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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  Horrible Car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By angelcls1 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  At first I love my 626 I had no problems and it ran fine. I made sure I took care of getting my oil changed and any other items I needed to keep may car running. At my years date all of a sudden the car went down hill. Brakes and tranimission both went out and as you know niether are under warranty. Beware before you Buy!!!

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  Mazda5 Grand Touring, so far I love it! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By baltimorejim - March 5 - 6:49 am

  Ive had my Mazda5 for about a month now and I am really impressed with this vehicle. Since 1987 I only owned two cars, both were Honda Accords. This time around I wanted something different and I test drove a 2012 Honda CR-V (expensive), a Hyundai Tuscon (cheap interior) and a Toyota Rav4 (just didnt like it). Finally I test drove the Mazda5. It is a feature laden vechicle that is fun to drive and is "a lot of vehicle for the money". Working with Hertitage Mazda in Baltimore was the best vehicle purchasing experience Ive had in 45 years of buying cars. The only downside Ive found so far is that gas mileage is only average.

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  Excellent Car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By christophe111 - March 3 - 9:10 pm

  I bought my Mazda 3 brand new 7 months ago, and dont have a single regret. I love the handling, and wanted a manual, but decided an automatic was better suited to my long commute which often leaves me sitting in traffic. Everything has worked perfectly, and other than routine maintenance I havent had it to the dealer for anything.

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  Great Handling SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By D K Stewart - March 3 - 5:43 pm

  This is the best handling SUV that you can buy. In fact it handles much better than most cars. For example it handles better than an Acura TSX. We average over 21 MPG in town that includes some freeway driving. We have taken one trip--over 1000 miles and we averaged 25 MPG. Even though the engine is not a smooth and quiet as a V/6, it performs better that any of the V/6s that we drove. We found that the handling on most Toyota SUVs was very sloppy and while the Acura MDX did handle and drive well, The CX-7 looks so much better and costs about $10,000 less(Im talking about what you can actually buy one for). The Acura is nicer inside but the build quality on the CX-9 is just as good.

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  love it ! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3H - March 3 - 12:46 pm

  I did a lot of reviews on mazda3, civic, corolla, drive them all and wow, what a difference. You can really feel the power of mazda3, I love the features, you have all you need and they are really useful. I bought this hatchback at invoice price, graphite color to hide the smiling grille. I have the Bose package but my accords sound system is way far better than the Bose. Maybe because it doesnt have the subwoofer and only the front speakers are the Bose, the rest are standard. Over all, I love the aggressive look of the hatchback, civic and corolla just look so boring. Well see this coming fall when the 2011 civic comes out. Im a Honda boy, but the m3 hatchback is really a top competitor.

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  Still Running Smooth - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By riohioe - March 3 - 2:53 am

  Has 14,000 miles in 8 months and nothing is wrong. The check engine light and tire monitor light are on and off and on and off again. No big deal and Ill get used to it. Cant complain for this price, new SUV and far more reliable than my ML430 that I sold for CX-7. Some of us hate the turbo lag but I dont feel much of it. If theres a 2 seconds lag, I dont give a hoot because Im in no rush.

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  3,000 miles and counting.... - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By dwbinnwa - March 2 - 6:21 pm

  As a 6 foot 4 inch man, I was worried about this vehicle. However a test drive proved I had nothing to fear. I can easily get in and out with plenty of room once nestled in the soft leather seat. The styling is impressive, with an aggressive looking nose and a well done interior. The sun roof, reverse camera, Bose sound system, and easy to collapse rear seats are also positives. This SUV isnt going to throw you back in your seat when accelerating, but it is quick enough for my purposes and havent found myself wanting more.

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  2009 Mazda3 GT (Sedan): Quick Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cardero - March 1 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased the 2009 Mazda3 GT w/ Luxury Package in September 08. I have put close to 4k KMs on it since. I had compared it to several other cars in its price range; overall I am very pleased with my purchase. The combination of sleek exterior design, modern interior loaded with standard features, and quick and agile response and handling make this car a pleasure to drive. Features included with the GT trim w/ luxury package (i.e. moonroof, leather interior, Bose audio, heated seats, chrome door handles, modern interior and exterior trim/dash design, climate control, nice front grill, curvy where it counts) support the feeling that I got a ton of value for my dollar.

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  Great buy in the Minivan market - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By CPS - March 1 - 10:00 am

  The car looks great and is fun to drive. The new front grill really looks sporty and makes the car look more like a car and less like a minivan. Gas mileage has been good. This is the best buy in the Japenese import market. The van isnt as big as the Honda, but you do get a car like driving experience with the MPV and feel less like you are driving a minivan.

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  Feelin Like a Million Bucks! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By memrie - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is my first vehicle purchase since graduating from college in 02 and Im 100% satisfied. I bought the 8 not for the rotary, the excellent handling, or the 238HP but for how it made me feel when driving. And you know what, I feel like a million bucks everytime I see and get in my 8. I love the questions and compliments from random people about this car and have never tired of telling about it. The RX8 is the total package.