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:

• 

  Fun, Safe Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Afj69 - May 3 - 4:20 pm

  Very good looking for a good price, it has plenty of power even with a 4 cyl, turbo kicks in hard but you leard to adjust for that, very roomy car inside, I am a big man and I have no problem fitting inside.

• 

  Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jason - May 3 - 1:30 am

  I have had the car 6 months and have been very pleased with my purchase. Its traction and control are excellent. I really enjoy the extra power when I need it, since I do a lot of Interstate travel. I have been getting consistently around 28 MPG. The large trunk is very nice, because I can put my golf bag in it and still have plenty of room. All in all I would highly recommend it.

• 

  No more GTIs - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Tim K - May 3 - 1:00 am

  Had many GTIs and recently a 3 series BMW, got tired of the endless maintenance issues and awful customer service by both VW and BMW. My wife has had a Mazda 3 for 6 years and I finally noticed how it was just so reliable and fun. Tested a Speed 3 and realized it was time to buy one. A very good car that trounces the VW and BMW. I was actually treated like a human by Mazda. Kudos to Mazda, learn some customer service and build reliable cars to VW and BMW.

• 

  Kennys Review - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Howard K. Meeks - April 30 - 4:46 am

  I really like to drive this car. I have had sports sedans before, but this car takes the cake. The feel of the car on the road is tight and comfortable. The only thing I dont like is the short range gas mileage is quite a surprise. In city traffic the mileage goes down to about 17 mpg.

• 

  my my my my my!!! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MrMashie - April 29 - 3:36 am

  This is probably the most fun ride I have ever owned. The kids are married, no car seats, strollers, toys, etc., to worry about anymore, so daddy has a fun new toy. This sure beats the heck out of all those station wagons, minivans and clumsy fuel eating SUVs I had to endure. Im thrilled with this car, its just so much fun to drive. I finally enjoy getting on the road again and zoom-zooming around. Did I mention my golf clubs fit in the trunk? ok I have to take the woods out and fit them inside the trunk next to the bag, big whoop! This car is far superior to the Solstice and Sky. They cant compare at all. What a blast this MX5 is !!

• 

  Single foot seeks pedal to mash... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Twitch - April 28 - 9:30 pm

  Mistakenly bought this car for my wife, and wished Id given her my car and kept this one for myself instead! This is truly a drivers car. Bose system makes your ears dance. I found myself out in the garage more than once just listening to a new cd. Honest. And once you back it out of the garage, let the fun begin! Ford Duratec V6 has a nice exhaust note when pushed. The platform/suspension sometimes feels like it was designed for the lighter 4-cyl, but the V6 will pin your ears back if you hit your corners at mid-range rpm! 6-speed transmission geared a bit odd between 1st and 2nd, but sweet between 5th and 6th on road trips. And 3rd/4th gears make you over-eager to pass anyone.

• 

  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By VengefulTick - April 28 - 4:46 pm

  Bought this car new for my wife in early 2004. We broke it in by driving it from Colorado Springs, CO to Anchorage, AK via Canada. It has never let us down, always been a great car

• 

  Bye 13 Focus, Hello Skyactiv!! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3_2013 - April 28 - 2:41 am

  I traded my 13 Ford Focus (that I bought brand new), for my brand new Mazda3. Let me tell you this car is better in all aspects. The Focus was very nice, but could not get used to the Dual Clutch transmission. I was in heaven when I test drove my Mazda, it drives better then the Focus, it shifts better, handles better. Everyone says how the Mazda3 has hard plastic all over the place on the inside, I dont know about you but I dont drive and tap my fingers on the dashboard at the sometime. Yes, somethings could of been made and/or placed different, but Ive never seen a car where everything is perfect, but the Mazda3 comes pretty darn close.

• 

  2002 Mazda B3000 4X4 - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By rideayeti - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck! A little underpowered with the 3.0 liter engine, but the tradeoff is a consistent 22-23 mpg. Great styling, well built, economical vehicle.

• 

  Great Car - 103,000 Miles So Far - 1999 Mazda 626
  By vramirez - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new. It currently has 103,000 miles and so far Ive only had to pay for routine maintenace..with the exception of the door seals. It did have a couple of repairs while under warranty: Clock spring in steering wheel and CV joints. Mazda auto shops were a pain to work with. Had to take car back several times with both problems before they were fixed. Different Mazda shops.