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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  Perfect for us - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By fonorow - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car like ride vs. bus like Odyssey test drive.

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  2004 Mazda MPV LX - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By tomballmusic - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is our second MPV and this one is great. I like the electric doors, rearview mirror that darkens, DVD, and this one gets better gas mileage than our 2001 did. Weve been getting 22 mpg in town driving. Its quiet and rides nicely.

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  Most fun for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Gheist - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Most fun car Ive ever owned. Comment from my friend: "I havent had such good handling since riding in an NSX." Not too punishing in daily driving, and handles like a dream. Accelerates decently when pushed, but I didnt buy it to be a stoplight racer. The front drink holders are in a somewhat awkward location where drinks can be bumped while shifting. The handbrake could be smaller and less pronounced. Minor fit and finish detail flaws which the dealer has already promised to fix.

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  Only the best - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zukman - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my rx8 20 days ago and I think this car meets and exeeds my expectations. Suprisingly spacious and comfortable. My doughter has no complaints about the back seat at all. I have never driven a car that sticks the corners like this car, no matter how hard you push it wants to go faster. As far as straight line performance if you turn up the rpms not many cars are going to hang with you. Plain and simple its worth every penny and then some.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bfelosi - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Tribute and they only get better. The exterior is beautiful and the interior is even better, with very comfortable seating and a very smooth and quiet ride. Handling of this vehicle is amazing on sharp curves and steep roads. These vehicles are loaded with standard features! I am hooked on my Mazda Tribute!

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  2nd time around - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tdogg - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd new Mazda. My 1992 MX6 was a piece of junk. I hope this car is built better. I have a 6i 5 door, auto,luxy package,6CD Bose. I ordered the car with roof and sercurity package , but Mazda could not fill that order. The roof and alarm were put in at the dealer. The gas milage is good. 28 mpg highway. The car is fun to drive and gets a lot of looks.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8=Awesome - January 23 - 3:03 am

  I bought my 04 RX8 in Feb of 2009 with 33k miles on it. Its now almost Nov 2009 with 41k on it. This car has been absolutely amazing (despite gas mileage). The rotary engine is a very high maintenance though, I was told by a Rotary Specialist, to let my car warm up to where it is idling at 1k rpm, and let it idle for 15-30 seconds before shutting it off (of course never shut the car off when its cold), and I have not had one single issue. The handling is great, I got a K&N short ram cold air intake which makes the biggest difference, so much louder then stock, you would be surprised. Got an extended warranty til 2014 (highly recommend that). This car is great if you maintain it properly.

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  Watch out! Rolls backwards when in auto-drive on hills - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sfmaggie - January 22 - 6:56 am

  The automatic transmission doesnt behave like other automatics. I learned this at a stop sign on a steep hill. It was frightening to roll backwards uncontrollably. Took it to the dealer and mechanics said they hadnt heard of such a thing. They tested it on a steep ramp and confirmed what I said. They couldnt find any documentation on how to fix this, so they called their helpline and were told thats just what these automatic transmissions do. Theres an item in the owners manual they were pointed to that instructs drivers to slowly accelerate the gas while letting out the brake pedal. I had more control on hills with a standard stick shift.

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  Mazda 3 - great comfort - poor dashboard - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By WVMazdaMan - January 21 - 5:50 pm

  I wanted to move down to a smaller car to get better mileage, but I still wanted room, so I started looking at 5 dr wagons. Im a big guy 63" and after checking out all of the competition (focus, matrix, versa, astra, etc) I found the Mazda 3 by far the most comfortable. It looks great, good price, and has been averaging 29 mpg at 75% commute, 25% interstate. While the instruments, controls and displays are well laid out, the back lit orange display leaves something to be desired. The radio display is hard to read in many lighting situations, and is almost impossible to see with sunglasses on. It would have been really nice to see an MPG readout.

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  2000-mile review - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By pb4128 - January 21 - 2:51 pm

  I have had my Mazda6 for a month and a half now. I am, overall, very happy with the vehicle. I was leaning towards a Honda Accord because I have owned Hondas in the past, but I could not stand the CVT. This brings up my favorite feature in the Mazda: the automatic transmission - perfect, absolutely perfect. It is smooth and quick shifting, and always eager to downshift for more power. It is like it reads my mind and is always ready for the next move. It is, quite simply, the best automatic transmission I have ever experienced. The engine is smooth and powerful enough. I have not really measured fuel economy. The interior and exterior design are clean and un-cluttered.