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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  First Zoom - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By onedriver - September 27 - 6:09 pm

  My first Mazda and im not disappointed. The car feels very light and its very nimble compared to other models I test drove. I decided on the manual since I like to feel more involved when driving, the trans is smooth and has short throws compared to others. The design is sporty and refreshing compared to other mainstream sedans. 250 miles in and avg 30mpg but have been driving pretty aggressively, well have to see when the excitement subsides and see how much more I can get out of skyactive. Love driving this sporty sedan and the stares I get everywhere I go is a sign that Mazda has a winner here.

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  206,000 miles - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Aeromech99 - September 26 - 10:10 pm

  Replaced transmission (about $800.00 used) but bought car for $500.00, great exterior condition, black with excellent paint. Will install a tranny cooler since none on car from factory. I drive about 50-60 miles a day and get satisfactory mpg. Best used car I ever bought. Need to fix A/C. Looks like a slow leak. Transmissions are hard to come by used, expect about $900-$1400 rebuilt with warranty. Shifts hard into 2nd gear, also hard on the downshift to 1st. Most gear heads i speak to say this is fine. If motor goes I will replace with 6 cyl.

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  Good Value for a Minivan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By wordslug - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First, the bad news. We had to completely replace the auto transmission within the first year of ownership. Otherwise, this has been a great vehicle for our family of 5. Looks good, drives well, has nice features like sliding middle seat, windows that open, folding rear bench. The size is about right, and the driving experience is car-like.

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  Nice Car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By raddad2 - September 22 - 8:20 am

  I just bought the 6-Sport Value edition. I really like the cars exterior appearance. Mine is black with the rear spoiler. Interior is nice but not overwhelming. I did not look at the upgraded models so I dont want to rate the interior too much since mine is pretty much just standard equipment but is still comfortable enough for the daily commute. The sunroof is nice but not really needed much in Seattle area. The drive is nice even with the small 4 cyl. 2.3 lt. engine, smooth shifting and gets up to speed just fine. Headroom is a little tight if your a taller person and rear seat area is a little cramped but is fine for a family with two young children. Fun to drive... zoom-zoom!

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  Convertible heaven without convenience - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By oldish - September 18 - 1:37 am

  I bought this car this spring & have had the summer to drive it. I just love the way it drives and riding with the top down. Despite that, I probably wont buy another. The interior is very badly designed. The drink holders are directly in the line that your arm must move to shift, and so are unuseable unless you want to risk dumping coffee all over the interior. The door pocket holders will hold nothing but a plastic water bottle. The interior material stains easily and may not come clean. The carpet is very cheezy. I live in a rural area and limit how far I take it from home due to the lack of a spare tire. There is no way that Id find a replacement tire in rural Michigan.

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  Debs626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Bearair - September 9 - 2:26 pm

  A good car with extras for the price. It has been dependable and gets about 30 mpg. No major repairs in 5 years. The only issue is the alternator does not appear to put out enough juice in the summer with the air on. My 1998 626 was the same way.

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  Love it, love it, love it! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andimal - September 5 - 6:16 pm

  Everything I would have expected out of a true sports car design...you know, old school (Sunbeam Tiger, Spitfire, Austin Healy to name a few). Agility, handling, feel of the road, top notch. Better than expected cabin noise, and I appreciate the automatic volume level adjustment in the stock stereo system. 18" wheels and limited-slip differential in the standard manual package is a bonus!

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  Good economy, stiff ride, limited space - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By foggnm - September 1 - 5:43 pm

  Ive averaged 29.5 in mix of city/hwy driving. The car will get 39 mpg on the highway (when my canoe is not on top). The ride of this car is very stiff off the lot. It was almost jarring, but I think the suspension has loosened a bit or Ive gotten used to it. But this is typical of a small/compact car. The car handles superbly. The automatic transmission is so smooth and quiet. Highway performance is adequate, no problems passing or going up hills Cabin noise is minimal for a small vehicle. Cargo capacity is lacking compared to a small SUV or even a mid-size car. Technology/climate controls are simple and easy to use. Questionable value compared to Civic, Corolla, Kia.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By fastcars5 - September 1 - 12:53 am

  We bought the Mazda5 mini van as a replacement for a Ford Freestar mini van that was totaled. I miss the Freestar because it was larger but the interior in the mazda is roomy enough for two people on a trip. It was purchased for my wife but I drive it once or twice a week commuting to work, 52 miles round trip. We just drove it to Atlanta and back, 1600 miles without any issues. Gas mileage is decent but not what you would expect from a car this size. We had a DVD player installed for the grand kids and they love it. If you fold down the four rear seats, you can carry a lot of equipment but with the third row seats up, trunk space is very limited.

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  A Sports Car Like No Other. - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By Nawaaz Ismail - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a RX8 6 years ago. It slipped out of my hands, and now Im proud to say that Im back in this car: A 2010 RX8 R3. Theres a lot of criticism on this car within the media. Mostly because of its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and higher than normal oil consumption. Not many people understand how good of a sports car it is. It has an extremely rich driving experience. Its one of the lightest and most nimble cars out there, and you can really appreciate that when you start pushing the car. The last 2 cars Ive owned before this were clearly more faster & expensive, yet this is the car that I truly connected with. Its hard to explain in words, but this car is irreplaceable.