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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  Wanted to Try a Mini Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By jaenderby - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I really like the looks and the size of my MPV. However, the pick up is slow and the rear windows make a funny wind tunnel noise. My closest dealer, Cook Mazda is unresponsive. My previous car was a Ford Taurus with over 162,000 miles and I felt the dealerships were superior to Mazda. Dont believe everything they tell you about foreign cars.

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  Best Ive owned so far - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mondavou - May 5 - 8:40 am

  Car history 86 RX-7, 98 Volvo S70 T5, 06 Mercedes S430, now this. Each leased/purchase new and this is the best of the bunch. There are so many things right with the vehicle its shorter to point out the bad: poor gas mileage Im getting 14.5 mixed even w/tires running extra pressure (that must be why there isnt a trip computer), no adjustment for passenger seat tilt (things slide forward off the seat), no trip computer (already covered), if you pay $400 to get the satellite radio option - not only do you pay $400 but lose aux/iPod jack (double whammy), voice recognition feature associated with bluetooth stinks (and no, I have all my teeth) rain sensing wipers dont sense all that well.

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  Bad Choice - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tamhicks10 - May 3 - 11:33 pm

  After a lot of research, I was dead set on purchasing a 2003 Mazda 6S. I found my dream car, fully loaded and after 6 months, had nothing but problems with it. I am the second owner and it had a clean record. I take care of my cars. My Mazda has blown spark plugs (now has helicoils) and at 59,000 miles, my transmission has just gone out. There was no warning. So now I am looking at a $2K-$3K repair. I love the look and feel of the ride so I always repaired and kept the car. I now want it gone. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Go with something reliable..Honda or Toyota.

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  Horrible Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Horrible Car! - May 3 - 9:46 pm

  First off, I love to drive this car, its a lot of fun. But, I hate to own this car. It is the worst car I have ever owned. It only has 33,000 miles and Ive had to have two sensors replaced, a transmission replaced, have the wiring and lightbulb under the cup holder adjusted because the lightbulb burnt a hold in the cup holder. Its just been one thing after another with this car. I was on the fence between an Accord and this car. I wish I would have gone with the Accord, because I would have a reliable car with good resale rather than a car about to fall apart. I will NEVER buy a Mazda again, and I will tell everyone I know to be wary, they are awful!

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  New Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - May 3 - 7:00 pm

  Fun to drive car. I have done 6K miles on it already. The car handles really firm; fun to drive around corners. Wish the trunk had a handle to open. I think heating/cooling is not that great, compared to the Acura Integra that I owned before. I have the sports package, and I bought it for $19K total. I think the shift on the manual 3rd gear is not as smooth as the others. I had a crash sensor recall already.

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  Major problem - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Steve - May 1 - 6:56 pm

  Major recall due to an exhaust/transmission design flaw which can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. After driving the car for three weeks, I have been without the car for almost six weeks while Mazda tries to fix the problem. Stay away from this vehicle until the bugs are worked out.

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  Just bought - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Echo1 - May 1 - 11:00 am

  I just bought my 626, used of course, but I think its going to be a good investment. I love the body style and its running great except for the hiccup with first gear. Ive read some of the previous reviews and am worried about the transmission, but my dealer offers a warranty on it for 2 years. I think I will take one persons advice and install a tranny cooler as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for their great reviews and heads up! I hope this car will take me pretty far.

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  Mazda6 I Sport Soul Red - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By svminn - April 29 - 11:51 am

  1st. TY to all the reviewers, I read before I purchased. As others have covered a nice looking car and handles well. I like the car but some things to look at that you many not notice on a test drive. Note these are the cloth seats in the sport. The height and lean mechanisms seem cheap. There are big gaps in the adjustment levels. I found it hard to find a comfortable seating position. Check the fit for you on a long drive. The OS mirrors are set back more than any car I have driven and take some getting used to. A plus for me = you can turn off the AC in defrost mode and you contol if air is circulated from outside or in

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  A Civilized GTI? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By B.B. Rich - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Twenty years after the original GTI came out we have a better "pocket rocket" than ever before. I have recently purchased the 5-speed hatchback with few options. Only ABS/Side air bags were added to the base model. There is very little not to love about this car, though it could be better... the price could be another $20,000 too. A TERRIFIC value by todays standards. 17" wheel/tires; A quick shifting/close ratio 5-speed; A taut suspension and seats; Power windows/locks/remote, and the list goes on, it would seem, forever. The A/C is weak. The driving position and view of the instruments could be better. Rear/side view could be better too.

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  Great Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Jake - April 25 - 2:13 pm

  Van is very dependable. After 140K miles, still runs great. Issues are sluggish engine, cheap sliding door handles (both broke, one side twice). Only maintenance is shocks/struts, air filter and fluid changes. Check engine light for air intake sensor but I never fixed it and never and had issues after 60k miles!