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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  Time to Start Worrying? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hmmmm...... - January 15 - 3:10 am

  Just replaced the starter today, at 30K miles. Strange "whirring" sound after cranking was my tipoff that something was amiss. Luckily, I havent had any of the brake problems encountered by many on this site. My other big concern since owning this car has been intermittent problems with hesitation upon releasing the clutch, especially into second gear, when turning a corner. It seems like either my clutch is slipping, or my power is dropping precipitously. And of course, the dealer can never re-enact it when they have it (tends to be worse when the car is cold).

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  Who Knew??? So -- go know! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Almost mid-life - January 14 - 12:46 pm

  After drooling over the Mazda RX8, reality knocked on my door. The Mazda6 was the great surprise. I tried the Accord, the Camry, and even the Infinity G35 for kicks and found this car the most beautiful and fun to drive. Took the GT package, but left off the front/rear spoilers and sills. Instead, added lip spoiler, clear tail lights, a sports grill (sharp) and added a chrome piece above rear tag. It is EVERYTHING I wanted in a car - class with a sporty twist. My faith has been restored knowing that driving can be fun again.

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  Not Happy - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By MJF - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I am not happy with this truck. A week after I bought it, it had to be returned to get 4 new tires. It runs really rough, at a stop it vibrates the cab. I have brought it back to the dealer and they didnt feel anything was wrong. I will probably trade in soon.

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  I LOVE THIS VAN!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Go Bucks - January 14 - 2:00 am

  We shopped for over a year to be sure of what we wanted... and we are SO glad we did. Larger vans are over rated! I was not impressed with the Honda Odyssey "at all" plus the sales people are way too confident in a van that just isnt that great(when we looked at the honda the salesman cut his finger pulling down the fold under seat in the back, if he cant do it how am I going to do it)!! If you are shopping for a fantastic van that is sporty and comfortable take a look at this van and give it a chance. The MPV has features that the other do not! I like that!! We made the right choice...BUY ONE We give it a "10"

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  Some people will never be happy. I am! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By hornhighaces - January 14 - 1:43 am

  I have no complaints from this vehicle. As a former RX-7 owner I knew what to expect from the rotary. The 8 is not the replacement for the 7. It is a sports car, but remains "civilized". I have had a single problem with the exhaust, which was covered under warranty. I expected a few issues being the first year of production and bringing the rotary back after 8-9 years. If you are whinny and do not like to pay attention to your vehicle, buy a Honda. This is a car for people who love cars, not for people who are easily inconvenienced. Check the oil, let it warm up, dont drive a rear wheel drive sports car in snow, 9k RPMs will use gas. Common sense stuff that seems to annoy people.

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  Great Car - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Barry Leinhart - January 13 - 12:40 pm

  This car has all the modern conveniences at an affordable price. Its also fun to drive. If I were to change anything, it would be the heated seats. Not very useful here in TX. I would opt for air conditioned seats if it were available.

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  Fun car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Derfo - January 12 - 10:43 pm

  Looked at a Toyota Matrix, a VW Golf and a Golf GTI, and by far this was the best bang for the buck. Toyota Matrix and VW Golf are not as much fun to drive. Golf GTI, more powerful, costs much more and comes in 3 door only. The handling of Mazda3 is excellent and so are the brakes. Currently I am getting around 26mpg, and that is for mostly highway driving. The dog (110 lbs) fits in the car just fine and so do the boxes from IKEA. Visibility is great. The dash lights up very well and the stick shifts amazingly well. Overall, a great car which is fun to drive and doesnt cost a whole lot.

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  Kudos to Mazda - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike - January 12 - 12:43 pm

  The first word that comes to mind is fun!! I mean most SUV are fun to drive off road but rarely can you find 1 that handles so sporty on pavement.

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  Smokin Value Edition - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By litchik28 - January 11 - 8:36 pm

  Have it in Copper Red Mica - absolutely stunning, with responsive steering, acceleration and braking to match. Value edition has ABS, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, wheel locks, satellite radio capability and auxiliary jack for an iPod. I also chose the 6-CD changer/moonroof package, cargo net and all-season mats. This car is funkier and hotter than the Civic and is much more fun to drive.

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  My unreliable 2002 MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Nigel - January 11 - 5:20 pm

  My experience started with trading in my 2000 MPV, which had been reliable but underpowered, for the 2002. The tires went bald at 55k km (about 30k miles) and I had to pay lots for Turenzas with a 150k tread warranty. After the warranty expired lots of problems - front axle stabilizers both went during a road trip, hand brake cable ($250 to fix!), rear shocks, tranny cooler, 4 sets of front rotors, and finally the transmission linkage while it was getting serviced at the dealership!! Mileage was always poor for the 3L engine and tranny frequently banged while shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Reflashing the computer didnt help. Happy ending though - I got $3k trade in last week for a Matrix!