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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  mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By fordtrucker2007 - July 22 - 7:43 pm

  I have had my 6 for three years now and love it. Besides brake and caliper issues it has had no problems. It is fun to drive and handles wonderfully. I would suggest this car to anyone wanting a family car with a fun factor.

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  Loads of fun, but... - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barb - July 22 - 5:56 am

  I have had my Mazda6 Sport Value Edition hatchback for just over a year and have 25,000 miles on it. This is a fun car with lots of pep. It looks very cool and looks like its driving even when it is parked. But the seats are not comfortable for me, the blinds spots are too large to be safe and the turning radius is horrendous. Not to mention the Michelin stock tires are terrible in the snow. Im old enough to have driven rear-wheel drive cars in Minnesota winters so its not that Im a new driver. I think the TCS and ABS are probably good, but the tires are awful. Again, really cool car and fun to drive, but too many negatives to want to keep this car very long. Horrible resale!

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  Mazdalicious! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Nick - July 21 - 9:46 pm

  Ive happily owned this RX8 for just over six months now and enjoyed every moment. This is my first rotary engined car and Im just amaze at how smooth and quick it is. This is a really fun machine to own and not only does it look good (I constantly get comments that say "wow, sharp car - what is it?") but its performance backs it up. How they squeeze over 200 hp from 1.3 liters I cant begin to guess but with so few moving parts (like 3 in the engine) its not surprising. I fully recommend this car as an undermarketed bargain!

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  Former Cadillac CTS Owner Goes SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By wuffb - July 21 - 6:48 pm

  Okay, so I came from a 2008 Cadillac CTS and LOVED that car . . . but kids got bigger, stuff got bigger . . . you know the deal . . . needed a vehicle that could be fun and practical. Looked at so many cars including CTS wagon . . . kept coming back to "why spend so much?" Looked at RDX, Highlander (another favorite) but all the SUVs kept coming in with bad gas mileage unless you bought the hybrid. On a whim I came across from Acura to the Mazda dealer and sat in a CX 5. It had features I wanted . . . a great Bose system, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, navi, etc. No, I wont win any races . . . but it really is fun to drive!

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  most fun to drive - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By puritanal - July 21 - 2:00 am

  my first miata was a 1991, and drove it for 118,000 miles and sold 11 years later for $4500 so my new 2001 LS with all the power opstions, I may keep this one a bit longer.

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  Worth the Money - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bassman99 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car in most respects. It has been extrememly fun to drive, handles well in the snow and ice, and is a relatively comfortable ride. I have also been very impressed with its towing capability. Ive towed everything from an 18 foot boat to a relatively large U-Haul. In my estimation, it rode better with a towed load than the Ford Explorer (XLT) that I traded in. I usually dont go for the first year models (having been burned once before), but this turned out to be a good move. I will get another after Ive run this one into the ground.

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  Mazda 3s - 5-door hatch - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By S. Savage - July 20 - 9:16 am

  Great looking and driving car. 2.3 I-4 with variable valve timing is very versatile -- rev to 6000+ RPM on a beltway on-ramp or cruise in 5th gear at low speeds on level terrain. EPA estimate is 32 mpg highway. I have only achieved that rating once or twice (long distances at speeds under 60 mph). Rpm kills mpg. It needs a 6th gear. In 5th, it revs 3000 rpm at 70 mph and fuel mileage suffers (avg 28-29 mpg hwy). Otherwise, it is great fun to drive. It goes where you point it. 4-wheel disc brakes are outstanding. Oil is a pain to change, with an aero pan that needs to be removed for filter access and filters available only from Mazda. 17" 50 series Goodyear RS-As are NOT snow tires.

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  Love it. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Allan Tedford - July 19 - 10:08 pm

  Its a great car. Go test drive it. Here is something surprising, when using a phone through the Bluetooth system and the top is down, I can hear the other person perfectly and they can hear me with no background noise problems! Updating my review. My wife decided that she wanted the car and now I drive a 2017 Ford Escape. I understand that she really likes the MX-5. I like to picture her in my mind as Cruella de Vil driving around with the top down and laughing maniacally. It helps me to survive. But really, its all part of a larger plan :-)

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  Love the Mazda 3 Hatchback - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julia Evins - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, GREAT, fun to drive, reasonably priced and far more car than youd expect in the price range. Oh, it looks great too. I test drove several Toyotas, the Volkswagen Jetta, the Mini Cooper and the Mazda 3 hatchback was my choice without question. The ride was more responsive, yet smoother, than the Toyota Corolla, Prius and Rav 4. It drives with just as much fun as the Mini Cooper but I felt less jolted by the road than the Mini--cabin noise was less pronounced too. The Jetta came closest but was at least $2000 more with a history of more repair costs. Terrific car. No regrets.

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  not recomended - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By grrrrrrr - July 18 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the car two years ago, was great the first year, because I was 19 and all the looks it got. Now im 21 and I am getting very tired of it stalling in 80+ degree weather, and taking over a minute to start the car in the cold (under 30 or so degrees). It is a great looking car, but the pros dont outweigh the cons by any means. I have yet to get over 22 mpg (and have only got that once). I average around 18 or 19 mpg. I bought this car because its the only 4 door sports car, but I am very regretful of my decision. It has lost more than half its value in 2 years. I have no control in the winter and dread waking up and seeing it snowing.