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:

• 

  what - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mary beth - November 10 - 10:00 am

  breath taking so amazing so pretty not big and not to small so so cool

• 

  Fun to drive, comfortable... concerned - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By socalowner - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Cool to drive. Many compliments on the Mazda6 sports package style. Good handling & comfortable. Trunk has good amount of space. My Mazda6 has good acceleration when in the higher gears. At times feels as if transmission is trying to catch up, especially in the slapstick manual mode. My concern is how much quality the transmission has. I have had problems changing gears in both the manual and auto modes. I cant tell yet if it is me getting used to the sportamatic or if there is actually is a problem. Still a great car.

• 

  In limbo... - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By imnmpbaby - November 9 - 7:30 pm

  I had been looking at a Mazda 3 for about a year, and finally purchased mine back in May- its beautiful and gets a lot of looks around town. Moving from a Pontiac Grand Am GT1 to this car took a bit of getting used to, but I really enjoy my new car. If they could fix the AC problem with this model, this car would be absolutely perfect!

• 

  Best Buy SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jimev - November 9 - 11:26 am

  I love my CX-9. The best styling of any SUV out there PLUS it has a 3rd row! This is a lot of SUV for the at any price but especially for the money. I might trade this on in at 90K or maybe not. Not even a hint of any mechanical trouble so far. My son has been asking me to sell it to him when I finally get a new one. My main motivation to get a newer model would due to significant improvements in the HMI (GPS - Navigation, etc.) Maybe with Honda and Toyota having their issues Mazda will finally get the respect that they deserve.

• 

  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Starke - November 9 - 7:23 am

  I absolutely love my RX-8. Its a blast to drive! The effortless acceleration and outstanding handling even make the daily commute exciting. Its not the best for a Nebraska winter, but Ill put up with that for the rest of the thrills.

• 

  The Perfect Utility Commuter Car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By tr_pe - November 9 - 5:36 am

  Having a 70 mile (round trip) commute to drive every day will make you think long and hard about what you want in a car. I waited about 4 months to write this review so I would have a large sample size to go on. About 80-85% of my driving are freeway miles, in San Francisco Bay Area traffic. Having now put about 9,000 miles on the car, I can tell you unequivocally that I made the right choice in a new vehicle. I am AVERAGING 39 mpg. I could probably get better than 40 if I slowed down a little. Ive had the mileage get as high as 44.5 mpg over a 35 mile stretch with the cruise control locked in at 65 mph. YSeats are comfy for extended drives. Manual tranny and clutch are very precise.

• 

  Mazda MPV LX - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Dick - November 9 - 4:03 am

  This is our second MPV. First one was a 2000 model with very few options. This time we went with the LX Plus model with almost everything but leather. Wife loves this auto as it drives like a car, is smaller than the Honda and Toyota models and allows her the flexibility to shop till she cant cart anymore.

• 

  soccer mom has never had so much fun - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By kirk - November 9 - 12:16 am

  Im only 12 and my mom and I were not very happy about the idea of a minivan. My dad told us to see if we liked the Mazda and we did. The power and and style of it are great. My mom and I have both think this is the coolest minivan there is. Lots of power makes a mom in a Yukon turn red.

• 

  Fan-freakin-tastic - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Amanda - November 8 - 2:33 pm

  I test drove the Mazda and fell in love. To be fair I drove a civic just to make sure... it was no contest. The Mazda and I just clicked like it was meant to be. Ive had no problems yet, although I thought I had a problem with the clock losing time. Its been ok for a day now so well see.

• 

  Sweet Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - November 8 - 8:16 am

  I just got a Mazda3 S Touring 5 door galaxy grey and its really sweet! I test drove the Honda Civic. I am 63 and didnt fit too well inside and it was a little slow. I also test drove the Acura RSX and the same thing. Then I test drove the M3 and it was awesome, really roomy and drives like a dream. I am 21 and its my first new car. I have a little over 600 miles so far and its perfect so far.