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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  The 3 is go-go - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By tom-tom - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I was going to buy a Honda fit sport but was concerned about the lack of hp, 4 wheel disc brakes, useful sun-visors and tight legroom for my 71 1/2 inch frame. For a bit more money the Mazda 3 hatchback addressed all of these issues and rides and looks better too. (the smiley grill is livable, and I prefer a happy car) The only trade-off was settling for less gas mileage than the fit offered, but the rewards are worth it. I call the Mazda 3S hatchback "Honda Fits better looking big brother".

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  nice car but....... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By rag723 - October 4 - 3:03 am

  The Mazda6 is a nice car and a nice ride but I had problems with it. The gas tank has been replaced because it was making a strange noise, the lumber adjust broke, the weather strip on the windows have been replaced. Ive spend alot ot time at the dealership and I only have 5K miles. Not sure if I would buy Mazda again.

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  Administering CPR - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By maxbassmedia - October 3 - 2:16 am

  Bought this vehicle new in Oct 2000. Been extremely reliable. Had a problem w/sunroof years ago, and opted not to get it fixed. Now on my 4th set of tires, and just turned 253,00 miles. Been aiming to get 300K out of it. Just had first major problem, transmission started slipping :( Going to put a couple of grand in to keep it going, rather than get another car AND car payment. Hope the gamble pays off.

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  Fuel Consumption - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By 2006 Mazda MAZDA6 - October 2 - 4:16 am

  Nice car, poor fuel consumption (13-16 MPG, city). Dealer unable to find any problem. Non aggressive driver averaged 20-22 MPG, same conditions) with 3 previous Taurus wagons.

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  Mazda is Shirking - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SuJun - October 1 - 9:40 pm

  I love driving our Mazda CX-9. Mazda does not support the navigation system we got. It is an old disk and they will not send us a new one -- dont have one. They advertised the ability to add an iPod jack, so you could control it from the radio, when we got it. They have finally withdrawn the offer. Unfortunately, we complained because that add on is one we really wanted. I love my Mazda for driving, but the extras that make it a great car is the company. The company is lousy. Grand Touring, dont buy.

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  Mazda 3: $21,000 worth of fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By StukaFox - October 1 - 6:16 am

  Dropped $21,000 cash, not a BIT of regret: car is surprisingly peppy; suspension like a racecar; snaps to attention when right pedal is pressed. Expecting laggy and plastic, got a car out of a videogame. No bad habits on the road; does what its told without complaint. Visibility like a F-16s cockpit. Interior is luxury-car roomy. Cargo space that would make some SUVs blush. Piled on leather, airbag package, and ABS, still only came to $21,000 out the door. Was never going to buy import, Mazda 3 totally changed my mind. Detroit, wake up: Japan is about to eat your lunch again!

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  Everything I expected. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Peace Brotha - September 30 - 10:36 pm

  I couldnt pass up the incentives on this car I had been interested in since 2004. My old car, though reliable, was 8 years old and rusting. It was time. I appreciate the Mazda3s straightforward interior design and comfort, unique styling, and quality of materials in and out. I expected a little extra wind and tire noise compared to my old mid-size car, and I got it, but its more than acceptable. The 2.5 engine pulls very strongly throughout the range and has a lot of pep. Mileage is average to good for this class of vehicle. Very satisfied with the vehicle and dealer.

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  Be careful of the one that you buy - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cute Car - September 28 - 12:16 pm

  I had a 99 Miata. The car was beautiful!! I thought I could tell from the details that the car was taken care of, no scratches, no dent, seats good condition, and ran well - I was wrong!! This car within 3 months of ownership I had a lot of problems. I know that there are bad vehicles in every making, I think that I got one of them. For those willing to try this car it will be fun to drive. I do suggest the manual tranmission it just makes it even more fun to drive. Mixed feeling on this ride. I will never purchase another though.

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  Disappointing gas mileage - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By drivesalotfl - September 25 - 10:16 am

  The car is beautiful and fun to drive, but I havent gotten near the advertised gas mileage, and thats the main reason I bought the car. I went for a 6 cylinder SUV to this, and the average mileage isnt all that much better. I even took it back to the dealer thinking something was wrong with the monitoring system, but they insisted it was accurate. I am lucky to get 29 MPG on the highway. I have also had issues with the Infotainment system - similar to those published by others in various forums - GPS system all of a sudden fails, doesnt recognize commands, fade has to be set all the way to the rear to get any sound out of the rear speakers.

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  Will they learn its all about the seats? - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By John - September 21 - 11:56 pm

  I test drove a 2005 model, 4 cylinder last year, and found it sporty My only complaint was why do the designers not add even 1" more padding to the front seats? This would open the potential to a whole new range of buyers. We decided to buy an 06 just recently, and it is perfect for what we need. Family of four, with two big dogs, who get the rear cargo area. I am 5 11", and 200 lbs, with a 44" chest and I have plenty of room for both with room to spare.