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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  This Car Is A Winner - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe - January 17 - 6:43 am

  I picked up a 2008 Mazda6 last week. The car is an absolute hoot to drive. I was driving a Pontiac Grand Am before and there is no comparison. The Mazda6 is lightweight, handles superbly and is FAST for a 4-cylinder. The manual capability on the automatic transmission is nice and Ive used it a couple of times to downshift for passing, etc. The interior seems to be laid out well and it has some quality to it. Im disappointed that an AUX plug for my iPod didnt come with it. But, the Value Edition does have an in-dash 6 CD changer and so Ive just burned a bunch of CDs in iTunes and Ill listen to my music that way. Gas mileage seems to be average. Definitely consider this car!

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  Its fantastic,,, - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By mrdreadnot - January 17 - 12:04 am

  I have owned a 2007, 2010, now a 2012. All were GREAT ! For those on the fringe of buying a hot hatch, dont go by reviews or word of mouth: test drive one and see for yourself. One of the things that burns me is that some say the seats are uncomfortable. For me (real bad back and over 300 lbs) they are perfect. Drove back and forth from TX to CA several times,no prob. Torque steer? It will get your heart pumping if you dont expect it. Road noise? The throaty sound from the engine is to die for. Price? Try beating it.

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  Wolf in sheeps clothes - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ex mazda fan - January 16 - 5:23 am

  Purchased the vehicle in July of 06 with just over 18,000 miles and was as happy as could be for the first year or so. The second year on the other hand was not so good, I felt as tho I was taking the car in once a month for something different it started with a squeaky driver seat then some recalls then some weird clunks then a defective starter and several other things. Once everything was fixed things were okay until the car reached 58,000 miles and decided that it would be a good time to blow up! According to the mechanics the piston rod snapped and blew two holes in the block. The worst part is I was doing about seventy on the freeway not even accelerating. $9000 later the car is running ok

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  Nice, but quality??? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By quality6? - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Love the car! However, Im actually quite annoyed by the lack of quality. The dash rattles, my fan broke and was replaced by Mazda, there is a rotten egg smell, and my front sunshade is loose. In all honesty, Mazda has a potential winner here, but how can they succeed without the quality? I really like the car, but one should not have to deal with these problems associated with a new car. My fault for buying the first year...

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  Dont buy it! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Mazda03 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Mazda pickup that I bought. It will be the last! A good friend of mine sells these trucks. If not for the good deal, Id be worse off. These trucks DO NOT HOLD THEIR VALUE. Stay away. You wont even be able to trade them in. Not great on gas and has poor performance. Also, it is the worst vehicle that Ive ever driven on wet or snowy roads. I never thought Id say it, but if you want a small truck, buy a Ford or Chevy. They actually hold their value better. I paid $16,000.00 for a 2003 and was offered $5,000.00 on a trade from the dealer that I bought it from. And, my truck is clean. Never again!

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  Transmission Problem - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Jill Sevastianos - January 16 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Mazda 626 was that the transmission went out at 46,000 miles (4 months past warranty) and Mazda refused to help with any after warranty repair. The dealership helps Mazda determine whether they should extend help and there is no escalation point. Mazda has a severe quality control problem with their transmissions and I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  fun to drive - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By all smiles - January 16 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. No trouble since I bought it. I love this car so much I cant bring myself to trade it in on a more practical vehicle. It is the only car we own.

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  Still Scratching My Head - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Joeillini - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Tribute for 1 1/2 years and 18,000 miles. I am still kicking myself for overlooking obvious things that annoy me now. Bad gas Mileage compared to EPA figure, Poor control for sliding sunroof, no passenger-side lock control, front seats sit to high and cant be lowered, hard to use cruise control at night, have had it in the shop 3 times to fix a rattle in tailgate that is only getting worse, the gear shift doesnt read on the dash 50% of the time, the way the engine downshifts going up just a slight incline causing MPG to suffer, cheap plastic interior door panels with no padding, soft brake pads leave dust on front wheels. Its my fault for purchasing the vehicle.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rakis - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Would buy another one again in a heartbeat.

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  Great Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Captain9001 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved the looks of the Mazda6 since I first saw one on the road. Excellent interior and exterior design. Great V6 and manual transmission. The ride is rather harsh. Small bumps in the road seem somewhat exaggerated by the suspension. Small creeks and rattles are evident on the interior when going over these bumps (noises in the B- pillar, the doors, and behind the audio/HVAC panel). The Bose system is awesome, but buzzes are definately noticable in the doors and handles when the bass is turned up above a medium level. Love, the car, wish the build was a little more solid.