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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  rmoore - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rmoore - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i own a 2008 mazda cx9. it now has 22,000 miles on it and also a few issues. one being the relays for the fans. i had the front relay sticking and not shutting the fan off . the dealer replaced it and now a few months later the rear fan relay is doing the same. i also have a problem with my sunroof leaking which is strange cause i never use it. im thinking maybe the exessive heat this summer possibly. and my rear window switches have to be reset all the time which maybe related to the sunroof leak. i also had a problem with my rotors which instead of replacing the dealer cut them, and my clock is always running 10 minutes behind.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomz6 - September 26 - 9:46 am

  Test drove the Civic before deciding on the mazda 3. It is faster, more fun, better build quality, and does not feel like you are driving a spaceship. If you want to be bored of your car, buy a corolla. Civic is still a good well built car but nowhere near as much fun as they used to be. The engine is very strong for its class and is just a great example of how good Mazda is.

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  Zoom Zooom! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Don - September 24 - 2:20 pm

  Living in Denver, 5 to 6,000 ft. above sea level, a turbo is a "must have" for performance! Losing 20% to 30% of a normal cars horsepower at this altitude, its great to be back in a turbo! I bought this car for its utility and performance, and it delivers on both. Great fun to drive! The premium gas is a small price to pay for the performance. Fuel mileage is about what I would expect for a car of this size and performance. Or maybe a little better!

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  Unhappy with my zoom-zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By cherie - September 23 - 2:10 am

  I have had a very bad experience with my vehicle. I am only getting about 14- 18 miles per gallon ( supposed to be in the 24-36 range). I was given the run around and basically told that there was no problem with my vehicle.

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  Best MX5 yet - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Gary - September 22 - 3:20 pm

  This is the 2nd MX5 for me. The first I purchased new 94 red with tan leather and top 5 speed. I put 186000 miles on it and wished I had never sold it. This is car is the first used car I have purchased in over 30 years, but it only had 5700 miles on it. Is a 2006 Copper Red Mica and tan leather inside that I love and tan cloth top. 33 mpg and pure fun. Hope Im as happy with this one as the 94.

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  Love Our Mazdas - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Riles - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love our Mazdas. We have had two other Mazda 626s. We still have one of them and the other we sold with over 170,000 miles on it and still going strong. We just bought the new Mazda 6s and it is powerful, handles great. We love the sporty, classy look and we also love all the features. We always get compliments no matter where we are.

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  a head turner - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoomzoom - September 22 - 2:00 am

  a white 6s with sport package + white sport grille = a lot of attention and turned heads. i love my new 6 and cant wait to go to work in it everyday. it has great handeling, power and it just looks oh so fine. aside from the wide turning radius and fuel economy, this is a GREAT car for its value compared to the accord, camry, passat and altima. all my accord/camry/passat/altima owner friends are jealous of my sporty, sleek car and were shocked when i told them i got the v6 for 19,000. when you do get a 6, be sure to get a v6 and the sport package. you wont regret it.

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Donilee - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I was very happy with my buying experience, with the dealership, from the salesman, to the service manager. I expected better gas mileage, but it gets about 28 or 29 mpg. Even on the open road it only gets 30 mpg if the a/c is off. It is very comfortable, and has ample room for elbows, etc. That was a big deal to me. It still looks like a new car, even after six months. It handles very well. If you want alot of get up and go, it is not as good as some others maybe, but it has enough for me.

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  Slick - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By coolt - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this Tribute. I cant wait to drive it. I am more impressed each time I drive.

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  Cutie Patootey - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By dobedew - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it as a 2nd vehicle and am quite happy. Havent owned Japanese in some time and am glad I purchased it. It is cute and rides wonderful. Both peppy and sporty with wonderful gas mileage!!