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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  Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By JonD - October 14 - 1:33 am

  Have owned our CX-9 for 4 months. Previously had a Honda Pilot which we liked. The CX-9 is just fun to drive. Great handling. Lots of room, great features. First Mazda we have owned and we really like it.

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  Eye catching, Wallet snatching!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By cc45 - October 13 - 10:07 pm

  I bought this car still under warranty with roughly 35000 Miles on it in 2011, Car was great drove amazing handled great, I am used to SUVs So it was an adjustment with the wanky 4Cyl init, And very light weight which not a fan of, After having it and discovering the cons there are alot of them, With the HID headlights i had one go out. I thought the bulb was dead took it to mazda and well it needs all new wiring 1000 to fix and then the AC tube leaked. Alot of inside noise when driving at high speeds. Brakes suck, picking up speed and down shifting sucks, The radio is worthless!! the frames in the back the plastic around rear windshield is falling off will not stay attached. JUNK!!

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  Best First Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By johnnymize6 - October 13 - 3:06 pm

  For my first car I bought a white 2010 Mazda 3 2.0 liter i Touring with the moon and tune package. It currently has just over 52000 miles on it. The 2.0 liter 4 cyl. has good pick-up around town, but passing and merging on the freeway are a little strained. Its a fun little car that handles great and has a lot of nice features like a Bose sound system, a power sunroof, and Bluetooth. The ride is surprisingly comfortable on most bumps but on wavy surfaces it bounces up and down a lot. Its pretty quiet inside now that I put new tires on it. Everything is easy to reach while youre driving. It feels really nice and stable on the freeway, and the ride settles a bit as well.

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  Made the right choice. - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By ahhtrees - October 12 - 5:50 am

  My wife and I both stand by our decision to go with the MPV. It was a bit tough, given that it was the first year for the design, but it would appear that we made the right choice. I dont feel like Im driving a minivan when I take the MPV somewhere. A great sound system and great manuverability allow me to forget that Ive got two car seats and a weeks worth of groceries behind me.

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  Awesome! Buy One! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - October 12 - 3:06 am

  Great little car. Moved from my 2006 Mazda6 to this. I bought a manual because they are fun to drive. I found out that they are not as comfortable as the 6 at all. Car has a lot of pep. Lots of compliments. Get the White Pearl!

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  A Blast to drive! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff Bourff - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2004 Honda Accord for My Mazda6S. I took A beating ON TRADE-IN BUT IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I look forward to driving my Mazda every chance I get. Im a car FREAK and nothing compairs for the money. Best Advise: BUY ONE!

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  Mazda 3 rulez!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazdamania - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best handling car Ive driven besides the BMW! Its amazing! I love the performance and the style. Its very aerodynamic and again the best handling car out there for the bucks. Plus its fun to drive and great for cutting corners. This is a must have for anyone who seeks a car like BMW and cost 1/3 the price of the the BMW.

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  LOVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By LI TONY - October 12 - 2:00 am

  AFTER 3 PROTEGES, IT WAS TIME TO MOVE UP TO THE 6 AND WE DONT REGRET IT! WHAT A CAR! IT HAS SO MANY FEATURES FOR A GREAT PRICE. THE 4 CYLINDER HAS ENOUGH PEP AND SAVES GAS. IT RIDES SO NICE TOO.I LOVE THE DESIGN.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By t - October 11 - 3:46 pm

  Reliable transportation, like others noticed that volume went down when trying to go up. Then one day the cd player just quit. Not really happy with gas mileage - noticed that right away after buying it - not at all like my Civic. I had to fill up every third day with the Mazda - every fourth with a Civic. I get about 26 mpg.

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  I love this car. - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By fieryspirit - October 11 - 9:20 am

  With two babies, I love the fact that there are sliding doors. Its sleek design makes me feel like I am in a space shuttle. :) The fabric is easy to clean. I live in a small town with no highways, so driving around I get 29-30 mpg...which is awesome!! The price was decent too. Never thought that I would own a Mazda...went to buy a Nissan truck with my husband and saw this vehicle and fell in love. I am so happy that we bought it. Plus, the Mazda version of AAA is really reliable.