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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  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob - June 14 - 4:26 am

  I never expected the Mazda6s sports sedan to be so much fun to drive! We have 3 vehicles and 2 drivers in the family. Everyone likes to drive and ride in the sporty sedan. Its very comfortable with the new for 2006 interior. Im not a young person having been driving for 40 years. Ive been a car and motorcycle enthusiast for nearly my whole life. Ive owned cars such as a Corvette, a Porsche, and traded in a 2004 GTO on the Mazda6s sports sedan. This has to be the most fun car to drive that Ive ever owned! Even my picky adult daughter who wanted another sports coupe bought a 6s identical to ours except for the exterior color after looking at every car in its class. FUN! FUN! FUN!

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  Almost bought it - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Anton S - June 13 - 9:12 pm

  So I am looking to replace my small CRV second car to something bigger so my whole family can use it when we get tired of our Pilot. CX9 looked perfect on paper. After reviewing it online and seeing several on the roads I went to the dealership. I was ready to test drive it when I got behind the wheel and was very disappointing with the driver seat. It does not go low and far back enough. I am only 5 11 but the seat was way too high for me when doing elbow test. I also could not straighten my legs out all the way and was sitting with knee bend. I wanted to make this my commuter car but with that seat no way it might happen. May be my wife will be OK with it, but we switch a lot so it will be a no for me until its fixed. Update 8/7/2016 So I went back to the dealer and can confirm - the driver seat is not 8 way power seat. It is 6 way power seat with lumbar support. Lumbar usually does not count as a way power seat and goes on top of how many ways the seat is powered. The driver seat only goes up (whole seat) slides and back moves. It does not have front seat height adjustment. This is really disappointing since any 8 way power seat has front seat changing height with back remaining in same location.

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  Love the Tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoom...Zoom... - June 13 - 8:53 am

  Just got my Mazda this past weekend and I love everything about it so far. Drives really smooth, its a perfect fun size SUV, looks sporty, and Im hoping to have many good years with it.

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  tomsmiata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By coskey - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The Mazada Miata is an excellent sports car. It is fun to drive very inexpensive to operate and maintain. Retains a high resale value. Excellent curb appeat and attention grabber on the road. The ride comfort is excellent. fit and finish EXCELLENT. Overall great car.......

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  Best Roadster on the road - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By aneel - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a car that was so well made. Everything that needed to be thought about to put in a sports car was done on this one. Nothing is poorly done... everything is first class

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  Mazda van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By John Madden - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Mazda Van we had. We had the 2000 and the 2003. the 2003 Has a better engine and 16 in tires which give it a better ride.this van is good for a small fam.

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  Overall a Good Value - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Murf130 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a car based mini-SUV that could get around the city while still having the ability to haul and go off- road; we got it in the Tribute. It hauls my 3000 lb boat with no problem. It is sure footed in the mud of the Pac NW and you can get it in any parking spot in Seattle. You can tell however that you are buying an "economy" vehicle as its missing some of the bells & whistles that my Silverado has.

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  Perfect car for me! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ex FC 13BT owner - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love anything with Rotary Engine. This new 13B-MSP is by far the best rotary engine ever, well best engine ever IMHO. Great in every aspect. I can "feel" the passon of Mazda engineers from this car. Thank you!

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  A thing of beauty - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By larmo1 - June 11 - 1:34 pm

  I am not really into righting reviews, but I love this car. It is perfect for me. It has great gas mileage, fantastic looks, and has a comfortable sweet ride. Holy Cow! Did I say reasonably priced? This is the best car in its class hands down. It gets the same gas mileage with a 2.5 liter engine that my old Honda Civic got with a 1.7 liter engine! What I like most about the Mazda 6 is its smooth acceleration. Most cars lurch or surge when pressing on the gas. Not the Mazda 6. It smoothly and competently accelerates. And I challenge you to feel the transmission shift. It is a thing of beauty. The transmission shifts fluidly like a diver making the perfect dive... not a ripple.

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  Excellent minivan replacement - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By eml - June 11 - 1:53 am

  As a replacement for our minivan (Nissan Quest), the CX-9 is nearly as versatile, just as comfortable and much more fun to drive. The acceleration is excellent, the ride is smooth and the handling makes it feel much smaller than it actually is. Weve been on some 5 hour road trips with no complaints from our 2 teens in back. Weve also filled the 3rd row with teen-aged friends with no complaints on in-town trips. The front seating area could use some more storage space and the mpg is merely adequate but overall this is an excellent choice for those who need a versatile carrier.