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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  Just love it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By mary - January 24 - 4:43 am

  Hey, I just purchased this vehicle 5 days ago. I just love it! It drives so smooth and quietly. I love the pick-up it has. The AC is nice and cold. All my co-workers really like it too. The volume and channel control on the steering wheel is great without having to reach for the knob. My 16 year old daughter wishes it was hers. No way! All mine!

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  Wow - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tim - January 23 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 2 weeks ago. I have driven this vehicle hard as well as babied it, the response from the throttle to the engine is immediate. The new look is completely amazing, love the new look. The interior is very roomy and comfortable even for a "big" person (58 300) plenty of leg room in the back. Bluetooth Is very reliable. MPG could be better Im getting about 19 or so miles to the gallon so far.

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  Why did I buy this van? - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Mad Driver - January 23 - 9:30 am

  I have no idea why I bought this van. I think I fell for the tricks: fold down 3rd seat, removable 2nd row, roll down windows for the middle with both doors sliding. Back then, those were all new and some still havent taken them on. But things went bad fast. I started having problems, but sadly let them sit til the warranty went, and then it all got way worse. Granted I drive a lot, but things were worse than imaginable, the brakes went bad in half the time they should have, the tires needed replaced an average of 20,000 miles earlier, and you cant do any engine maintenance yourself. Expensive parts, too.

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  Brilliant - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ryan - January 22 - 6:06 am

  I choose the Mazda 6 over the BMW 330i, because of its looks both inside and out. The warrenty also made the car more appealing. More for your money, than the BMW

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  The new Mazda3 is great! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Amber - January 21 - 5:16 am

  I have only had my car now for 5 days and I am in love. It is always the nicest car in the parking lot when I am leaving my college. It is so smooth to drive and the automatic is fantastic with the option to put it in manual drive! I dont like all the red color for the radio but besides that it is everything I hoped for. It is not that roomy in the back but I dont care much because I rarely have people sitting back there anyways. The only worry I have is the cloth material they have for the seating. I saw a 2006 used Mazda whose seat fabric was coming apart because of the type of material it is. I just filled up my tank and I only got about 27.6 miles to the gallon which is a bummer.

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  One of a KInd! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stuntman Bob - January 21 - 4:46 am

  This replaces my 2008 Mazda3 GT hatch that was the identical trim with Bose/Roof package. The differences though are stark and immediately obvious.I was nervous as in jan. when I got it the reviews were limited and die-hard Mazda3 people were ragging it into the ground for design which turned out to be something that grew on everybody once they bought the car and experienced perfection. We were all scared it would not be better than its predecessor, well it is and in every category, Suspension,Engine, Transmission, Interior noise level, European feel and interior materials. Its a car that I already know is destined to be one of the all time greatest cars ever built- forget the class its in.

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  So far so good. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin B - January 21 - 4:33 am

  All of the features have been covered in other reviews but have two complaints. 1. Someone else mentioned the dirt/rocks issue....for some reason, on this vehicle, the rocks and dirt you pick up from the road rolls around in the wheel wells and is very audible..more so then any other vehicle I have had, even a Toyota Pick UP..so that can be somewhat annoying..I purposely avoid sandy parts of the road cuz I dont want to hear the rocks rattling around for the next 10 seconds.

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By ProudMazdaDriver - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have never liked Ia car I have owned for more than 6 months. Its been 13 months now and I LOVE THIS CAR!!! Wanted a Lexus ES300 and it was a little over my price limit but this car has made me very happy! Perfect experience like Ive never had before with dealership on purchase and service. One thing...you might want to have more option with roadside service than the free one offered through Mazda. The roadside service people are rude, limited in providers and virtually worthless. It took them 4 hours to get my keys out of my car.

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  My Pal - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Pete/N.Y. - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Will always have a least 1 convertible in my driveway thanks to Mazda.Car is everything a roadster should be.Price makes it a clear choice over any sports car on the road today.

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  It is different - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Hamid Mahmood - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have used some other MiniVans. This is my first drive and buy of a Mazda vehicle. I really astonished to see such a good performing vehicle and with some many features (in ES model), which compititers are selling in more than $6000. Performance and reliability is much higher than my expections. I am really happy to own this minivan.