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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  Zoom zoom.....no rust.....rust....rust - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rusty Mazda - March 24 - 11:13 am

  A fun car to drive for the first four years. Rust started this winter and in a few short months has almost devoured the car. Not since my 71 Torino have I seen a vehicle rust so bad. I would never buy another

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  Wonderful wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mb - March 23 - 6:36 am

  I purchased this car last October and have loved every minute of driving it so far. Its fun and practical, what a combination! Holds lots of gear and is terrific to drive. Ive even been pleasantly surprised at how well its handled in the snow so far. Great value -- I got leather, moonroof, Bose stereo, all for much less than I expected.

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  #1 in Smiles-Per-Mile - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ojsimpson1 - March 14 - 7:29 pm

  Id never considered driving an MX-5 until I happened to walk past one at a Mazda dealership one day. Id always thought of them as girly cars, as too small, too slow, too something for me. But I liked the look of this third generation and the price surprised me. I went home that night and researched the car. To my surprise, I found respectable publications and enthusiasts loved the MX-5 for its ease of operation, near-perfect handling and balance, quick acceleration, and reliability. I went back for a test drive and had the keys to one within a week. There are faster cars, bigger cars, and definitely pricier cars out there. But I dont think many below $100k are this fun to drive.

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  awesome fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By slightjackson - March 14 - 6:30 pm

  I love the fact that you dont see many on the road. Everyone is missing out on a fun vehicle to drive. Love the sound system and the performance of the turbocharged 4 cylinder. Very comfortable and the Bose system is quality. Everything about this car is quality for the price.

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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Garrett - March 12 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this car used at about 23k miles; now at 72k. I like the 2003 options because you can get a moonroof unbundled with other options. Reliable; only issue was a throttle body sensor I replaced out-of-warranty with a salvaged part for $120. Only drawbacks are dash and trim rattles and buzzes; I stuffed some wood pieces under the dash align pins which really helped but the center console (all plastic) makes noise and theres some kind of buzz in the B-pillar area occasionally (hence build quality = 4). Sun visors will weaken if you clip a garage opener on them.

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  Really Like It!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Go Mazda Go! - March 11 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought a Mazda6, went from a Acura TL 2004 to this but gas prices were killing me, I do miss the power of the TLs V6 but this Mazda6 is really good looking and gives me a very decent mileage. I love the black on black combination. I was surprised at the quality of the cloth material used in the seats. I compared to the Camry and even though the Camry its bigger with a more powerful engine and better gas mileage the pricing factor makes the Mazda a better deal, I bought mine for 16,200 and it comes with 6 discs cd changer, 17 inches rims with michelin tires, dual exhaust system, well it is pretty loaded and for 16,200 WOW!!

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  Good Compromise Between the Wife and I - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By KeithB - March 11 - 10:40 am

  We had been looking for a new vehicle in the $30,000 price range. We test drove everything from Hondas to Volvos trying to find a vehicle we could agree on. Finally the local dealer got in a CX-7. The functionality of the vehicle sold my wife, and the surge from the turbo sold me. Weve had it for a week now and so far Im happy with it. My biggest complaint is that the ride is a little stiff. It takes corners like a champ, but I can see how it can get tiring after a 4+ hour trip.

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  Great daily driver - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob McCarver - March 4 - 7:23 am

  Over all the car is great. Im averaging 28 to 30 MPG mostly all city driving starting and stopping I usually cut the car and restart it about 15 times a day.

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  Should get better gas mileage for a 4 cylinder - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dennis - March 2 - 5:00 pm

  Traded my Camry for this and wish I had kept it mainly for gas mileage. Thought a 4 cylinder would do good but I get only 23 on trips even with just myself in the car. I added a power roof which I like. Passenger door does not accept key so the only way in is the drivers door if you dont have remote. This is sometimes a pain as I try to keep my keychain from being too bulky esp. if carrying remotes for other cars too. There was a recall for the back hatch door lock which was minor. I have about 17000 miles and no real problems so far other than it is sluggish on the highway, esp. hills and has to downshift to climb. It does that a lot on trips. It does ride smooth and is sporty. It is just OK.

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  Mazda MPV DX - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By consumerlori - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Handles well, smooth ride, Some options are "worthless", like the visor mirrors and the tray under the passenger seat. The rear folding seat is a nice convenience as are the center removable seats, this gives many options for packing & day to day use. Leg room for the center and rear seats is tight. For the most part its a fun car, ZOOM ZOOM!