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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  Amazingly Expensive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By themare - September 24 - 11:32 am

  Bought it used at 76k miles, and had it until 86k miles for only one year. One of the most fun to drive cars, but also one of the most unreliable and expensive cars to own. Spent over 12k in one year in maintenance alone. PROs and CONs are listed in the full review.

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  Value Plus - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Discerning Dude - September 22 - 7:30 pm

  Had the car for 3 weeks now, replacing an 05 Altima. I do both highway and city driving, and this car has a ride quality you would find in a larger sedan but with power and maneuverability when you want it. Where the Altima was harsh and noisy, the Mazda exudes confidence, handling all road surfaces with ease. From a style standpoint, you cant beat the aggressive stance and overall lines - borrowing cues from Lexus and Infiniti isnt such a bad thing, and the design is hands down nicer than Camry or Accord, and the "happy face" grille of the Altima. Fuel economy is about the same as the Altima - its reasonable given the power and performance of the V6.

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  No longer a Mazda lover - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By kat01 - September 22 - 4:16 am

  I had owned 3 previous Mazda cars. Thought with this new car I was going to get same quality. Boy was I wrong. I have had to take this car back to dealership for 3 different repairs. Oil pan leaked, air conditioning motor went, now battery is leaking acid and has corroded the wires. Now I found out there is a Ford motor in the car. Cant wait to see what is next. All this and it hasnt been a year. Thank goodness for a warranty. Lot of time wasted, though. I do, however, like the drive and the interior is very spacious. Plenty of room for the kid and all his toys. There are lots of cubbies to hold things. Regardless of the interior space Mazda has lost me as a life long customer.

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  Never again - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By pamelaannj - September 22 - 1:50 am

  I love the looks of the CX7, but thats about it. I get about 12 mpg in town and 16 on the highway. I have complained about this, and they told me when I hit 10k I would get better mpg then they told me after 12k now its after 15k. It takes premium fuel which adds up fast! It has a very rough ride, does not have comfortable seats for long ride, does not handle that well in snow, mine is AWD, and I have a problem with the doors locking and unlocking by themselves and the horn randomly honking. I have a lot of surface rust already, even though I wash it regularly. This has been one of those live and learn experiences.

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  Check out all minis - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By M and M - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent value. Kids are in college but wife still wanted room for 6. I wanted fun to drive and easy on gas. This van fits the bill for both. It really zooms and handles like a car. I could not justify the extra cost of the Honda or Toyota when this van was available (LX) for under $20K.

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  nice car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By petros87 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  very nice car . it could be a little havier with better matrrials and a four wheel drive .

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  better than my 01 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Bucky C - September 21 - 10:00 am

  this is my second.Went in for service (sway bar links)and while it was being fixed ended up with a new one. Had a DX V8 4x4 now have the loaded ES 4x4.leather moonroof the works. two years made a nice improvement,plus a better warrantee,was looking into an Explorer but was too pricy.Thought Id give the Tribute one more try.The 01 had 22,000 miles when traded.

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  Great new Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Poisonsu - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I have waited 6 months for the car. So far it is everything I expected. It really hugs the road and it is been alot of fun to drive. The lines on the car are beautiful. People look at the car all the time. I have had it 1 week. So far no problems!!!

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  Ideal vehicle - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By buckshot36 - September 20 - 2:26 pm

  Senior citizen who likes performance and have been more than pleases with my Mazda5. Traded a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 (a great car) due to a requirement for more space. Mazda5 provides adequate (much better than expected after the speed3) acceleration, handles better than many small cars, provides good mileage. MPG has averaged low of 25 and high of 31.6 and provides the extra space that was needed. Will normally only carry four passengers so rear seat not a problem although my teenage grandson has no problem setting there. No problems since purchase.

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  2010 Speed vs. GTI - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Old Yeller - September 20 - 6:16 am

  Test drove both 2 days ago, bought the Speed3. Speed3 throws you back in your seat, wilder. GTI smoother. Speed3 turbo lag noticeably shorter than GTI. Speed3 exhaust gets pleasingly throaty when pushing acceleration. VW exterior looks more classic with very cool circular wheel cutouts. Speed3 exterior more futuristic/controversial. Speed3 wheels cheaper looking. IMHO, Speed3s interior is better (partial leather seats). Not a fan of the GTI plaid. GTI felt more cramped. Difficult to see front lines of car from GTI. Mazdas more reliable. Base Speed3 is 22K plus delivery, tax, title, tags, etc. GTI has special 1.9% financing. Both great cars. Test drive and choose for yourself