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:

• 

  A sports car? A van? A Wagon? - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By withapickle - June 7 - 4:43 am

  Loaded with standards, blows away the competition, most versatile car around! Sporty, good looking, well made in Japan, seats 6, loads of room, fun!

• 

  A Good Hatchback in the Long Run? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By psychoart - June 7 - 1:56 am

  Not quite a Golf GTI GLX (VR6).Its doesnt feel as comfortable, and as responsive as the VW 4th Generation. Yet, the Mazda3 SP23 may be a better car to keep in the longer run with Xenon HID w/ manual leveling control, some rear LEDs, Bose system, automatic front wiper, audio and cruise controls in the steering wheel, and aluminium 2.3L chassis. The car is somewhat customizable with some aftermarket parts, yet may retain better reliability than the Golf IV in the electronic segment. The engine setup is very strange, and maybe good for some user.At 1k rpm to 2k rpm, the car seems to be on extreme saving mode.Its only near 5k rpm where the car STARTS to kick in. The trunk is well organized.

• 

  Mazda6 Wagon - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazdaowner666 - June 4 - 10:53 am

  Overall Impression 2004 Reasonable car for the money. Put 50K miles on ours. 5spd manual stick. Full loaded. Pros Suspension feels good. Sporty appearance. Roomy for five people. Reliable. Fit. Cons Engine is a dog for its V6 size - but of course it is made by ford. MPG also a disappointment at 24 granny-style driving hwy vs. sport driving in the city maybe 14. ie. in this category the worst of both worlds. Turning radius is pathetic. Seating poor support in the lumbar (compared to any european car). Poor tire clearance on body. Manual trans I think was built for a different engine --ratios terrible -- too tight for a 3litre engine. Should have available 4cylinder eng.

• 

  I Liked it at first.... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Unhappy Mazda owner - June 2 - 4:26 am

  Ive owned this car for quite a while now, and I have 32,000 miles on it. Its been in the service shop 8 times over the past year. Twice to re-machine the brake rotors, twice for a fan control module, and the rest of the times for interior squeaks and rattles. I am not impressed with the quality of the car, or the service at the dealership. I liked the car at first, the styling, power, and stereo made me a happy consumer. My experience has left me cold, though.

• 

  Its a Ford, people. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rjpaxton - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the 2WD DX model instead of a small pickup, and were pretty happy with it for a few months. It looks great from the outside, and the interior design is well-thought out and easy to work with. Its slooooow, though Im sure the V6 is zippier. Decent handling once you put good tires on it. Problems with: stereo, drivers side window, rear hatch window, failed wheel bearing, clutch pedal squeak, clutch chatter. Quality wholly unacceptable.

• 

  I love my 8!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PrincessNeak1 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive ever had in any of my new cars. Its been 2-1/2 months and I still love it as much as the day I bought it. So does my family. A reliable, fun, attractive sports car that is also comfortable & practicle was hard to find before the 8. Im pleased with my decision.

• 

  it looks sweet - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By steviepooh - June 2 - 2:00 am

  When you need a sudden increase in speed it doesnt do the job. After being washed the car is hard to start. Otherwise its so stylish..Oh and gas mileage with high-test isnt the greatest.

• 

  Great valure - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Jim Beck - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Although it has absolutely now power in the 4 cyl. It has been very reliable. Besides oil and gas I have spent no money on the car. I put lots of miles on the car and it still runs well. same features as camry or accord at much lower price. Could look more sporty.

• 

  Car with Personality - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dolphinsgrin - May 28 - 10:00 am

  When the lights blink at me when I say "Hello" with my keyless entry, I have to smile. Driving this car has brought me nothing but pleasure. From the way it feels sitting in the drivers seat, to the looks it gets at every red-light, Im in love with my car. Have yet to pull alongside a Mustang GT or Corvette, and not have them feel the need to prove themselves.

• 

  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tweetienstyle - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the first people to get a rx8 in yellow..for the longest time I would get people turning heads giving me thumbs up and wanting to race..I love the car..it handles great..looks sharp..it didnt come with a rear spoiler so I had it added, which made the car so much more in looks! The only complaint is the gas milage..its a gas hog..