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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  so sexy!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By wy - November 17 - 9:03 pm

  I just bought my car with barely 30000 miles and I love it!! I have always owned sports like cars but this one, hands down, takes the cake!! I was sketchy about buying a mazda because the last mazda i owned (a mx3) gave me alot of problems :( true this car may not be good for grocery shopping etc, but if you let her warm up and rev the engine before you kill it (not that hard rt??) she is a sexy lil thing to drive and I love her!!

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  Bulletproof! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By nikonmorous - November 15 - 12:20 pm

  In 2011 when I got this car, it was my sweet sixteen gift, so of course it was the coolest thing on the road ( at least in my opinion ). It came from the local Ford dealership with 142k miles on the odometer. Now, three and a half years later, it has 176k miles. And not a single mechanical issue - the drivetrain is absolutely rock-solid. Cosmetically, the car does suffer a bit. The front bumper mustve been painted with hair-dye, the the headliner had to be applied using Elmers Glue - just appalling. Not to mention, the projector headlights perform like theyve got cataracts. Although the engine is lethargic, its a hoot to drive. I swear its on rails.

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  Good Ride - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Roy Keane1 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive, small (enough storage space however) , and easy to get around the city...

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  No regrets; no problems; all fun! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rod L. Richardson - November 13 - 7:30 am

  Aside from premium gas and modest mpg this has been a great car. I customized to a full Mazda Speed Version + others suspension/computer mods. Comared to a std/ RX8 a real head turner. No mechanical problems. Big Racing Heart tires/very low profile makes the agility of this vehicle striking. Floats well over 120mph; probably due 150+; Canadian computer adds about 50 horsepower. Red. Just went to the 2008 Auto show in KC, Mo. Nothing except Vettes/Viper to compare. Not for everyone. Takes an astute enthusiast to see the subtle wonders of this speedster. If you can afford to do the Mazda Speed Package it makes it a totally different car + racing wheels, suspension etc. Add $15,000. Std 6 speed.

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  Tribute to my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By karen6036 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Just turned 20,000 miles on my 2003 Tribute. Other than car washes, gas, oil changes, one wheel balancing, and insurance, I have spent no money on this vehicle. NO WARRANTEE repairs either. I would like better gas mileage, but I actually get 18.9 - 19.3 around town and 24.5 - 25.3 on strickly highway driving.

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  Mazda3isgood - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob2 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This car floored me when I first learned about it at the dealership. I was actually looking at the RX8, but at 62", was too tall for the RX8. The 6 is nice, but this car is more nimble, fun to drive, and allows you to spend your extra money saved elsewhere!

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  Its not a minivan its a SUPER WAGON - 2014 Mazda Mazda5
  By wnull - November 10 - 8:42 pm

  when our 2007 mazda3 was totaled we knew we wanted another mazda. we had that car since new with 130k on it and no issues. We also wanted something for our growing family but yet something kind of fun to drive. My wife refuses to drive anything but a manual transmission. So the mazda5 has fit the bill for everything. we dont usually have more than 4 people in the car at a time but its nice to know we can fit 6 if needed. If you plan on taking this for long vacations using all six seats..BUY the roof rack! MPG so far has averaged 28/ best 32..mostly hwy and long stretches of 40mph roads during my commute. For a young couple that like smaller maneuverable cars this is the way to go!

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  Its a good car, not a great car. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bubba - November 8 - 6:23 pm

  IÂ’ve owned a few new cars in the last 7 years, and the only one I regret buying is the Mazda 3. IÂ’m not saying it was a bad purchase but I should have spent more time looking at the Honda and Toyota. The Mazda 3 has a powerful engine and a refined transmission that make it so nice to drive, but it comes at the cost of low quality interior materials and poor fit and finish. Features are plentiful but lack quality, thought, and purpose, and may even be totally pointless like manual headlamp leveling. I love the sporty feel and tight suspension, but some may find the ride noisy and rough. Finally, there is no coolant temperature gauge??? WhatÂ’s up with that???

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  Loving the rx8 in St. Louis! - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Kris - November 5 - 2:53 pm

  I got a great deal on this car after about 2 years of research. I read everything on the oil consumption, oil weight discussion, and common problems of the vehicle. Ive found that the 2007 has ironed out most of these problems and Im having a BLAST driving it! I walk out to the garage still expecting to see my rusted out s10 I upgraded from, just to fall in love with it all over again. I have the same problems with the heated seats buttons and accidentally turning them off, the cupholders in the front are poorly placed and rarely useful because of this, but other than that, Im pumped. It handles the STL winters no problem too.

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  O.K., But...... - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mikehs2 - October 30 - 8:08 pm

  Remember this car was designed by the Japanese to imitate the experience of the MG. The MG was designed for the very winding roads of back woods England, 35-45 M.P.H. They totally hit the mark,if you drive a lot on very windy country roads, or just drive around town to Safeway and Starbucks. However, if you are on the freeway at all, this is not an "Autobahn" car. At 60 M.P.H. the R.P.M.s are 3,500+. It has 5 speeds. So, on any normal vehicle the R.P.M. should be about 1,800. Realistically, with the right gear ratio, this car could get 45-50 M.P.G at 60. Watch out for the plastic radiator. It will fail between 120K-130K.