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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  Great fun car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jonniejr2 - April 13 - 8:53 am

  This car has been great. I have had it now for 3 months and I just love it. It is my first car that I actually bought and I cant be happier. I dont have a whole lot of money right now so this smaller sized car is great for someone who just got out of college and needed a new car. It gets great gas mileage and is sporty looking and fun to drive. The 4-cylinder on this baby isnt even noticable, accelerates like a champ.

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  Never again, never Mazda! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By DC Sienerth - April 13 - 5:46 am

  Absolutely the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Purchased with 84000 miles, at 88000 the transmission blows up (luckily it was under warranty).Two weeks after trans is replaced, the famous ill-designed PCV hose has to be replaced (not under warranty, cost $300). Now it refuses to run in the rain - water apparently getting into the other famously ill-designed item: coil packs have a vent that allows water to get into pack and interfere with spark! Do yourself a favor and avoid Mazda products - I can guarantee I will avoid like a plague!

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  Mazdaspeed 6... Love it! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Adam - April 13 - 3:36 am

  Just bought mine, and I absolutely LOVE it. I have owned an A4, and this car absolutely crushes it in performance! Fun to drive in my day to day activities, but a blast if I really feel like scooting. Comfortable, classy, sporty, all at a better price. Go test drive it.

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  Almost 4 years later - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By flora29 - April 12 - 7:23 pm

  I love my Mazda 3 hatchback. I researched this car forever and finally got it Dec. 08. It only had 19 miles on it and now it has 60,000! I had a few glitches my first year. I had the gas cap issue, Mazda service department damanged my body and paint during a recall service and I had to have my car repainted twice (nightmare process). I have repaired all the recalls and so far no major issues. I did have to replace the tires sooner than normal but not a big deal. Everyone tells me they love how my car looks inside and out. The backseat is a little tight but with the seats folded down it carries a ton of stuff, great for camping and road trips. Fun to drive!

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  2nd CX7 - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By knickg1 - April 10 - 11:36 pm

  My 2nd CX7 and I love the redesign for 2010. At first I thought what is with the mini navigation screen, but I will admit its highly functional and actually easier to use than the full touch screen the 07 has. More bang for buck than a Murano or Venza and much better styling than a CR-V or Rav4. Saved a lot of Money staying with Mazda and not sacrificing any amenities in the process.

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  An excellent fun car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Justin - April 10 - 7:16 pm

  I use my car as a daily commuter in Northern VA and couldnt be happier. While the stock suspension is a little soft for me - I used to have a BMW M3 - the top operation is amazingly simple and quick, the build quality is great and the engine is free-revving and makes nice power for putting out 170hp / 140tq. Remember that the car weighs under 2500 pounds!

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  Zoom-Zoom, no gas. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jacobgeshio - April 10 - 7:10 pm

  Excellent performing car. I love driving it. It handles great, it is fast and looks awesome. But the fuel economy is horrible I have driven the car 1500 miles and I am averaging 22-24 MPG. I would recommend the manual. Mazda automatics dont get good gas mileage. I test drove a Benz C230 with the Kompressor and enjoyed driving this car much more.

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  Very Functional, Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased this car after owning a Tribute for five years. I love to drive and the Tribute was not fun to drive. This car handles about as well as an A4 and has a great combo of sportiness and comfort. Quiet, rattle free and a HUGE cargo area. I can put a bicycle in the back without removing either wheel. Its basically a wagon that looks nice. I love the exterior styling. The only qualm I have about the car is lack of low end torque from the V6. Nothing happens until 3000rpm or so. But, no worries, I like to rev it. It cruises on the highway with no effort. Very quiet and the Bose system is fabulous. Great car for the money.

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  Fun - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tomek - April 10 - 1:06 pm

  Double wishbones, 50/50 weight distribution, all wheel discs, rear drive, and manual steering. As close as you will get to a real race car for the money, and still drive home from the track.

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  Fire Hazard - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By desjes - April 10 - 8:56 am

  Given the beauty/uniqueness of this car I was willing to overlook the constant need to add oil, the engine flooding, the poor gas mileage, the manufacturer recalls ... that was until my car burst into flames in the parking lot at work due to faulty wiring. The entire front end is incinerated and unrepairable. According to Mazda mine is the first ... hopefully its the last.