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:

• 

  The more I drive it, the less I like it - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeH - July 18 - 12:33 am

  There are way too many problems popping up with my Mazda6. So much so I am trading it in on something else. Headlight lenses that collect condensate. A/C that causes condensation on the dashboard. The car is 6 months old and its got problems that shouldnt be occurring in an auto.

• 

  07 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By MAzda3 - July 16 - 12:56 am

  The car is great. The paint is terrible. It chips and scratches too easy (my purse chipped my paint). The interior sucks. The floor mats are cheap, the plastic door panels are poorly made, scratch way too easy and the plastic piece around the gear shift, well the silver paint is coming off of that from the heat. So yes I like this car, it runs great but the quality of the interior and the paint is very poor. Although I do like the car I would not buy it brand new again. Go for the used its not worth as much as it costs. Depreciation on this car is terrible.

• 

  Kick in the Pants - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Blackhawkbill007 - July 11 - 11:20 pm

  I have this car for a couple of weeks and this car is awesome. I was looking for something that was sporty and fun, and I found it with the RX-8. I was a little shocked about the actual MPG (so far 16 MPG after two fuelings) but the handling is incredible. I have got it up to 123 mph so far and it handled like an Indy car. If somebody is looking for a sports car that is not the dime a dozen then this is it. Everybody that has seen it has been impressed and the back seats believe it or not are roomy. So if you are 30 something not ready to commit to a family car then this is perfect. You can fit the car seat when needed and take it out and have fun whenever you want.

• 

  Weekend rental - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By marco3660 - July 11 - 11:03 am

  Drove one as a weekend rental. Being relatively tall, this vehicle has excellent headroom. Problem is that, if the seats are cranked up to bring the seat bottom to a reasonable level, the seat also moves forward, significantly reducing front leg room. Also felt that the tilt steering could not go far enough down, even at its lowest setting. Good points: the car has excellent acceleration, average gas mileage and a large fuel tank which means you can go far between fill-ups. Also has nice storage. I liked the sliding rear doors for passenger egress.

• 

  Runs Well - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Sixers rule - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Had this vehicle for over a year now and have had no major problems. Drives smoothly, and after reading all the commnets am happy i got the manual transmission. Could use a little more power though.

• 

  My Second Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By MAB - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought a second Millenia for myself and a first for my wife. Great car for the price point. Was disappointed to learn that the Bose system wasnt standard in the P models as it was in the past. Cost me $500.00 to upgrade the sound system after market. Great Ride and handling. Better ride than the Infiniti I30t. Tighter car than most of its competitors.

• 

  Great car - if you keep it - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By sofsoldier - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This car does compete very condidently with cars in the same price range from BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Infinity, Acura. Has plenty of power (with the supercharger), gets fair to good gas milage, very comfortable on long road trips, and intuitive driver comforts.

• 

  Good car with transmission problem - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By Timothy - July 8 - 12:32 pm

  Cars transmission had problems after 300 miles. There would be a delay in its initiation when I went from park to drive, reverse to drive or stopped to drive. It caused the car not to move for about 2 seconds then the car would jerk forward. After it got going it seemed fine. Took about 10 days to fix. I couldnt get a loaner car for 4 days. Car seems to slightly jerk ever so slightly since then when stopped in drive mode, but barely noticeable. Car handles great, has sufficient power for flat pavement. Nice quality/trim inside. Nice speaker/sound system.

• 

  GOTTA LOVE THE SPEED!!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By PO-APS - July 6 - 10:00 am

  When I first test drive this car, I fell in love with its great acceleration capability. Right now I have a modified muffler, so everytime I drive this car I feel like Iam driving a race car. This car is like a cross- breed between an SUV and a race car. FLOOR IT BABY!!!

• 

  Great car for $$$ - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By G - July 4 - 6:00 am

  For the $$$ you cant beat. Plus, it has unique style that sets it apart from camrys, accords, and other mass- produced 4 doors that old people drive. Power is only good up top so you need to keep it there if you want to have fun. Handling is excellent - I owned a 91 300ZX and this handles just as good. Interior style is good, though quality of materials is lacking. This is my third MAZDA - I will definitely purchase again. They seem to be the only manufacturer that can put all of the right peices together in one package. Not necessarily the best in any one category, but I feel it is best all- around.