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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  It Truly is Zoom-Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bradfield1379 - February 29 - 1:46 pm

  After coming out of a Ford Explorer and into a sports car, I was amazed at the agility and response of the 6. I also have had the privilege of driving a 2004 Ford Mustang over the past year and actually enjoy the Mazda6 even more. The handling is superb, gripping the road even during hard cornering, and it will get up and go when you need to pass. The 160 hp in-line 4 feels more powerful than it sounds and doesnt disappoint. Zoom-Zoom is an appropriate slogan for this well rounded machine.

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  Unmatched In Its Class! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Diehard080 - February 28 - 8:20 am

  I traded my 2008 Mazda3 GT for this 2010 Mazda3 GT and the improvements are obvious and immediately noticeable. Better transmission, Handling, Build, road noise/manners, just everything. Initially hardcore Mazda3 people like me almost hated this car just based on LOOKS ONLY. That passed and now its beautiful as I realize its as close to a perfectly built car as exists in ANY class for ANY price. The competition is laughable in specs and build and heres 1 reason why- Totoya Corlla-built- Canada/Indiana/USA,Honda Civic-built- Indiana/USA, Nissan Sentra-built- Mexico?, Thats one BIG reason but this car belongs in comparison to Lexus Is250, BMW3, MBZ-C, Its even better than those for the money.

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  New MX-5 Miata 2016, great car inside out. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sid J - February 27 - 9:10 pm

  It has been a day after I purchased 2016 MX-5 Sports manual. Driving had never been this much fun. Engine note, gear shift, acceleration , breaking, interior space is great. I am 62 and I still have 2 inches above my head with roof down. I like small storage spaces here and there. Interior craftsmanship is extraordinary. As a driver, it requires extra efforts to restrain yourself from having too much fun, unless you dont mind the cost of frequent tire and break change.

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  2004 Mazda 6s 5-Dr - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kurt Oosterlinck - February 25 - 11:16 am

  Looks like it been awhile since anyone has commented on the 5 door model. Bought mine new and just turned 40,000 miles thanks to my short drive to work. The wagon got me in the dealership, but after the sales person pointed out they had a 5 door sedan, I was sold. The car was fully loaded with all the options and no problems at all in six years, body, paint, hardware all holding up very well. The 5-dr hss a sportier look than the 4-dr that still has a great look today. Much better handling than its counterparts, and has plenty of zoom- zoom. Other than routine service every six months and tires, this car hasnt cost me a penny. City mpg 18, hwy 28-30. Its my 10 year car, maybe more.

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  great car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By thanasi - February 25 - 2:00 am

  this car has a bit of muscle with its D.O.H.C. engine. When the adds say that it is like riding a miata, they are correct. the handlin is not exactly like a sports car, but it is much better then any other suv that I have driven.

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  Wheeeeee!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By jim and jenni - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Spent 12 months minivan shopping (literally). Started with the MPV, drove every van on the market, finished with MPV. When you include the $2k rebate, I cant imagine how you can do better. 200HP, 3000# towing capacity, magic 3rd row seat, awesome crash test ratings, beautiful interior and exterior, 6CD changer, DVD player, double power sliding doors, roof rack, traction control, side airbags, spoiler, rear air cond, 4 year bmp-bmp wnty etc for $24k. Drives great, much more fun to drive around town than the big minivans.

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  Oh What Fun It Is To Ride....! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cyclng - February 22 - 8:40 pm

  Looked at it for the styling; bought it for the performance. Anyone looking at this car should strongly consider it.

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  Discribed by my 13yr old son, AWSOME! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By babyneen - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my "2003" Tribute less than a week, but I am very pleased. This is a fine looking vehicle. My husband is a truck man and he loves the look, ride, and comfort of our Tribute. The kids love the room and call the vehicle AWSOME!

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  Very safe car!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kimmie - February 19 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is such a safe vehicle! I lost control of this vehicle on a windy and bumpy road. It rolled at least four times. The passenger compartment was for the most part intact! It protected me and my other 2 occupants. Cops say that we should be all dead. But thank goodness I had chosen a very safe vehicle! So I would personally recommend this vehicle due to its fun to driveness, its safety, and its handling. This vehicle had so many memories in it. You will create so many. You will absolutely love to drive this vehicle so you get your moneys worth out of it. I would say buy this vehicle for sure! I miss this car even though I now have a Mazda6 S Grand Touring Sedan. Very safe!

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  a steal of a deal - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By foster - February 19 - 1:16 am

  bought this car new late 08 for 21 otd. Used it for the first time in a snow storm in the sierras and was completely confident with its ability. Not one problem with anything. wife loves it, i never get to drive it. Turbo needs the boost increased a tad. wish it came with the long roof racks like the cx-9. I feel i got more than my moneys worth.