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:

• 

  Next best thing to a BMW - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Laura Allred - February 11 - 4:33 pm

  I love my 2003 Mazda6s! And my previous car was a 1989 BMW 325is. Other than my getting used to front wheel drive in the Mazda, the 6s handles remarkably well compared to the BMW. I love a car with great road feel, and this car is glued to the road. I love the 5 speed manual transmission and the 17" wheels. Got the complete sport package. Such performance in an everyday car makes the commute to work in the morning my fun time! And what a value. Other than routine maintenance, I have had no problems. Its a sweet car if you believe that unless you use both hands and both feet, you arent really driving. If you want to float down the highway on a sofa, better get a Lexus.

• 

  Couldnt be happier - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By webmiller - February 11 - 11:43 am

  I put off buying a new mid-size sedan for a couple of months as I knew the 09 Mazda6 was coming in August. The wait was 100% worth it. Its the best looking car in its class without question. The interior is easily a full class ahead of the Camry, Accord, Altima, or Malibu. As with most Mazdas, the handling is excellent making it a pure joy to drive. I cant imagine anyone test driving all the mid-size sedans out there and not picking the 6. The features/fit/finish etc are closer to a Lexus ES350 than a Camry. This car is going to own the magazine mid-size comparison tests for at least 2-3 years.

• 

  Bang for the Buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thebrakeman - February 10 - 2:13 am

  Purchased used with about 24k miles. Titanium Gray, black leather, 5-speed, ABS/airbag package, 6 CD/moonroof package, TPMS/Xenon package. Previous car was 89 Ford Probe GT, which was a Mazda clone. I really miss the low rpm torque from the Probes turbo (Mazdaspeed3 will be awesome!), but overall, I cant be happier. I could have purchased a new 05 Ford Focus ST (5-speed, same 2.3L Mazda motor) for about the same money, but the Focus interior and features STINK compared to the Mazda3. Also test drove several Dodge SRT-4s (TURBO!), but again, the interiors were not livable compared to the 3 (not to mention the race car open exhaust).

• 

  Youll Get My Miata... - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By azcat - February 8 - 10:00 am

  ...when you pry my cold, dead fingers from the steering wheel. >102k miles, <$50 in unplanned maintenance, and a blast to drive. Plenty of room for two. Of >30 cars Ive owned, this one is by far the best built, best running, and most fun to drive. You cant go wrong with one of these.

• 

  great van, great price - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By eureka001 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I pondered a while about which minivan to purchase and test drove Odyssey, Sienna and MPV. In the end I decided on MPV because of its size and its cost. MPVs size is just right - can fit a lot of stuff, but handling and parking is like that of a sedan. We had this van for a few weeks and its been great. It really is fun to drive. My wife, who was very worried about driving a minivan is perfectly comfortable with it now. So far I didnt notice any problems with the car (like mentioned missed gear shifts). Finally, it is 3-4 K cheaper to comparably equipped Odyssey!

• 

  A great little minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By SydKenMom - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This minivan is a great vehicle for small families--we have 2 kids and it fits us and all of our stuff very nicely! Its not too big & drives like a car!! Its priced well for our tight budget!

• 

  silver 2.3 sedan zoom zoom seattle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By seattlezoomzoomsilve - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Can we saaaay! "zoom zoom yaa this car is fun to drive with the manual tranmssion,the breaking system and car safety is pretty good! how can you go wrong with this car if other countrys has name it car of the year

• 

  Pure Joy - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - February 6 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my 6 for almost 3 years now and I love it. It has great power and very smooth, tight steering. A very smooth ride with good suspension and a great transition between gears, even while flooring it. Ive added on a few aftermarket features (performance exhaust and tires, along with street glow and window tint) and Im going to add more in the future (performance intake) but even without the add ons, the 6 had plenty of power and is a great ride.

• 

  Worth the Wait - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Billly - February 6 - 12:36 am

  I had researched Crossovers for quite some time before discovering the CX-7. Even before it was out I could tell it was the vehicle I was looking for. It has been a love affair since the day I picked it up. Superior handling, great design, sharp interior. Mazda really did their homework on this vehicle!

• 

  Toy Car that can be used for everyday - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dwaine - February 5 - 1:26 am

  Test drove all the toy cars and chose this one because of PRHT and trunk space. Quickly discovered that I like to drive it everyday (not original plan) and I can take it almost anywhere due to wealth of usable trunk space compared to other roadsters. This car is not all engine and not rough riding like some others but rather has a great balance of senses. I actually can use my center holders by reaching around right of the cups and it doesnt bother me. Took a 500 mile (roundtrip in one day) road trip and survived the compactness well - I am 74 inches tall. Get 28-30 mpg on 89 octane in combined hwy/city with top up/down as desired and 50 lbs of tools in trunk.