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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  Jeffs review - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff W - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Its a very competent minivan thats just the right size. It performs like a sedan and doesnt have that big feel at all. The MPV is a very good value, nice styling, and its warrenty is the best out of the group.

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  My RX-8 comments - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Richxf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  So far the RX-8 has been an excellent driving experience. The interior is very comfortable with everything laid out very wll. I have the grand touring package with the navigation system. The navgation system can be a bit clumpsy to input the destination, but once past that, it works well in routing you to your destination. The engine is smooth, and accelerates very well, the transmission is a 6 speed short throw that is also extremely smooth in its shifting, the combination of these two makes driving a real pleasure.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By I Own One - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It really moves. I get lots of looks from passers by. It handles great. Very little wind noise. Hugs the road. Feel safe it in. Back seat for children fine but adults will be cramped. Trunk space adequate. Fuel is really bad. I dont do jackrabbit starts and I can actually see the gas tank level go down while driving. I use premium gas as instructed but would like to use midgrade since prices are less. Love my car. Zoom Zoom Zoom was meant for this car.

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  Good Stuff - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rdn - March 18 - 1:13 pm

  This thing is a rocket ship. The engine hums at speed. It has a great growl. The bad thing is the split personality. Gently drive this car and you feel like an old person cruizing around. Open the taps on this car and HOLD ON! It just goes. I had a Honda Civic before and this car runs a bit rougher...but this is another species altogether. The only major issue so far has been the drivers door handle which has broken...thanks to some ice and a weak spot....one morning gave it a pull and CRACK! The motor sounds awful when started and then wakes up. Need to get plugs changed... but that is normal. Would buy another.

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  Good Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dtyner - March 16 - 4:33 pm

  Before buying this car I had done a lot of research on cars in its class and for the money there is no car that even compares. My particular car is fully loaded and still costs less than any of its competitors. My car has the manual gearbox that shifts perfectly, and the v6 motor that has not great power but the a range of power that makes it feel sporty. The engine makes a decent note with the stock exhaust. The clutch has great feel. Stiff enough to have fun on the track but soft enough that your left leg wont shadow your right. The Handling is amazing. Very limited body roll but then road noise at highway speed is very loud. Overall a great car for the money.

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  Not Bad, better than I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By QbanPete - March 16 - 2:40 pm

  I needed a vehicle to get to and from work, well the 6 does and then some. I find that I take the long way home through country backroads that have lots of hills and curves. Once I adapted to the "Semi-Manual" its fun to keep the engine revving above 3500rpm. Keep the engine happy and it rewards you with a pleasant sound, considering its a 4. Gas mileage has been around 26mpg, which I consider good since I tend to floor it. A lot!

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  The LilCar that Could thats Not so Lil - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ThaiXcel - March 15 - 7:26 pm

  I love this car! It might not be the fastest of the bunch, but if I wanted a fast car I would buy an ugly overrated Mustang thats all engine and nothing else. The response of the car, especially in turning is unbelievable, and the smooth performance of the unique Renesis rotary engine is like no other. You feel like youre in a jet. This car might not be for racing, but its definitely for Driving. The manual tranny is flawless and it takes turns like no other. After coming out of turns you almost want to apologize to the car for not taking the turn faster. Its styling speaks for itself and its interior quality is better than most, especially better than that fast, but poorly built Mustang.

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  Nice little hatch - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Kenny - March 14 - 9:40 pm

  I dont like those common small cars. It was made in Japan and not as common as other Japanese sedans. I test drove the sedan but didnt like the seats and ride. I bought a Protege5 because it had more comfortable seats and and gave me a little bit of "road feel". The driving experience of the hatch was more closed to my old Saab (Of course the Saab was better). I dont understand why people dont like hatchback. It doesnt have typical noise from a hatchback. The car performs quite good in the city but it is quite noisy at highway speed. The autostick stick is fun but it needs a 5-speed auto instead of a 4-speed auto.

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  A whole lot of fun. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By charliedog - March 14 - 10:00 am

  You cant go anywhere without someone approaching you and asking about the car. I feel like a salesman for Mazda. While passing everyone on the hiway people try to catch you to see what kind of car just blew there doors off. Somtimes you let them catch you, especially if its a cute girl.

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  Great car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kai696 - March 14 - 3:41 am

  I was never a huge fan of Mazda but when I got this car I really loved it. It worked well and was very reliable, no maintenance at the 100,000km mark (except regular maintenance of course), however it doesnt have a lot of power, I notice theres a bit of a delay from when I press the gas peddle into when it picks up, I never had this on my Toyota Echo.. but all in all I think this car is great for anyone upgrading from a smaller car. They will be pleasently surprised how much it has to offer. Car came with Moon roof/AC/ Power Windows / CD/Bluetooth combo. I only wish the turning would be a bit more tight, but it does turn well.. just not quite well enough..