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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  Everyone Should Drive This Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kaye - September 15 - 2:46 am

  This car has it all! It looks like an expensive European car. It is really fun to drive. The upholstery fabric, interior, and dashboard look great. I love the dashboard lights at night. Storage spaces are functional. Sound system great. It makes climbing hills a breeze. I did my homework purchasing this car. I couldnt be more pleased with my purchase.

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  Best car ever - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By lewmed - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car lots of power gets lots of looks and is a lot more car than a Honda or Toyota !!

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  Oil Leaks Wont go away - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By OilLeak - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car looks and handles, but This is my third trip back to the dealer with oil leaking problem. They had to drop my AT transmission to get to the rear main seal. They messed up the AT and power steering. After all that and about 3 weeks without a car, the dam thing still leaks. Im currently filing Lemon Law Papers. Anyone else have oil leaks?

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  Affordable and fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Moto9 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Mercedes ML320 after 5 years. Tribute is smaller but fun to drive and much easier on the wallet. The ES offers some nice amenities. Im hoping the reliability will be better than my ML 320

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  mazda mpv - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By dak - September 15 - 2:00 am

  A great family van that stands out from the crowd. Turns heads with its style, like an Infiniti or BMW, but its as affordable as a KIA. Have found it to be much more reliable than the Chrysler vans and the ride is smooth and agile. Truly fun to drive given the pleasure of driving around a pack of kids.

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  AWSOME CAR!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8 kid - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive very good handleing

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  two for the road - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bill West - September 13 - 4:16 pm

  This is the 3rd Miata weve owned & the best. Weve had all 3 body types from pop-up headlights to this current model. We traded a 03 Cobra in for this car and though I miss the full power of the Cobra, I really havent looked back. A little bigger inside for the legs & plenty of extra storage.The interior is nicely laid out, easy to reach just about anything yet gives me room to myself. Plenty of get up and go. We opted for the automatic this time with paddle shifters, this is more fun than a just about anything you could drive. Zoom-Zoom.

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  New Mazda customer - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Rachel - September 13 - 3:46 am

  Grand Touring AWD w/Tech package. I just love this car. This is my first Mazda and I am pleasantly surprised. Navigation is easy to use. I have an 06 Cadillac STS with Navigation and I feel I need the manual for every thing I do. This car is a winner!!

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  Loyal Long-Term Friend - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By H. B. Laidlaw - September 13 - 2:33 am

  Purchased new as my wifes commuter and weekend driver. Living in Maine with grandchildren in Vermont, we learned quickly that it is terrific in the snow. Problem areas: front suspension work needed at 45,000 and new front axles due to rusted tone rings (part of ABS system) at 55,000. The torque converter stutters occasionally when downshifting, but otherwise the engine/drive train work seamlessly and after 8 years it still drives like new.

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  Loved for 4 months and still do! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By coppercx7 - September 11 - 11:30 pm

  This was an awesome car. I would really recommend this car to families of 4 only. Back seat space isnt the best. But, it is a car with speed and if you are looking for a vehicle with good room, sexy design, and performance and last but not least, a MAZDA, then you will be in complete heaven!