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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  Love my Mazda - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MASSBEAN - January 16 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first Mazda and we love it. Went to auto shows and read many reviews before deciding. Drove the Edge and several others but nothing beat the driving and handling. It is so fun to drive. I traded in a lg SUV and I love the difference - I feel like Im in a sports car. The room is great, love the dashboard display and the Bose/sunroof. My only 2 complaints are that it could be better on gas and there is no trip odometer. I traded a 5.4 Expedition and Im only getting 4-5 mpg better. Mazda could work on that, otherwise no complaints so far

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  The Right Decision for Me - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By SilverArrow - January 16 - 8:40 pm

  I have only had this car for 11 days, so I really cannot comment on my "ownership experience" yet. Still too soon! I will say that I cannot imagine finding another new car in this price range that offers so much, for so little.

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  Just Plain FUN - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Brad - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  This is our 2nd Miata, had a 97 model for the last 2 years and loved it. The upgrades are just right, the handling has not been sacrificed, the shift is smooth as silk. The extra torque comes in handy when you dont want to play with the shifter a lot. I think Ill always own one of these!

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  happy but not so happy - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By kelle - January 16 - 6:50 am

  This is our first minivan, weve had it for 5 years with minimal problems. One thing I really dislike is that a lot of the parts are made cheaply and have broken with normal use. The handles on both my rear sliding door simply broke off in my hand when opening the door. Also, the plastic clip that holds the sunflap up has broken on both sides, and the console hinge opens sometimes when driving. These parts are all made of plastic, and I wonder why they have broken... I have never heard of another vehicle with two door handles breaking off like that. Needless to say, they are extremely expensive to fix, as have been most of the seemingly simple repairs on this vehicle.

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  Zoom zoom ... yeah - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By LDavisaz - January 15 - 9:43 pm

  This little puppy has guts and handles nicely in any situation. Acceleration from 0 -60 is quick, smooth, and a pleasure to experience. Trusty reaction time! Nice interior with spacious leg room, well laid out, and all controls in easy access.

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  ONE GREAT CAR! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By X - January 15 - 10:36 am

  I purchased this car new. It is a V6 with a manual transmission. After 6 years and 107K miles it has never stranded us. Very few problems (coolant expansion tank burst and the cable opening the hood broke). It still looks and drives like new. It has good giddy-up and is fun to drive with the power moon roof and CD player. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  Glad I passed on the Civic.. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cheezhead21855 - January 13 - 10:36 pm

  Tremendous driving experience..it feels tight on corners, has a lot more zip than my Tiburon and gets great mileage. Only owned it for a week but I am extremely happy that i opted for the Mazda rather than the Civic. I bought with my heart and not my head, but now my head agrees :) First tank of gas averaged 31 mpg.

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  So far so good - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jhunterk - January 13 - 6:26 am

  Have had the car for 10 months, 6k miles, 0 problem so far. IMHO, it is the best compromise among gas mileage, cosmetics, reliability, and a sporty ride. On highway, the 40mpg is spot on. The hatchback is super useful, once I was able to put FIVE dinning chairs in it. Very good lumbar support too. Con: The ride could be bumpy on crapy road because of its sporty suspension. Not as quiet as toyota, could use better noise isolation

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  Loved it....BUT..... - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Shadowsmom06 - January 13 - 4:48 am

  So after hours online searching for the pefect suv I found the new cx-9.... I went to my nearest Mazda dealer to test drive and fell in LOVE....but one missing must have...NO HEATED STEERING WHEEL.....very disappointed.....come to find out that the 2016 cx-9 in Canada HAS one....WHAT???? please mazda add for us Americans and Ill buy one.....thanks

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  Fun and practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By RAHanson - January 13 - 12:56 am

  I wanted a fun-to-drive station wagon as an alternative to an SUV. The Mazda 6s met the mark. The manual transmission is great--very smooth clutch, quick response (much better than automatic). It holds the road well. It has plenty of cargo room. Unlike some other wagons, the back seat folds completely flat--this is great, especially for transporting animals.