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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  Fun to dirve - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jay Park - November 26 - 6:56 am

  I bought it at the dealership without test driving since I rented one before while my day-to-day-driving Honda Pilot was at the shop for repair from a collision. I drove it down to LA from SF Bay Area and kinda like the automatic transmission that can also be in manual mode. By the way, the one that I bought was Mazda6 i SP for better gas mileage. I tend to get around 26 to 27 in city and hwy combined. Significant reviews from this site noted problems on brake and transmission and I kinda worry about it if mine starts with same problem like others. So far so good. Who knows.

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  Great Value - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By go_buffs - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Ive been very pleased with my vehicle which I purchased with 17,500 miles and 1 year old. Ive had no significant problems with the car. If you are in the market for "near" luxury car for less than the Lexuss, Infinitys and Acuras, this car is a great choice.

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  My cool red 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By islanderon - November 21 - 1:23 pm

  Bought my car in March 2004. Very sporty and comfortable. Ride is firm but not too firm, makes for a great highway cruiser. All over very happy with it . Despite reports of tight rear seat, back seat in quite spacious in my opinion. I recommmend it highly.

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  A true "Sport" utility vehicle - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By texaseskimo - November 20 - 11:53 pm

  The CX-7 is the anti-Toyota. Toyotas are great reliable products, and there are many people who love the isolated ride, but for those who like to experience the "Sport" in SUV, the CX-7 is a great alternative. In all I am very happy with my CX-7, however there are things to note. First is the there is a noticeable turbo lag, which at times makes the acceleration a little unpredictable. The ride is definitely on the stiff side, which is great for cornering, but not so great for those who like a smooth ride. This also contributes to the road noise at highway speeds. There is some torque steer from the front wheel drive. In all it is a great car for those who dont want to buy a Toyota.

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  its good drivin - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikal5555 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  i just got my mazda 3 s its a very fine pieace of machinery when you drive this car you automatically feel like you are driving a much more expensive car it really is a zoom zoom experience.

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  mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By shanna - November 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable new car I have owned. I love it!

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  So far, so good - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Elmo60 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Mazdas for years. They tend to be the same quality as other "Japanese" makes and typically much cheaper. I had debated an SUV for some time but just didnt want to pay 35-40K for a truck. I drove the Tribute and got hooked. I absolutely love the thing. I have a ton of room, Its fun to drive, peppy, etc. I read the reviews of other owners and feel bad for them. I expect it will happen to me as well and might lower my current very high opinion of my Tribute. But,til then, zoom-zoom.

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  Hoped for More - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By letrbuk - November 16 - 6:16 am

  The 6 is a sharp looking little car. Get behind the wheel and the V6 gets you up and moving promptly. Throttle response is quick, though if pressed too hard the engine is prone to rev hard in search of power. The 6 speed auto is especially fun in manual mode, but the close ratios make shifting a busy job. Fuel economy does not appear to reap the benefits of 6 gears, no matter who is shifting. Heading down the road/highway, however, subtle hints creep in that this is not the "touring" car its package advertises. Road noise is fairly high and presents a stiff challenge to the meager standard stereo. The ride, while absolutely stable, is not necessarily smooth and is tiresome on extended trips.

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  Good value for money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jesse Unger - November 13 - 10:00 am

  What a great car for the money! I got mine for just 15000 new, it has leather, moonroof, 5CD changer, chrome wheels, manumatic ... wow. This car has a lot of great features for not a lot of dough, but there are some places where Mazda really skimped out...

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  I love this car! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Susan Berger - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Mazda Ive ever owned and Ive been pleasantly surprised. It IS fun to drive..does have "zoom,zoom,zoom" especially when passing or getting on a hiway. Its my 4th Minivan.(cant live without one) and tho its smaller than previous car..Its just the right size for me..both for hauling work and traveling.In fact..the size is the reason I got it. Not too happy about the milage..but I got it as we were in the midst of the gas hike and I live in New York.