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 CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Faye Whiddon - January 10 - 2:36 pm

  I drove 11 competitors. I went back for a second and third trial drive to make sure I was not just dazzled by the nifty style and, for sure, the performance was top notch. I purchased the Touring version. Safety features were a factor. I consider the blue tooth a safety as well as a convenience factor. The third row seating is the most comfortable of all i tested. Grandchildren love the DVD and Bose system. Best auto purchase I ever made.

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  The Sports Car of Small Crossovers - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Alan - January 10 - 12:56 pm

  Curvaceous exterior is stunning, Unlike the boxy competitors in its class, it has a more upscale appearance on par with higher end CUVs such as the Infiniti FX35/45. Excellent & funtional interior. The piano black trim on the instrument panel and steering wheel is very modern and appears like something from a luxury car (ex. Aston Martin DBS). Bose sound system is excellent. The handling and feel of the car are on par with sport sedans. The steering is more heavily weighted, which translates to excellent control with the feel of a German sedan. Handling is smooth and progressive, with little body roll. 244bhp enginer is strong albeit with slight turbo lag. After 5 BMWs, I love the CX-7.

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  New to mazda - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By APERIL - January 10 - 11:43 am

  This is my first mazda...I was a loyal honda owner until now! This has to be the most fun car i have ever owned! It is fantastic to drive and i have had absolutely no mechanical problems at all! It may be small but if youre looking for a big car you wouldnt be looking at the mx-5 to begin with! Try one and youll fall in love!

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  Great Car But... - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Haines - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The 626 four cylinder 5 speed is fun to drive, roomy and good looking.

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  MPV ES - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By edhughes - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for a couple of months now and I could not be happier. It great for the family and a little sportier than the larger vans on the market.

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  Zoomzoom indeed - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By billlmckinley - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Generally spirited, despite its "inferior" engine size. Marvelous handling--more like a touring car than a van. Extremely well laid-out interior, and a price thats unbeatable. A lot of bang for the buck. And the new one, with the larger engine, goes like a bat.

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  Best vehicle ever - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Curious Canadian - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 2 Caravans before, and they dont come close. The MPV is great fun to drive. Great handling, performance, outward visibility. We took it on one long trip already. We drove all day without feeling it at all. The sound system helps the overall experience.

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  Great Little Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By lal_clt - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a van for hauling stuff, not necessarily passengers, so I didnt need a huge van. The MPV is perfect! Its only 2 in. longer than my previous Volvo sedan, yet with the fold into the floor third row seats, it carries lots. The MPV handles beautifully, has a short turning radius, and is very comfortable. The 200 hp motor lets me go zoom-zoom all over town.

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  Best Value - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By owr084 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Definite improvement over the 00/01 models - the new V-6 makes the MPV a true contender. Our ES came loaded with 4-Seasons, sunroof, CD Changer, bumper plate, roof rack, and foglights all for $28K (including tax, etc.). No other minivan came close in price or options (looked at Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, and Honda). And, its fun to drive. Zoom-zoom-zoom

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  My kingdom for 30 horses - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Uncle Goo - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda Protege5 is one heck of car. It can carry 4 adults comfortably and haul an amazing amount of cargo. The handling is quite nice and the gas mileage is good for a 2.0L (30 mpg). All in all, this car packs a ton of value into an attractive package. Two quibbles, the roof rack does create a lot of wind noise on the highway and the car could sure use about 25-30 more horsepower and torque. Dont get me wrong, it scoots pretty good as is, but the trouble I could cause with 30 more foot pounds of torque...ahhhhh....