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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  Caveat emptor - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Deaun - September 30 - 12:03 pm

  Let the buyer beware, indeed! This is my daily driver, plenty of miles, over 53,000 in 22 months. Comfortable and a pleasure to drive, but fixes are a pain (towing, tires are non-standard, weeks at a dealership, and worse once the warrenty expired). Gas mileage and cup holder complaints are valid. Tail light seals are faulty. Many rattles from underneath - try wire (metal) ties - and inside (super glue?). I traded my Miata for this? Am searching for my next car right now. Very disappointed in the quality and/or reliability of the RX8 after spending the time to locate my dream car.

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  Dont hesitate, just get one! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gishapir - September 29 - 4:23 am

  I couldnt be happier with the car so far and Ive only done a few hundred miles. The AC works beautifully (I know some people have complained with the 07 model). The back seat area, although small, fits 3 people in the back rather comfortably. When only 2 are in the back, there is a rather wide seat separator with two cup holders. Even the doors have cup holders on the sides! The car is a 4 cyl. car so dont expect crazy acceleration, but it does an amazing job of taking off and accelerating via the manual control from 3 to 4th gears. The car takes turns amazingly. The car is virtually silent while idling. There is also amazing room in the glove comp. Im very pleased so far!

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  Joys Ride - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By bballa - September 28 - 10:00 am

  A fun sporty little car( 5 speed manual trans.) that is also economical. There is enough room up front for me (62" 210), head and leg room are no problem. The back seats two adults comfortably. Very good value /quality for the money.

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  Fun Mazda - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Violet - September 28 - 10:00 am

  It drives wonderful and is very reliable along with its neat features.

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  We love it! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Sbaron - September 28 - 10:00 am

  We have a LX MPV with rear air, roof rack, rear bumper cover. Traded a 95 Windstar (RIP). We love the MPV so far. Have 6000 miles. We keep finding reasons to go places so we can enjoy the road!

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  BEST DEAL IN TOWN - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Duff - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I own a Tribute ES/V6. This car has EVERYTHING I could ask for in a car: 4WD, power windows, power seat adjustment, sun roof, heated sets, 6-cd/cassette/radio, heated seats and mirrors, leather interior, etc. For the same price, I could have gotten a bare-bones Highlander if I was lucky. It has at least the same, if not better, pickup and performance than my old Jeep Grand Cherokee. Also, even though the Tribute is smaller, it somehow seems roomier inside. It gets good mileage, has great pickup and handling. It is so quiet that sometimes when I am parked, I need to check if I started the car before I drive away! I would recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  AWSOME - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - September 28 - 10:00 am

  LOVE IT TO DEATH!!!!!!!!!

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  My favorite car so far - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Mr T - September 27 - 3:33 pm

  We are expecting our second child and our Mazda tribute is now too small when carrying people around (we had to drive two cars). So we started looking for a 7 passenger vehicle, the choices were between the Pilot, Highlander, Traverse and the CX-9. The Pilot and the Traverse had finishing touches that seemed cheap, the Highlander exterior design seems as it did not know if it wanted to be a truck or a car so it chose something in between. At the end we got the CX-9 because we qualified for the 0% APR and no money down. Hey why pay cash when the bank is giving you money for free! So far no buying remorse.

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  Brought the First 2009 Mazda 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hoysum81 - September 26 - 7:06 pm

  I just got the new 2009 Mazda 6 yesterday. it was the first one brought in the whole New York. I got the S Grand Touring, the V6 one. Its a beautiful car. I was about to get the Nissan Altima, but after hours, hours of research, I decided to wait for the Mazda 6, and it was definitely worth the wait and all the time I put into researching cars. I have test driven Accords, Altimas, Camrys, Acuras, and none of them drive better then the 2009 Mazda 6. besides the driving, the car is beautiful from outside to inside. Everyone that is looking for a new car should definitely give the 2009 Mazda 6 a look. I believe this will change the way people look at Mazda cars now.

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  My 1st Mazda, lovin the 2008 CX-7! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By JES - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After owning all American cars (Chryslers, Fords and one GM) since my beloved 1985 Honda Civic I purchased a 2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring after a recommendation from one of the dealerships I was shopping at. I had never even considered a Mazda before but I did about 4 days of crash research on everything Mazda I could find on the Net and test drove 3 different CX-7s before I made the purchase. After a week and a half of ownership I am in love with it. The drive, performance and look are second to none and I got a GREAT DEAL on it. So far I am very impressed and pleased with it, looking forward to doing a little customization on it! :-)