secure the heat shield $50.00 for 15 minutes. I think it should of been under warranty. I only had 30,000 miles on it. Then Sunday out and about my husband says something is wrong with the braks going to the floor. Today I take to service station and they tell me its the power booster unit. I call mazda and they say its under the extended warranty and it will be towed to the dealership from the garage. I only have 31,000 mile on it now. Then in the newspaper there is a recall on the suspension they can rust and come loose. when they had my car up on a rack they were showing me where my bolts rusted on the heat shield, they was a lot of rusted parts under my car!!! What else is going to go bad on my Mazda cx-9 Grand touring that I like a lot but might have to think about trading it in!!!

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  Mazda 626 - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Mike Bean - March 23 - 2:40 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 626 back in Oct. 2001. I really wanted a 2000 Dodge Intrepid but was not pleased with the cornering of the vehicle (it leaned while turning corners). I drove the Mazda 626 and was impressed with its performance. About 70,000 miles later my tranny failed. At 89,000 it failed again. After intense investigations, I found out the trannys all overheated. Mazda did not install transmission coolers in these cars. ALL CARS HAVE THEM, EXCEPT THESE. I installed a $25 tranny cooler myself in about 15 minutes. This cooler couldve saved me $4400. My Mazda has over 140k miles and runs like new. Why didnt the repair shop detect the root of the problem?

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  Perfect Choice! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Irene G. Miller - March 23 - 9:06 am

  This car is definitely fun to drive - dont even feel that it is an SUV. Smooth to drive and quiet motor.

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  Great for our needs - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By ZoMan - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We recently purchased a 2002 ES with leather, cd changer, tinted windows, roof rack, compass, and DVD system. We have put almost 2,500 miles on it so far, the wife and I and our 3 dogs love it.

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  I love this car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Phylo74 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car gets great gas mileage (more than 40 mpg on flat highways), has comfortable seats, and has plenty of power despite having only a 1.6 liter engine. Have had the car more than two years now with only one trip to the dealership to replace some sort of air flow sensor. I recently sold my 2001 Subaru Legacy because I could never find a comfortable driving position and always preferred to take the Protege unless it was snowing. I only wish that Mazda hadnt discontinued the 1.6 liter engine on later models.

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  Zoom-Zoom van - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By pjnemt - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I only wish Ford, Mazdas parent company built more cars like this. Car is built with the Ford Duratec 3.0 liter V-6 on the modeo chasis from europe

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  No resale value - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bobsbob - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The value of this car has dropped like a rock. Not just the normal depreciation of a new car. Dont buy if you ever think you might have to sell...

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  My Tribute! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tiggirl - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Rides smooth. Dashboard isnt too deep. Everything is within reach. Simple to operate. Highly recommend it for mountain driving. Exterior is classy and fun all in one! LOVE IT!

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  The Best in its class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael Gore - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has more "bang for its buck" then anything else in its class. The power is excellent, and it handles like my friends BMW 325xi, and for half the price. The leather seats are very comfortable, and the 6 disk CD changer is easy to use, and works well with the rest of the console design.