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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  Have fun/save gas - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wallenstein - September 27 - 7:43 pm

  Researched similar vehicles to death, but having owned 2000 and 2002 Proteges with no unscheduled maintenance problems, the 2008 was a no-brainer. Its fast enough, handles as if on rails, drivers seat and position are a great fit. Averaging 34 mpg in mixed Spring driving (I coast a lot downhill). Owner oil and filter changes are not difficult if you have ramps that are not steeply angled. Trade your premium fuel burners. It would be difficult not to like the value in the Mazda3.

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  Deal of the Century - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By dontknomuch - September 27 - 7:36 pm

  I bought an 09 Sport model with AT and pearl paint for $17995. My wife just loves the car...the four kids fit with no problem. The gas mileage is fantastic.

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  2002 Mazda 626 - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Patrick Collins - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, and I have no complaints except that the A/C compressor had to be replaced a week after delivery due to a leaking seal. Also, the front bumper is misaligned and the dealership has no clue what is wrong with it.

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  What I Want It! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mxfem - September 27 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Dodge Carvan 2001 for the last 2.5 years, I decided to purchase a reliable and cost effective vehicle (minivan). I searched and checked the Honda (overprice), the Toyota (not quite what I was expecting for $26k), and then the Mazda MPV. So far the minivan has performed well and my family is comfortable. I have owned Mazda vehicles before, and I am very satisfied with this one.

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  Zoom Zoom - and its a van?? - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By fiedlerclan - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased a Midnight Blue Mica MPV LX with the following accessories: Traction control, side airbags, 4 season pkg, luggage rack for under 20G. With 2,000 cash back, nice standard features and dealers willing to go below invoice price, You cant go wrong with the MPV. No buyer remorse here. Did I mention - 5 star crash ratings.

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  Mazda got it right this time - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fly Fisher - September 26 - 1:43 pm

  Looked at everything out there for about a year and after I drove the Mazda knew it was the perfect car for me. If you love to drive but need a family sedan this car wins hands down over the competition. Power, handling, quality features and the best design out there make this a winner and I would recommend everyone test drive it before they buy.

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  Economical fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By fred - September 24 - 10:56 pm

  We have only owned the car for 3 weeks but have enjoyed the feel of the road again. Not big, not powerful but quick and very smooth on smooth road.

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  Value Plus - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Discerning Dude - September 22 - 7:30 pm

  Had the car for 3 weeks now, replacing an 05 Altima. I do both highway and city driving, and this car has a ride quality you would find in a larger sedan but with power and maneuverability when you want it. Where the Altima was harsh and noisy, the Mazda exudes confidence, handling all road surfaces with ease. From a style standpoint, you cant beat the aggressive stance and overall lines - borrowing cues from Lexus and Infiniti isnt such a bad thing, and the design is hands down nicer than Camry or Accord, and the "happy face" grille of the Altima. Fuel economy is about the same as the Altima - its reasonable given the power and performance of the V6.

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  Check out all minis - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By M and M - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent value. Kids are in college but wife still wanted room for 6. I wanted fun to drive and easy on gas. This van fits the bill for both. It really zooms and handles like a car. I could not justify the extra cost of the Honda or Toyota when this van was available (LX) for under $20K.

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  nice car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By petros87 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  very nice car . it could be a little havier with better matrrials and a four wheel drive .