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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  Even better than I expected - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Miranda - April 29 - 2:13 pm

  This car looks great but handles even better. This car is very capable of making tight, fast turns and I never feel "out of control". The cloth seats are well constructed and comfortable with good support. The interior can easily accommodate 4 adults with a decent amount of leg room and the trunk space is huge. Road noise is minimal. I couldnt be happier with the purchase.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - April 28 - 7:40 pm

  This car is a lot of fun to drive - the Tiptronic transmission is great in the mountains and really helps the acceleration. It handles very nicely and cruises very smoothly at 80mph. Interior design is beautiful. Two complaints: fuel economy - I do mostly freeway driving and am only averaging about 20mpg. 2nd complaint - 800 miles on the car and the check engine light came on. Havent brought it in yet; but am sure its nothing - car is running fine.

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  Perfect for husband, wife and three kids - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By theescarletandgray - April 28 - 7:20 pm

  I am 63" tall and wanted to get better gas mileage than my Aztek, but I didnt want to sacrifice a ton of leg room. My wife and I shopped for a RAV4, but the lack of leg room scared me away, specifically around the knees. The Mazda 5 has good leg room and is comfortable. My children can easily open and close the sliding doors. With a new child on the way one of the two other children is already looking forward to the third row. With the third row folded down there is plenty of storage space. When people are in the third row there is very little room, only enough for an umbrella stroller. This car is perfect for my daily commute. It is great for short jaunts or day trips.

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  Very nice car for the money - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By AlexSokol - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Have this vehicle for about 18 months. Its a very pleasant car, especially on the highways. They couldve put a better transmission and slightly bigger powertrain, but its sufficient for the money.

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  i have one - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ms5490 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  th mazda rx8 is the best car i have ever owned. it is fast fun to drive and everyone loves it.it was also featured in the movie x-men 2.

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  almost 100 out of 100 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bergs - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Drives great and handles exceptionally well. The car moves when you move, great spring/summer/fall car. Down fall is the 0-60 speed, esp when compared to previous RX-7s. Cant wait for the Mazdaspeed version!

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  Great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SpeedDemon - April 28 - 2:00 am

  this is a great car overall great speed also

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  This Beast is a great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Extreme Street Racer - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I just bought one and i tricked it out and its a beast. 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. Its the best car ive ever owned except for my RX-7.

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  From Germany to Japan--Back to Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By H20SkiBuzz - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is fun to drive, looks good and has amenities far behond its class. Being a "new" model, expect some kinks, like the front-end which pops and groans when turning.

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  I LOVE MY NEW CAR!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ZeileLover - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt looking to buy a new car but was forced to after I totaled my old one. I only looked at the Corolla, Civic and the Mazda3 and for the money, this car was the best deal! Definitely more bang for your buck! Its a smooth ride and although when standing outside the car, it seems a bit noisy, inside, Sometimes I dont feel or hear anything! I keep thinking it stalled at the stoplight. (oh wait that was my last car! :-) I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, zippy, cute ride! The 6 CD changer is great and the 6 speaker system is quite good. My 5 year old niece says this is the coolest car ever! I have to agree!