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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  For the empty nester - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By rvanparys - June 21 - 7:30 pm

  Kids all gone? Maybe its time to have a little fun... The RX 8 certainly can fill that bill. I chose the car because I wanted a fun to drive car. The four doors were the selling point since we have an Old English Sheep Dog who loves rides... Unfortunately the dog can only sit in the front seat which means she stays home when my wife and I hit the road... That said, there is ample space for grandkids and adults for short trips... Handling is great and the automatic performs flawlessly. Not as fast as a 6 speed but then I am not into racing. Fit and finish is good and seats comfortable on long trips. There is a little more road noise than I would like but you can still hear the Zoom Zoom!

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  I LOVE my Tribute!!! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Barbara - June 20 - 4:43 pm

  I have owned many Ford Explorers in my time and this vehicle blows them all away. It is SOOO much better and more fun to drive. It now has over 40,000 miles and I still love it. I hate the tires, though. No problems to speak of. Ive even towed with it.

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  Excellent and Poor - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Leo - June 20 - 4:13 pm

  Car was an excellent experience until recently, it started to stall in hot weather. After looking in the internet to see if this was unusual I was surprised to see that persons in hot climates, with or without humidity have had major issues with the engine. Mazda seems to have done all it could to fix the issue without having to replace the engine but in some cases the harm done to the engine has been too great and an engine replacement is needed - if you have this issue get to the dealer before the warranty expires or you will be stuck. I now have a new engine at 56K miles and all is well. Aside from the engine issue, the car had been the best I have owned.

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  Value and Performance! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zoom, zoom! - June 20 - 5:20 am

  I just traded in my 2005 Explorer for this gem and I am not sorry. The 3 has great get-up and is a blast to drive. It does not feel cheap like its competitors (Honda, Chevy, etc.). I got the metallic paint upgrade and people say it looks more like a Lexus or a BMW. Interior is great, also. Reminds me a bit of an Audi A4! The fuel economy is nice. Really fun on a curvy road as there is very little body roll. Decent stereo and low cabin noise. Nice tranny action. 6 airbags, nicely bolstered seats, nifty looking headlights and taillights, and a large trunk. All this for very little money! Couldnt ask for much more.

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  Still Like It - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By erasmus75 - June 20 - 12:42 am

  I purchased the Mazda 6 back in October 2010. Have around 24,000 miles Never had any major problems with it so far. I just changed my front brakes after 20,000 miles. Has pretty good pick- up for a 4 cylinder. Drives very well on the highway. Very large trunk and a roomy back. I would highly recommend this car to any perspective buyers.

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  2018 Mazda CX 9 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Frank - June 20 - 12:19 am

  Seats are heated, but not air cooled! Getting out is kinda akward, but not too uncomfortable. Air conditioning controls could have been in a little more user friendly location. GPS would definitely been better had it had real time traffic conditions, and capability to zoom into current location.

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  Unexpected Value and Fun - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By pd - June 19 - 4:40 am

  After tax and fees base sport approaching 26K but worth every penny. Ride is very stiff, noisy especially in the back seat, bumps at highway speeds are worrisome. Easy to overlook these faults because of the handling, connected feel and sheer fun. Shifter is surprisingly good although I read mixed reviews. The exterior design is subjective but Ive gotten no complaints. The interior is well laid out and pleasing to the eye. There are subtle blue LEDs at night that are always on inside. The overall package just works and its becoming one of my favorite rides.

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  zoom zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By spikeblue - June 18 - 9:46 pm

  I used to have a Mazdaspeed Protege but I wanted to change. I dont like SUVs but I saw the CX-7 at the dealer and I fell in love with it. The styling, the inside, and how it feels when you drive is just a sports car with more space and more height.

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  Excellent Bang For The Buck! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Steve Richards - June 18 - 1:30 pm

  Just bought and so far, am VERY impressed with my CX-9. It replaced a 3 year old Volvo XC-90. Feels solid, drives great, looks great and I actually prefer it over the Volvo. Plenty of room inside to buy just about anything with the seats down. Rear seat heat and a/c is actually effective. Keyless everything is great. For the price, it cant be beat. I looked at much more expensive vehicles including Audi, Mercedes and Lexus and aside for the interior wood trim, softer leather and a little extra glitz in these high end crossovers, the Mazda is a winner and represents incredible value. It really has everything youd ever want.

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  Sporty design and fun to drive - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Acepsu94 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were interested in purchasing an Odyssey as our first van, but came across the MPV in the Consumer Report mag. Read and research this vehicle and was impressed by the reviews and safety features. The wife and I stopped by a local dealer and checked it out and my wife fell in love with it. A week later we bought it at dealer cost (try to negotiate below invoice - Dealer holdback of $459). I just can not stop loooking at our new van. The design ROCKS!!!!