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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  The only sports car you need - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bob williams - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the only sports car you need,Your kids will be popular at school just because of how cool this car is. the interior design is awsome. it has so much room for a sports car. It has more room then a altima or maxima in the back. the whole car is balanced so theres no way it can flip over.It has a great engine and great wheels, you feel like your in a rocket when you just hit 50. wow. The doors are the most coolest thing on this car. it looks so cool. scince they have these doors its so easy to get into and out of the car.

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  The only sports car you need - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bob Williams - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the only sports car you need,Your kids will be popular at school just because of how cool this car is. the interior design is awsome. it has so much room for a sports car. It has more room then a altima or maxima in the back. the whole car is balanced so theres no way it can flip over.It has a great engine and great wheels, you feel like your in a rocket when you just hit 50. wow. The doors are the most coolest thing on this car. it looks so cool. scince they have these doors its so easy to get into and out of the car.

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  Ask questions! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Ian - March 29 - 3:03 pm

  Ive been a devoted MDX guy and thought Id try something different. The CX9 seems to be abouit 85% of what an MDX is. Thats ok given the price. And its fun to drive. BUT the options are so confusing that youve got to ask questions about what youre getting and not getting. With the MDX youve got about two choices and you get everything. Some models have the side warning thing, some dont; depends on when during the year it was built. If you want a sun roof you cant have the entertainment pckg. and so on. What most bugs me that there was no home link system to open the garage - something you dont even think to ask about these days. Lesson is go over EVERY detail several times!

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  Youll never want to buy another car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By hmarie23 - March 29 - 12:50 pm

  I owned my 2005 Mazda3i for just over a year before it was totaled. Im still mourning the loss of this car & with any luck will purchase another soon. I bought my mazdda3 used with 100,000 miles and drove it for 22,000 more. This car is extremely reliable, never had any problems with it (which is great since it had been in 2 minor accidents before I got it). Gas mileage was excellent -mostly highway driving usually got around 30 mpg which is great for a college students budget! My only complaint (aside from the lack of any real space needed when I was moving) was that around 110,000 miles it began to shake when it idled, before that it was smooth sailing. You cant go wrong buying this car

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  The Zoom We Have Been Waiting "4" - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Scott Gottuso - March 28 - 10:03 pm

  We looked at the Infinite FX35 and were convinced this was our next vehicle. We saw a CX-7 on the road and within two weeks flew from Florida to New York to make the purchase. We got a great deal. The CX-7 is awesome and fun to drive. It has plenty of power and tons of cool features. The little things Mazda thought of to include are huge. A small blue light the illuminates the cup holder area at night with just enough light to hit the hole. The blue/orange back lighting and the upgraded headlamps with the GT Package are a must. The price was key. All the features of the FX35 without paying for the name.

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  Excellent Car at a great price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By doru31 - March 27 - 12:43 pm

  Excellent handling and suspension. Good braking with all disk brakes. Power and torque is a little low; could use more power like 180hp and 180lbs. torque. Interior and exterior styling is great with good quality. I like the side turn indicators which many cars dont have. Fully loaded for $21K (sunroof, leather, xenon, heated seats, clear led tail lights, 17 inch rims, 6-CD BOSE). Great car at a great price. I highly recommend it.

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  2015 Mazda 6 Touring - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By scrdn1 - March 27 - 9:23 am

  At the end of my VW CC lease, I chose the Mazda 6 Touring with the 6 speed manual. Chose the Mazda for the manual, and didnt want a mid size sedan with a CVT transmision. Well put together inside and out. Trunk is cavernous and rear seats have great leg room. I have had problems with the touch screen as Edmunds suggests. MPG has been about 28 in mixed city highway driving. Its also a beautiful car BTW with the Deep Crystal Blue exterior.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - March 26 - 5:10 pm

  This car has it all. Most luxuries are included in this car. The stereo kicks, the dashboard and gauges look awesome, and the car looks AMAZING from the outside. Ive got the Purple Phantom color and it is mean looking. Highly recommended. A+++

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  A complete package - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Hector - March 26 - 6:30 am

  I was hesitant to buy this vehicle, but a child on the way so needed to make the mature decision. This vehicle is practical with sliding doors. The tires (Toyos) are weak, so I changed them out and the handling has dramatically improved. overall this is a very sensible vehicle.

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  One week with new car - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Walter - March 25 - 3:53 pm

  I have only had the Mazda6 for one week. t he exceleration is just about what I expect from the 4 cylinder engine. The engine is smooth in daily driving. you do notice the engine on exceleration, but it is not taxing our too intruding. I like the red colored gauges at night. I like the radio controls on the steering wheel. The 5 speed automatic transmission is smooth, but I particularly like being able to shift it manually if I wanted. the wear seats are roomy. I have good room in the drivers seat. The drivers seat is easy to adjust for comfort. The wear seats are roomy anough, although I will be driving up front. Highway driving is a breeze.