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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  Bad computer - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By oldfartfighter - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, but, my wife will not ride with me any more, the damn car (computer) takes a crap if you park next to or close to overhead power lines. do not trust the car any more, last week we went for a ride to view fall leaves and stopped at a road side tavern for a brew, went to car , it would not allow the "key" to start, after much frustration and calling a tow truck operator, my wife looked at the manual and found that overhead power lines could cause a problem, enlisted some cowboys from tavern and pushed the car about 6 away from the overhead powerline, walah, it started. now will not venture any further than to town 2 miles do not trust the SOB

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  Mazda3 Pretty Decent Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eduardo - January 14 - 9:50 am

  I was suspect not having owned such a small car, as a daily driver, for over twenty years. I was also suspect about the Ford connection with Mazda. So far, I havent had any concerns and I can be pretty picky. The car delivers 23MPG with mixed driving and about 27-28 MPG strictly highway. The automatic tranny is fine and I have the slapstick manual option which is nice. I am wondering how it will handle New England winters, especially with 17" speed-rated tires. The vehicle does have one quirk; in idle, the heat vents blow cold air, even with a warm engine. When moving, the heat is strong. Makes it difficult to warm up the car in the morning since it only will blow cold until driving.

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  Mazda 3, Oregon Review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kens mazda - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Overall the vehicle is ok, 4 cylinder engine kind of gutless. Too much road noise. Have to turn radio up to drown out. Wouldnt want to drive it across the country.

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  Read this before you buy - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By NOMAZUT - January 12 - 5:56 am

  If you are buying a new Millenia S for $32,905, spend an additional three to four thousand dollars and get an ACCURA or LUXES. I bought mine for $26,500 so it was a good value.

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  How to fix the transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By RogersinLeroy - January 11 - 5:56 am

  Eletronic transmission requires a software upgrade done by a dealer who knows how to do it. Classic of Mentor was the one who fixed the banging into 3rd issue that everyone seems to have. Not crazy about the marriage of Ford drivetrain with this van. The V6 needs to rev freely to get a full van moving, and as a result MPG is less than expected. Fuuny that a leading consumer magazine rated this so highly with all the complaints I see about the transmission and exhaust.

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  a lot for a little - 2000 Mazda 626
  By value conscious - January 11 - 2:00 am

  When we got the letter that our 1997 626s lease was going to expire, I drove the Honda, Toyota , VW & the new 626. and quite frankly I couldnt tell that much difference, so price became an important factor. We have always liked the moonroof and ABS brakes, and for our new one we wanted leather seats, which added a week or so to find what we wanted, The transmission does shift hard once in awhile but the car has only had one little recall and seen the shop only for perodic services. The Mazda company has been outstanding when dealing with them

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By gpdorward - January 11 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle - lots of power and quite reliable. We are very satisfied except for the gas mileage which has been low (at least through 4,400 miles).

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  The Sports Car of Small Crossovers - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Alan - January 10 - 12:56 pm

  Curvaceous exterior is stunning, Unlike the boxy competitors in its class, it has a more upscale appearance on par with higher end CUVs such as the Infiniti FX35/45. Excellent & funtional interior. The piano black trim on the instrument panel and steering wheel is very modern and appears like something from a luxury car (ex. Aston Martin DBS). Bose sound system is excellent. The handling and feel of the car are on par with sport sedans. The steering is more heavily weighted, which translates to excellent control with the feel of a German sedan. Handling is smooth and progressive, with little body roll. 244bhp enginer is strong albeit with slight turbo lag. After 5 BMWs, I love the CX-7.

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  New to mazda - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By APERIL - January 10 - 11:43 am

  This is my first mazda...I was a loyal honda owner until now! This has to be the most fun car i have ever owned! It is fantastic to drive and i have had absolutely no mechanical problems at all! It may be small but if youre looking for a big car you wouldnt be looking at the mx-5 to begin with! Try one and youll fall in love!

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  A worthy contender from Mazda - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rickallen - January 10 - 8:35 am

  The new 6 is a strong step forward for Mazda. The design is ambitious, the build technology is advanced, and the features are highly competitive. Even the sport is well-equipped and sturdily built. The doors feel solid and the trim and dash are constructed of high-quality, low-gloss materials. My immediate gripes are not having a good place to rest my left elbow (Im 64" so the seat is far back) a gearbox that up shifts too early, and an elevated level of cabin noise on the highway. I also am skeptical of the mpg claims since my driving so far has produced a 27 mpg average and Ive been trying to maximize. The Diesel engine ought to achieve good numbers, though.