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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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Skinsfan7 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car, I have had it 2 weeks the best to drive and the coolest car I have ever had!

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  Mazda Hits the Target Dead On! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By barrya - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a Miata, a Lotus Elan, AH Sprite (souped up), Porsche and a 3rd gen. RX7, Mazda has hit the target with the RX8. Sophisticated and smooth as can be, power is there if you rev it up, handling is terrific, but it does city & dirt roads, too. A great car, especially for the price!

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  Talk about bang for the buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By happyinthesw - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I originally started looking at only the "s" series, but they were in such short supply (especially the sedan model which I prefer) I eventually wondered over to the little brother version, the "I". Now I test drove both cars extensivley and the 12hp difference in the engines is truly not that noticable on the manual transmission models. The automatics did feel a bit less powerful (a very small bit). The back seats are not comfortable unless your about 52" or less, but the front seats are great for a big guy like me. You will really appreciate the amount of adjustments that are possible on the cars driver side!

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  Four Cylinder Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hisfiddler - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 300 miles a day. After many test drives and reading Edmunds, I chose the Mazda6i over the Honda Accord 4 cylinder. I get a better feel of the road, better steering action and had a larger number of option choices. I am getting better gas mileage (between 27 and 28) for a lead foot, than the Honda. It also came in a beautiful green color, though I dont know how it got the name Sepang Green (or what Sepang means). I would definitely buy another Mazda6.

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  A fine addition - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By FieryMango - November 29 - 10:00 am

  The 6 addresses the ride shortcomings of the Protege, almost hovering in comparion. Wind noise is nonexistent, road noise is largely muted, though there is a slight hint of pavement quality transmitted through the steering wheel. The real charm of the car lies in the thoughtful interior design. The two- tiers center console, centar stack storage compartment, bottle holders in the doors, and other torage cubbies provide lot of options. The spring- loaded rear seats fold flat, and can be released from either a button on the seatback or a lever by the rear hatch.

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  04 Mazda 3s wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stavro - November 29 - 12:53 am

  Test drove the new Civic but even though you get a better gas mileage, you have to run the VTEC motor 5-6K RPM to get the power out of it. I am impressed with the amount of space and the reliability (have a BMW X5 4.4 SUV with 11 pages full of service records). The side trim on the door is plastic, and it seems that the air conditioner could use a little "boost" (It seems that recycled air blows just a tad stronger than outside air). It is quiet, the sound is adequate, 6 CD upfront is nice to have, the gearbox is sweet, AUTO/Manual gets the best of both worlds, a 5th gear would have been nice. Performance is good; remember, its not a race car...turns tight and the fuel economy - I am getting 23 mpg city.

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  Great Car for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By greg cain - November 28 - 11:33 pm

  This car is a blast to drive even after owning it for 6 months. It has almost all the features you would expect in a luxury car and has the performance to go a long with its good looks. The gas milage isnt what is advertised but then again none of the cars are. However, the transmition and engine work in harmony and I would sacrifice a little milage for the overall performance.

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  Dont Get One - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By historiker33 - November 28 - 8:22 pm

  In 2 years, Ive gone through: 2 wheel bearings Front axle alternator Seat belt $900 valve job Heres the bad thing, and BE ADVISED: A valve job on these cars will often result in the piston rings going bad; this happened to me. There is no easy fix for this - the car needs a new engine and smokes like crazy. The newest versions of these cars are now 13 years old. Do not buy one

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  Crossing my fingers - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Crossing Fingers - November 28 - 6:53 am

  An answer to my mid-life crisis, I was coerced into buying the lil red sedoupe (sedan,coupe) rather than a used luxury sedan. 47, no wife, no kids: it seemed to make sense, Ive owned nothing but SUVs/Mini Vans since the disco era. The first thing i noticed was the ride noise from the standard 17inch tires. Also, the rear light housing was fogged up/filled with inner perspiration. Both items served as bargaining chips & I managed to walk out with it for a mere $11K. With only 37K miles, I was happy. Getting in/out is a challenge with my 275lb frame, but the cars an excellent incentive to lose weight and Ive got nothing but compliments from friends/co-workers. 30 days so far, no problems.

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  Econo Box be gone! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TSK - November 28 - 6:16 am

  In outside sales, I drive a lot. Had a truck, but 15MPG was getting old. The Mazda 3 is a "must see" if you are looking for an econo-box driving expense crossed with a compact euro-luxo feel. At one time I sold BMW and while they are wonderful automobiles, the Mazda gives the BMW 3-series a run for the money. The Mazda 3 is worth EVERY penny when compared to a BMW. Suggestion, buy the Mazda 3 and buy a BMW emblem. Needless to say, I am very pleased.