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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  Awesome ride! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By M Parker - December 31 - 8:36 pm

  I traded in my BMW X3 for the CX7 Sport with the 4 cylinder engine. I test drove the CRV and the RAV4 and felt the CRV had a very rough ride and the RAV4 didnt appeal to me. My CX7 rides and drives as well as my BMW did and handles great. I went on a road trip today and averaged 28.7 mpg with the A/C on. I am very impressed with the entire package. I love the looks of CX7 and although the 4 cylinder engine might not be "peppy" enough for some, it is perfect for me. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone and am most pleased with my choice.

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  the car that shutter. confirmed by mazda - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By some_guy1 - December 31 - 5:13 am

  The car is scary to drive. there is a shutter that mazda said should be there. It feels like a little earth quake. I didnt notice it when i bought the car but the first time it happened i got scared. On top of that the car slams into gear and has such a jerky transmission that i cant believe the car is not being investigated by the NTSB. as long as you dont mind a car that shakes and you hit your head because the throttle is all over the place this is the car for you. Me hindsight 2020 i wish i never got it. I cant be more disappointed with it.

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  Great Find! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By gr8sail - December 31 - 1:25 am

  I needed to consolidate cars. My 13 year old 4Runner died and while I absolutely loved my Infiniti M45 Sport, I decided 3 cars (99 MX5 Miata 10th Anniversary edition) was one too many. I wanted the cargo ccapacity of the 4Runner and the handling of the M45. I got both in the CX9 Grand Touring. This car is great! Terrific handling, good acceleration (its not the M45) and enough high end features and gadgets to keep me happy. Mazda understands the importance of good ergonomics. The dash and controls are laid out well. The leather seats are very comfortable. There is plenty of room, front and back, ingress and egress is easy. A perfect combination of performance and functionality

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  No problems, great on twisties - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By allston - December 30 - 11:26 am

  Im now at 30k miles, and the only maintenance work Ive had has been the recommended maintenance work. The fuel mileage seems to have improved a little from when I first purchased it, and the oil consumption is also down even though Ive been driving it harder. The car excels in the turns, and its fantastic at the track.

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  Perfect Car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hbd2 - December 30 - 10:21 am

  I was planning on writing this great wordy review but after I thought about it I though, keep it simple. I have driven all manors of cars and owned mostly Hondas and Acuras with a Subaru thrown in there for fun. This is how I feel about the Mazda 3s GT. Its awesome in every way. The clutch, shifter, brakes, interior, exterior, stereo, suspension, mileage and ergonomics. It all just works and works very well.

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  Not bad, not bad! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By stinkypete - December 29 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased a 2002.5 model Protege5 just over a year ago. Ive traded it in since for something larger, but after putting 22K on it in one year, I have plenty to say. The car IS reliable. Just one small part (EGR valve) had to be replaced at 65K and that was it. Tires and oil changes were the only maintenance. The car is well designed and open. Im 6-2 and I fit pretty nice in it. The leather seats were a nice touch. The stock 6 disk cd player had very good sound, although with road noise it always had to be loud. The paint scratches easy and the resale value (esp. trade-in) is close to nothing.

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  Most for your money - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By zoompv - December 29 - 10:00 am

  At a price just below invoice,and with a $2000 rebate, this minivan beats any other for features, performance, and reliability for the money. Dont buy a Honda or Toyota or Chrysler without seriously considering the MPV.

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  Best SUV under 26K - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Sheila Sullivan - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Very peppy performing "small" SUV that feels like a mid-size vehicle & corners like a sports car. Lots of room inside for "real" people, including rear seat legroom. Fold the rear seats down & it becomes a serious hauler - very tall & wide rear hatch. Gas mileage is consistently around 20 mpg (& I drive it enthusiastically!) Just cant beat it for the bucks. After a lot of research, we are strongly considering another new Tribute next year. There just isnt anything else in its class that combines great looks, true functionality, economy of operation, and FUN to drive.

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  Great Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - December 29 - 9:03 am

  Ive driven this car from RI to California and back, then from RI to Florida and back twice. Ive logged lots of miles, and the reliability and ease of maintenance is awesome.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tom - December 29 - 5:36 am

  Picked up last week. Was looking for a vehicle with some storage/cargo capability yet with ability to carry 4 or more passengers, all for about $20K. Had looked at (photo) HHR and PT...but this was it at first sight. First one sold from my dealership.