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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  Good car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Ray - November 10 - 9:26 pm

  Bought our red Mazda hot rod used off of a two year lease with about 36,000 miles. Now have 184000. Normal maintenance, no unusual problems, continues to run like a champ. Looks great, but there now is corrosion underneath the car around suspension components and gas tank. My trusted mechanic recommended that my daughter not drive it 250 miles to university considering it could break down far from home. This car which has taken my family on trips across the US is now in semi retirement shuttling my youngest son to school and back (10 miles). Although its now our "beater" it still looks good with its red, rust free exterior, leather seats and still shiny aluminum wheels.

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  Better than an Accord - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ADD - November 10 - 10:20 am

  I have a 2003 Honda Accord Coupe and a 2004 Mazda6. Mazda6 wins in reliability and usability than the Honda hands down. However the Honda scores in engine power and feel of the car (partly because it is a 2.4 L coupe). I think the Honda gives a better mileage too. However the Mazda is awesome when it comes to reliability as I have not had to spend anything on it since I have owned it (fingers crossed!). I prefer the ride quality over Honda because of the quite engine and zippy steering.

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  Mazda Tribute 2008 Grand Touring - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Joy - November 9 - 2:23 am

  I always wanted a Tribute but I like the 2006 exterior better than the 2008. The 2008 looks too much like a box. I really like the exterior look of the 2007 Honda CRV, but I like the interior of the Tribute. I made the purchase because it was the best deal for the money. I like the feel of sitting high and seeing far in front me. I dont have 4WD and sometimes it feels like the car skids or sways if Im traveling at a high speed and need to come to a sudden stop. This makes me a little nervous. Its not too bad on gas either. Its really growing on me.

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  New 2009 Hatchback; SoFar, So Good - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marc Rodgers - November 6 - 9:33 pm

  Just got the car on 8/22, put on about 450 miles over the week end. About 30 mpg, mixed highway/city driving. Initial impressions: responsive, OK for power, nimble, good turn in with slight understeer (expected with front wheel drive), very good brakes and steering feel. Nice interior layout, good fit and finish. The Bose stereo, wiper controls and trip computer seem rather complex, but Im on a learning curve. Great cargo and passenger flexibility. I wanted a well made, economical but still fun to drive little car and this fits the bill. At or close to best in class. My other vehicle is a 08 Ford F-150 Limited with a Cobra pack. A great truck, but not the constant $80+ fill ups.

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  Style but serious flaws - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By rconn2 - November 4 - 4:26 am

  I just bought the 2005 Special Edition Mazda3, with SP2 Security Package, Moonroof and Navigation. I have decidedly mixed feelings; am actually considering selling (and have had less than 2 weeks). Why? Despite researching and reading all I could, you dont really know until you buy. 1. There are many posts on the internet saying this car is awful in the snow... the worst theyve driven in 40 years... an embarrassment. Some say its the tires, some the wheels and tires. Who knows. 2. Fuel economy is poor -- especially with the automatic transmission. Lots of complaints here too. Like in the low 20s. 3. Consumer Reports just dropped it. 4. Nav system is featureless.

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  Lots to like, a little to dislike - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dennis - November 3 - 11:03 am

  I bought the Sport with M/T. Vehicle meets all my needs, lots of room, decent fuel economy, good price. The manual trans takes some getting used to. It has a very light engagement and is very easy to "top" a gear. I definitely will be tinting the rear windows to keep things cooler but the A/C works great. With almost 3,000 miles on it I am averaging about 22 mpg. Since all my driving is around town I find this acceptable but wished for more. Manual adjusting seats required me to get out of the car to raise the seat level. If you are willing to keep the RPMs up, acceleration is good. Overall I am very pleased and hope time will prove me right.

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  Expensive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By kingshahid - November 2 - 1:40 am

  This car was bought in 2007 at 180,000km. The car gave nothing but expensive bills for maintenance. One by one everything kept breaking down each month. No bill was smaller than $200. Its very consumptive of gas. It always had problems. The good side is has a very nicely designed car interior and exterior. When its working properly it can be comfortable and fun. Unfortunately Mazda failed at providing reliability - I always feared with this car if I would make it from point a to point b or not.

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  Family Sedan with a Soul.... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By psailing - October 31 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda 6 replaced a Volvo S60 which was stolen after less than two years of ownership (Took a big hit on depreciation and wasnt looking to pay that much again). Despite the $12K price difference, the Mazda compares quite favorably with the fancy European car and out performs it in the fun-to- drive department. If you enjoy driving and have been shopping Accords & Camrys, do yourself a favor and head to your Mazda dealer. Hondas and Toyotas are appliances...boring and souless!

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  Tribute O.K. - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Rdock - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Nice and peppy. Handles well. Interior design is a little cheap. Ignition is in a terrible place. Radio could be better or speakers. But the price was fair, and my wife enjoys driving it. I havent had a chance to try the four wheel drive yet. But Im sure old man winter will change that.

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  Excellent engineering work - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gabor - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Be sure to know what you want. Make no mistakes: the RX-8 is not a drag racing car. The engine has poor performance below 3000 rpm so your red-light take- off will not be spectacular. Probably a mediocre sport car will outperform in the 0-60 non-professional race. However, this is balanced by an unbelievable high-rev performance. You feel the car coming to life at 5000 and keep improving to the red line. The high-speed power and control is outstanding. Cornering is excellent and the response is very, very good. The run is much smoother than a V6 and the 1.3 liter Wankel is an engineering marvel. Interior is nice but you can get better in a G35.