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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  Want great handling, this is the car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TeeCee - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Seats are very comfortable. Many different driving positions with tilt/telescoping steering column. Handling and braking are superb yet 17" rims compromise smooth city rides. Automatic tranee shifts flawlessly except at times of extremely rough accleration and braking. Braking in ALL weather conditions is extremely comforting with the ABS brakes. Radio and climate controls take ALOT of getting used to and have yet to become second nature even after two months. Storage is plentiful for maps, bottled water and coffee. Sharp car but needs tweeking here and there; MANY options that are only seen on more high end, costlier cars.....

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff - July 28 - 12:46 am

  I purchased my Mazda6i brand new with 55 miles on it. It currently has 97,000 miles on it. I chose the 2.3L 4cyl and I have had zero trouble with it. It handles like a dream and its a lot of fun!! I bought the sport package with moonroof/bose/17" wheels etc. Its been a great car and its paid for!! I will never get rid of this car and its absolutely wonderful to drive. I feel the same way I did when I bought it brand new. Confident and classy.

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  Good Combo - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jim - July 27 - 8:06 pm

  Bought this over a Honda, which had nothing under the hood. The Mazda is a good combination of size, features and performance. Better warranty than the Escape and $2,000 less. This is our first SUV and I would buy it again.

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  Amazing car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By scttsprg - July 27 - 10:46 am

  I am simply amazed and thrilled everytime I get behind the wheel. For the price, I couldnt have made a better choice. I had my friend who owns a 3 series BMW drive my new 3. He was so impressed. The handling and power, road noise is no different than his. He is a sports car enthusiast and knows his cars. He only confirmed my choice was the correct one.

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  Love my First Mazda!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By R Mcintyre - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first attempt at having a non-GM vehicle and I have been extremely happy. I have already put 10,000 miles on my Tribute and have not had any problems with it to date. The only options I bought were the in dash 6 disc CD changer and ABS. I checked all the other SUVs out at the time and this was the best value by far. I think it has classier exterior styling than its counterpart, the Ford Escape.

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  Our second Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Otis - July 25 - 12:03 pm

  Previously owned an 03 V6 sedan. Traded for a convertible but she missed the zoom zoom of her 6 so much that we came back and got a loaded up 05 V6 5 speed sport hatchback (actually all hatchbacks have the sport package unlike my earlier sedan). This car is great. A ton of fun for the money and has many features found in more expensive cars. V6/manual transmission combo is hard to find elsewhere. 220hp was a lot a few years ago but others have caught up or do better now. Suspension dynamics are fantastic, this car wants to bolt around town at 60+ mph! Styling is fresh and unique. Highly recommended. Some 2005s are still around (as of early 2006) and could be a steal. MSRP of $27,700 cost me $21,300!

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By PAINT IT AINT - July 25 - 5:06 am

  I am very disappointed with this purchase, paint has been chipping and continues to bubble on pieces that had been repainted noise in front sounds like needing new breaks this was all in 3 months of purchasing. Headlights had to be completely replaced, washer fluid leaks on hood, tie down in back fell off and again paint bubbling all with in 6 months of owning vehicle. If own the lt sage, please go over it and check for bubbles of pin head paint. It squeaks like an old truck on very hot days and long rides in stop and go traffic, does not have pickup, the dash color reflects on the windshield which is somewhat distracting. Never will I purchase a Mazda.

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  This is a good car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mtrblkd - July 24 - 7:23 am

  We bought this car on Mothers Day weekend 2005. We have put almost 24,000 miles on it in less than a year. We love it and couldnt be happier. The car has performed beyond my expectations. My wife says its a tad uncomfortable but I disagree. Our only complaint is trying to fit all our babies stuff into the trunk. If it is packed right it can be done though. This car looks good and drives great. For a car in this class it cant be beat.

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  Love this car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mistdreamr - July 24 - 1:06 am

  My first new car since 2001 and Im in love with it. I didnt intend to spend as much as I did, but once I sat in it and then drove it, I was hooked. So many things to love, the proximity keyless entry, the hands free Bluetooth, the great Bose sound system, the seats that cradle you,the sleek exterior lines that hint of speed, and of course, that "zoom zoom" driving feel. Never thought Id look forward to driving like this car makes me feel.

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  Warm Weather Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - July 24 - 1:06 am

  Bought this car in June 08, loved every mile i drove behind the wheel sing its praises to all my family and friend. Until winter of 08 and it snowed. This is by far the worst front wheel drive car I have ever owned or driven in any type of slippery condition. The anti lock brakes are always on and off at every stop and go situation as wheels spin out of control. I love this car in good dry weather, but this is not a car for upstate NY. I spent $900 for snow tires, didnt make any change in performance or handling. This car will not make it to next winter of 09.