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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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fntasa98 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I am having the exact same problems as "Lemon by GJT." Ive had the car for almost a year & it has been in the shop 8 times already. It shakes, dies, wont shift gears properly, & makes sounds that are not normal. I love the look of this car, but its performance is horrible. The dealership cant fix it & I really hope they will buy it back. It is great to hear feedback from the people that are having the same problems. "Lemon by GJT" or anyone who is having this problem, if you read this, please email me at fntasa98@aol.com. I would like to know how to get the dealership to buy the car back & how you went about the entire ordeal. THANKS!

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  Just got mine 2 weeks ago... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Cypress California - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking car. Low/Mid/High power is insufficient. Added a JIC exhcuast and K&N intake, but they did not add any kind of noticeably power. Exhaust alone sounds great. DO NOT GET THE K&N intake unless you want to be challenged by every ricer out there. It is LOUD LOUD LOUD. The car sounds like its going 500 mph when youre really going about 25 miles.

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  Great auto...well done Mazda! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By M6Drifter - March 13 - 10:00 am

  The car is an amazing four door. I own the V6 3.0L S Sedan model. Mines a 2004. It handles awesome! Better than any of the cars in its class. Its a little underpowered compared to its competitors....my only suggestion to Mazda is to either lighten the car or kick up the Horses about 20 and the torque to where the current horsepower is now (or above). The interior is completely comfortable for myself (Im a 6 foot 4 inches tall guy) so it should be roomy enough for anyone else. Id recommend this car to anyone because of the package for the price. Well done Mazda! Keep up with the Zoom-Zoom.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - FUN - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By A Wills - March 13 - 10:00 am

  MY Mazda6 gets the looks and is fun to drive. I looked at Nissans and Hondas when shopping for a car. The price on my Mazda couldnt be beat.

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  Great - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mk19gunr - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 6.

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  Get one with low miles and be a mechanic - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Will - March 12 - 7:13 pm

  First off, this was my first car I ever owned and I loved it with all my heart, but Ford cant build cars to save their lives. If you can look past the doom and gloom of Ford than I think you will find a decent car. I think I had issues which were more isolated but none the less annoying. First off my transmission was horrific since day 1 with extremely choppy gear changes. The massive amount of recalls are staggering. My first factory sparkplug died early at 55,000 miles, thanks Ford. My best Top Gear simile to describe this car is "The tribute is like your girlfriend who is incredibly hot and will do great things for you, but she threatens to kill you each time she leaves."

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  Great Car, think I got a lemon! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By The Mazda 6 Fan - March 12 - 2:10 pm

  Researched two years prior to buying. Handles like a BMW 3 series, but not close to the hp of one. Never enjoyed driving a car this much before. It tackles corners perfectly, gets good gas mileage, and looks spectacular. Overall a great car but Ive it in for service at least 6 times over the 9 months Ive owned it. Nothing major, just this annoying tweedle noise from under the car that they couldnt find. This last time I think they fixed the problem. They had to replace the catalyst converter.

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  RX 8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By David L Beckley - March 10 - 11:26 am

  Enjoy the car as I am also the owner of the 1st RX 7 number l503 and noted several upgraded features in the new model ex power steering, power windows and seat etc. concern about the poor gas mileage and the lack of a real spare tire.

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  A Great Vehicle, Except for the Mileage - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Larry Peplin - March 10 - 5:31 am

  Im in the final couple of months of my 39 month lease. My CX-9 has been absolutely flawless in comfort, interior cargo space, handling and mechanicals. The only thing I cant live with anymore is the mileage. My average has never risen above 18.3 MPG in three years, at least according to the dash readout. I had expected better, but that is my only disappointment.

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  Mazda 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By slinger - March 10 - 2:00 am

  The overall car is a nice style and has a comfortable ride. We found the drivetrain to be unreliable. The head gasket blew at 72,000 miles because the coil pack went bad and check engine light came on. The transmission also went bad at 72,500 and had to be replaced twice (the first replacement kept leaking). We are very dissapointed in this vehicle for that.