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:

• 

  New Toy - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jwoods - March 4 - 4:56 pm

  I have owned 2 previous rotary engine cars in the past, plus 2 Mustang GTs and 1 Corvette. This car has been great so far. Very fun to drive. Shifts easier than the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire we own. Very rare on the road (unlike Mustangs). Ample power and torque spread across a wide powerband. Gas mileage is mediocre.

• 

  Mini Van?? - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Collin - March 4 - 2:13 pm

  We have found the car to be the perfect car for us. Other than the tires wearing out @30,000 miles, premature death of the battery and 1 bad rear door lock actuator it has been reliable. I have loaded it full to go camping and mountain biking several times; it will lots of stuff, however the 4 cyl does struggle in the mountains when loaded. MPG is great wife gets 24 around town. Doesnt drive like a mini van! Fun to drive.

• 

  great van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Skinsfan - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my MPV in may of 2001. It has been a great van for our family its not too small, and its not too big its just the right size. We have taken our MPV all over the east coast and its performed outstanding.

• 

  Very Surprised. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By rvc - March 4 - 2:16 am

  I was very surprised when I drove the CX-9. The interior is very quiet and rides smooth. I am not an SUV/minivan person at all but I am very happy with my purchase. I traded my 2006 Acura TL for it because I needed more room. The features it has for the money makes it a no-brainer for me. It is very comfortable, and the Bose 5.1 surround is outstanding. Even better than the Acuras ELS 5.1. I got the nav, rear entertainment etc. The A/V jack and 115v AC outlet is a good idea and will prove to be useful! My kids love it and we are looking forward to going on a road trip. I think anyone looking for an SUV or CUV should look very hard at the CX-9 as the value is hard to beat.

• 

  A Total Redesign - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By MZDADRVR410 - March 3 - 11:33 pm

  I test drove 22 cars in 5 weeks while I was shopping for a new car. The 2010 Mazda 3 s GT 2.5 was the very first car I drove, and was the car that I purchased. For a car in this class you simply cannot and will not find more available options. Fully loaded this cars sticker price is about 24,000 and its worth every penny. This car is zippy, fun to drive, and responsive, but still maintains a smooth ride. There are options available in this car that you wont even find in a 3 series BMW.

• 

  Going on second 100,000 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MC - March 3 - 2:10 pm

  Bought new in 04, traded in a Passat which was nice but had electrical problems. The "6" has been one of my favorite cars of my 30 plus years of driving. It is the only car i have actually kept for 100,000 miles and I plan to keep it another 100,000. I have done one spark plug replacement, one battery, new front brakes including calipers (ouch) about to put on the third set of tires Yokohama Avid 4vs got 55,000 miles better and cheaper than stock Michelins, and regular fluid changes. Leather still looks good, paint is great. Just had the radiator flushed and while at the dealer sat in a new 09--nice car a little bigger all the way around but it doesnt have the handy two stage console. Picky

• 

  Great CUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By stevem8 - March 3 - 2:06 pm

  As lots of others here, I drove lots of other CUVs. I traded in my Audi A4 Quattro. I was very worried about losing performance and handling of the A4, but with the CX its all here! It still blows me away when I hit it off the line. Its so fast for this size of vehicle. The gas does suffer while doing quick starts, but to me its worth the performance! The other CUVs in its class were boring and felt numb. This is a CUV for people who love to drive!

• 

  Great family car with sporty look! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Sebastian - March 3 - 8:27 am

  I loved driving the car for long and short distance rides with my wife and 15 month old son. The big light truck tires are exactly what you need on Michigan roads with tons of potholes. The car is quite heavy, but still handling was great in all whether conditions. I was driving on wet streets, in ice and snow (having snow tires) and always felt a bit ahead of the other guys, because the car is very stable.

• 

  Perfect car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John Mathews - March 2 - 8:10 pm

  I have had the car for 4 years now and can say its been a pleasure. I get about 27 mpg, car has not had a single problem also has plenty of room and power. The trunk on this car is HUGE!!

• 

  Just a rental by an 04 Mazda 6 V6 owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - March 2 - 2:20 am

  Rented a new 3 on a biz trip. This car didnt appear to be very heavily optioned, but I was surprised at how peppy it was. Interstate ride VERY smooth and quiet, just a little wind noise from driver door weatherstripping. Great sound system, great AC.