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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  i love my mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By steverino - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is so beautiful and thrilling to drive..the interior is so cool and the exterior so hot... i havent felt this excited about a car in over 10 years

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  Stylish And Exciting Sports Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By RustyBawl - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Mazda designers are taking huge strides in the right direction in regards to the styling of their vehicles. The Mazda6 is available as a sedan and very soon will also be available in the US as a hatch and a wagon. One of the best things about this car right now is that you donÂ’t drive 15 minutes down the road and during that period see five cars exactly like the one you are driving. Look different and still have an excellent sedan! This vehicle suits someone with kids that still wants a sporty look and wants to keep the car for a long time. Find endless information on this vehicle as stated by owners themselves, on the forums at mazda6club.

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  The Greatest Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By allison - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all it has a smooth ride and a wonderful style and i would recommend it to everyone as well as it is a stylish car

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  Love my Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sarah - December 27 - 9:26 am

  Ive had my car for over 2 years and I love it! It is a wonderful little car. Gets great gas mileage and runs so good! I definitely recommend this car to anyone!

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  A great toy and dependable car! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2005 Mazda MX5 Miata - December 25 - 8:46 pm

  Im 70 years old and have owned Jaguars, X19s and many small convertibles. I LOVE MY MIATA MX5! It hates snow and so do I, so it remains in its heated garage all winter but when its ready to go so am I. I feel safe and comfortable in it. I wish I were younger, Id be in the new 2008 with the upgrade! I take it to the mountains a lot and appreciate the way it handles and takes the upgrades with power to spare! As far as looks go? How can you beat it? Thanks Mazda.

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  Makes My Day - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miatame - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Hey, I did my time in minivans. This is my "other" car. Have been smiling ever since hubby bought it for my anniversary present last summer. Always have very silly grin when driving. I make up excuses to drive whenever it is sunny, and always take the long, long way home.

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  Mazda Magic - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Chris Read - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful mini-van; perfect size; not too much a goliath like most. And the second seat windows go down!(Only mini-van in which they do.) Wish the second seats folded into the floor. A couple of small design glitches, like you cant see the A/C button behind the gear selector when driving. Has been problem-free (11000 miles).

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Rick Bogey - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This mid size MPV has the soul of a sports MPV. The handling is great and the size is an advantage. The gas mileage is a plus. This is the second MPV I have owned. We have also owed a Toyota Sienna.

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  review - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By lmatt464 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd mpv and i would not buy anything else. i have driven other minivans and the mpv is by far the best van on the market.

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  Zoom----Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mosquito - December 23 - 7:46 am

  It is a great car. This is my first Mazda, I have owned 2 Subarus prior. For the money I couldnt go wrong. It has all the bells and whistles of most major luxury car makers at a fraction of the price. The design, both interior and exterior are well thought and beautiful. I get people asking me all the time what kind of car is that! It catches peoples eyes for sure. After I tinted the windows it took on a totaly different look. I would love to see Mazda put the 6 cyc. in the 3. It would make it even better!! It is quick now, but with the 6 cyc. WOW!