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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  Very Reliable Car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By missy - November 8 - 2:33 am

  There is nothing fancy about this car but I have had no problems at all with it. Just keep the oil changed and this baby will run forever. It is very comfortable inside with lots of leg room. The leather seats still show very little signs of wear on them. The interior has really held up over the years. I am the only owner of this car but with proper maintenance I think it will run forever! The engine does jump a little which no one seems to be able to fix. But other than that it is great!

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  Amazing for the Price - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By greyhoundtx - November 7 - 10:45 pm

  For the price of the car, the 2014 Mazda 3 is a fantastic vehicle. Exterior looks more expensive than it is. Its unique but doesnt stick out like a sore thumb. Interior is great, although I wish the radio/audio controls didnt look like it was put into the car aftermarket. Performance wise its also great. A little more road noise than some other cars in this same category that I test drove, but I found this to be the most fun. Sometimes I find that the acceleration is a tiny bit lagged, but its not bad. All in all, fantastic car for what you pay. And the gas mileage is GREAT.

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  A Great Package! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - November 7 - 9:53 pm

  Recently bought the 2006 BMW 325 and was racking too many miles on it so I decided to get a little run around car. The goal was to get something fun to drive, cheap and good on gas. I test drove the new Civic, Mazda3 and the Corolla and the Mazda won hands down in style (Civic came close), handling and acceleration. It is by no means a cheap compact car. It has a solid feel and great build quality. The controls are very nicely laid out and the interior and exterior looks great and very sporty. I called this baby a Japanese version of the BMW 3 series. I am very pleased with it and glad that I got this over the Civic and the Corolla. And the warranty is better with 4 years/50K.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Emilio Jones - November 7 - 2:53 pm

  Ive only had the car for 2 weeks, and I like the car a lot. One thing I would point out is the small trunk on the sedan and high back-end spoiler. Maybe I was spoiled my a mid-size car. Outside of that, Im incredibly happy with my purchase. For the price, you cant get anything fully loaded and with the size engine. The Civic is close, but do you want to be like everyone else? Tremendous value! I was looking at the Mazda 6, but you can get basically the same car for $10K less, much better value.

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  very disappointed - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Angela - November 7 - 2:20 pm

  I have had the suv for a year and half I have had to take it in 3 times bought it brand new I am very disappointed. I think when you buy a brand new vehicle it should work. I will NEVER buy a Mazda again and if you are thinking about purchasing this vehicle Please Think Twice cause it has been a nightmare for our family.I wish they would take it back.

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  Nice little SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By surfsuv - November 7 - 1:13 am

  I leased the CX7 to get me and my surfboard to the beach on the weekends. It also does the Costco and Home Depot runs. Since the car was for utility only it is basically stripped. I added a Pioneer in-dash nav unit with an iPod connection to control it through the nav unit. Works great looks ok too. Since the car is stripped, it does not have the outside temp. Should be standard like other Ford products. The car is fun to drive compared with other SUVs. It feels very car like and sporty. Has decent speed but, if you push it hard, it will kill the gas mileage. I have about 12,000 miles and have had no issues with it. So far, it has only needed oil changes. Tires look like they will go to 25k

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  Totally Disappointed - 2000 Mazda 626
  By mr_misled - November 6 - 2:58 pm

  Purchased the 626 used at 60k mi. Now have around 173k and on the 3rd transmission, which is now going out after 31k miles. Thats $2,200 for the transmission that lasted less than 2yrs. Beyond that, Ive went through many a hot months without AC, after spending 800 to repair it. But hey, it has an oscillating vent that still works!! Truly a bad piece of machinery.

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  Fun and practical - 2012 Mazda Mazda6
  By hutch7 - November 6 - 11:09 am

  Honestly I was looking for a 3 but with all the incentives the 6 was a better deal. I like the looks, comfort and driving dynamics. The interior is comfortable and ergonomic. I love the 6M tranny, shifts easily and the clutch is pretty much perfect. My son keeps asking to borrow the keys and take it out (hes learning to drive a stick). So far so good.

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  Best value I could find - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By SGR - November 6 - 7:10 am

  I did not find any other make that offers power driver seat in the trim without leather. I think Ive found the best value car on the market. Mazda6 has very distinct appearance, very comfy interior with infinitely adjustable seats, and nice driving experience. From other hand, MPG is lower than Ive expected

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  Ive had my Tribute for 6 years now - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Meredith - November 5 - 7:43 pm

  I came on here looking for how long Tributes last for but I cant find anyone with higher miles than mine. I currently have 124,000 miles and yes, Ive been needing to replace a few things, but they all seem like normal wear and tear. However, Im a little worried because of the high miles and cant afford costly repairs, but I LOVE my car. Ive been pricing used ones, haha, yes I am thinking about getting another one. Its due for a tie-rod replacement and I need to have the spark plugs replaced, which will all hopefully be done this weekend. Also, my ash/trash tray thing on the backseat drivers side door has fallen out, for no reason, but otherwise, cosmetically, its doing well.