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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  Best hot hatch value - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Joshua - April 13 - 5:36 am

  I just got my 2010 MazdaSpeed3. It is silver with the tech package. The engine is the same as the last MS3, but revamped tuning and a new driveline have contributed to making this car much easier to drive, and lots more fun. The brakes are even better than the last car, and I have been unable to unsettle the chassis in spirited street driving. Body roll is minimal, and they have somehow managed to almost eliminate understeer.

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  Excellent Value and head turning appleal - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By leotol - April 13 - 12:13 am

  Best car I have owned with regard to from the showroom quality. It handles very precisely and its turning radius is very small. I have taken it on long 400+ mile trips and found the car comfortable and well equipped to be fast and safe. I have an automatic, the manual shifting through the transmission is fun; am glad that I dont have to deal with manual shifting all of the time in traffic. Gas mileage is low, but expected. My dealer made a point of advising regarding warming the car up before turning off and keeping the oil level topped off, doing this is a must. One time forgot to warm it to operating temperature; it stalled & had to be towed, it was warranty fix.

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  Mazda6s - Better looking everyday - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Atlanta Mazda 6s - April 12 - 2:56 pm

  I purchased a 6s after driving a number of competing cars including Maxima, Passat. The 6s was well equipped, less expensive, better styled and drove like a much more expensive car. In the four years I have owned the 6s, the car has remained interesting. I have not grown tired of the driving or looks. After some warranty repairs on brake rotors, fans, and a "reflash" of the transmission, the car drives better than new. Mazdas are clearly driver-oriented cars and their design and performance confirm that philosophy. My daughter recently became primary driver of the 6s and she raves how well it drives. She receives frequent positive comments on the style and sportiness.

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  good value for the $$$ - 2001 Mazda 626
  By vhsmbg - April 12 - 8:43 am

  This one is a nice V6 4 door midsize sedan. Nice design, not too fancy, has all you need. Performance is very good with the V6. gas milage might need some improvement. Seem to be pretty reliable. You wont go wrong if you get one

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  love drevin the tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By kevin2nicole - April 11 - 10:00 am

  the tribute is well little big but it cut be longer yes is bigger inside but not longer i had honda crv the tribute is overall width is 71.9 the honda the knew is 70.2 thats good but honda crv is longer thant the tribute,which it will be nice that the tribute had both.thank you.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tom of LI - April 11 - 10:00 am

  With a 30 mile (each way) commute on Long Island NY (Traffic Capital of the Northeast) This perfectly sized SUV handles great, power drivers seat has enough adjustmentss to please anyone, rides comfortably, and with the premium audio package is a pleasure to drive. With the AWD Ill be ready for winter. The only other car I considered was the Subaru Forester, but the Tributes 201 HP V6 and taller ride height made my decision easy.

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  7000 miles in One month - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TD32 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  We took our Tirbute across the country this summer and were very pleased. The MPG suffered with roof cargo and hills, but the comfort and handling were great. We were even able to plug in a cooler in the back(nice feature).

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  awesome value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael Taylor - April 11 - 1:43 am

  Traded my 05 Subaru Legacy GT for this car, and dont miss it at all! Has nearly all the same features (minus the thirsty engine and squeaky interior) for a lot less dough. Handles curvy roads like a mountain goat and tracks beautifully on the interstate too. Engine has nice pep and awesome fuel economy too (got 40mpg on a recent road trip, 55-65mph nearly constant cruising). Manual transmission is the best Ive ever driven. Seats are very comfy and the design of the interior speaks of a much more expensive car. Some of the plastics are on the hard side, but the fit is terrific, as is the overall layout. How great to drive an economy car and not feel like youre driving a box on wheels

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  An Asset - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hokie - April 10 - 12:53 am

  I love this car. Its great in handling, pick-up and fuel mileage. I had Civic and also took a test drive of the new one, but nothing is as good as Mazda3.

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  Mmmmmaaaazzzdddaaa!!! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By tmayagirl - April 8 - 9:43 pm

  I just bought the 2014 Mazda 6 I touring model about 2 weeks ago and I love this car! I had an MX 5 soft top convertible before so I already was a Mazda fan. But now, in my humble nonprofessional opinion, Mazda has out done itself! Quality all the way! Alright Im going driving now.