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:

• 

  Best Buy out There for a Minivan - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By zoom zoom - February 13 - 1:00 pm

  I love my MPV. It has 115K miles on it, and Ive had NO major trouble with it at all. Oil change, rotate, and balance are the only things Ive ever done, and it runs like new. The only repairs to this vehicle have been a new lock actuator for the drivers door, and a new cable assembly for the power window in the drivers door. I still have the original brakes on it! My next vehicle will be another MPV!

• 

  Buy 2, theyre small - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By runsincircles - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Like other reviewers on this post, I love this car. I had a 1991 Miata and loved it and cried the day I sold it. 16 years later I found a pristine BRG SE with a matching hardtop and bought it on the spot. The dealership had it inside with the new Miatas, so I had a chance to compare them visually. I was truly disappointed with the 2009 Miatas interior..cheap plastic and the long strip of fake chrome over the glove box didnt ring my bell. I compared it to my 2001 interior, nothing can touch the beauty of the wood steering wheel, gear shift knob and tan leather seats. Handling is superb and the 6 speed tranny is a joy to shift (Amsoil gear shift oil eliminated my 3rd gear crunch.)

• 

  Four door with flair - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Frank - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a passenger car that had style, power and handling the Mazda 6 fit the bill nicely.The power from the V6 engine is fantastic, roomy trunk and very good rear leg room. I got it fully loaded with the Technology and Navigation package. A Highlight is blind side monitoring which is very useful. You owe it to yourself to take this car for a test drive before settling on the other popular brands.

• 

  MAZDA CX-7!! DONT BUY - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By heyykipani - February 13 - 7:58 am

  Well I bought my mazda cx-7 in May 2010 used, after my cooper broke. About 4 months since i bought it I started to hear a rattle sound when starting it, went to 3 machinics, they said they didnt hear it, and nothing was wrong. I knew somthing was, but what could i do. It broke down 150 miles away from our home, had it towed for $500, to cheyenne WY MAY 20th 2011. Time chain broke, timing censor broke the chain. That caused the pistons to hit the head, the rattle sound caused half the problems, they said. I have to pay $3,000 (military discount) to fix it, its been 2 almost 3 months & i still dont have my damn car. Everytime they call theres mre problems wrong, more money, more time

• 

  2004 RX8 as a weekender. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By themo2v8r - February 12 - 5:50 pm

  This is a great 2nd car. I do not recommend this as a daily though. Gas is fair (12-15mpg), room is A++ and fun factor is off the charts. The RX8 is a great car for attention and getting somewhere quickly, very quickly. To address some reviews that the car has no horsepower, keep in mind most of these people have autos. Also this car was meant to kick but after 4,000 RPMs. A Z will get you off the line, but you will catch up and pass! With a six speed you can 40 in first, 70 in second, 90 in 3rd (never went past 90 yet, I have a good driving record:). I dont recommend driving like that all the time, but if you need to get out of the way fast, you can.

• 

  Best kept secret - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By dledezma - February 12 - 4:43 pm

  This little bottle rocket is the best kept secret in the auto world for the most fun and fastest car in the economy class. Just got it 4 days ago and wish I could drive it all day!!! If youre looking for an inexpensive super fast, very economical car, this is IT!!

• 

  Buy it if you dont mind replace tires every 2kmi - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By fea1 - February 12 - 9:14 am

  Mazda5 has the serious design flaw of its suspension system. So be ready to get a new set of tires every 2kmi and frequent suspension repairing works including new shocks and wheels.

• 

  Excellent value for a safe ride - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By NPR - February 12 - 2:40 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 9 months and have had no problems. I have really enjoyed the 4wd capability this winter because of the terrible weather.

• 

  Perfect van - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Loren Hanson - February 11 - 2:06 am

  The perfect vehicle for us. We are retired and play a lot of golf. We also plan to travel quite a bit. We have ample room for anything we might take with us. The van is very comfortable on long trips. The seats are great. The turning radius is also a plus for the vehicle. The engine is spunky and not noisy as assessed by the "experts" Fuel mileage is relatively good. Its better looking by far than any other minivan in our opinion. Wouldnt trade with any friends who drive Chryslers, Toyotas, Chevrolets and Hondas. They also like the clean lines of our minivan better than theirs.

• 

  I love it! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By revdll - February 11 - 1:30 am

  Purchased the car used with 25,000 miles. Its my daily driver in the Florida sun. I love it! Handles sharply and precisely. Rough roads produce a rough ride. Not a surprise. Zero problems.