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:

• 

  good car with irritating problem - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By erwin - November 1 - 12:20 pm

  The car is overall well made, except for the "Check Engine" light that came on at 87 miles (and has been coming on every couple of miles or so). The dealer can give me no real explanation. it is a huge hassle to have to go to the dealer for them to "fix" the problem (which they probably just disconnect the battery for a minute or so). Otherwise, a great car.

• 

  Got Problems? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By doesntmatterdoesit? - October 27 - 11:50 am

  Ive had the car for close to a year now. Yesterday was my 5th or 6th check engine light. If it is anything like the others it will be a problem with the evap system. The gas mileage isnt as good as I had expected. I am averaging 23mpg and on a good tank 25mpg. These issues have been disappointing. That being said, I really like this car. It is fun to drive. In the first few months I would volunteer to go to the store for my wife. We have even had races to get into the drivers seat first. The red sparkles at the right angle. It has muscular contours, very attractive. I have looked at "luxury" cars and dont feel like I am missing anything, especially my money. This car wants to be driven.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By louiseandbob - October 25 - 12:50 pm

  The Mazda Rx8 is a deceivingly large car. This really is a no compromise sports car. The car is just as tall, long and wide as most other sedans on the road but that doesnt take away from its sportiness. The car is quick, handles well, and actually has a decent ride.

• 

  WOW - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Drumchode - October 24 - 6:36 pm

  This thing is amazing. The funnest car Ive ever driven. I love driving anywhere and would take the long route just to drive it a while longer. Only bad thing is gas. Its supposed to be 18MPG, but Ive gaged mine somewhere approximately 12MPG ... crazy, but its worth the ride. Not to mention the attention.

• 

  Best small SUV available - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kingofposen - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our Light Tundra ES-V6. Heated Leather, moonroof. Great styling, and handling. Couldnt be happier with our decision to buy a Tribute.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Chris B - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice vehicle with plenty of features and style. The turbo engine is smooth with very minimal turbo lag - if any at all. I did, however, expect the car to have more power with the 244 hp. I kind of wish they just made this with a 6 cylinder and ditched the turbo. The MPG would be the same probably. The AWD system seems to work, although I can better gauge that in the coming Maine winter months. The handling is excellent for a vehicle of this size - much like my 2007 Mazda 6 that I traded in for this vehicle.

• 

  A real sportscar with practicality - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jimk - October 21 - 9:33 pm

  I love this car. It does everything its supposed to perfectly. A solid reliable sportscar you can race at the track or take for 2 week road trip. It has a nice ride and superior handling. It can straighten out any curve fast. It makes me feel like a better driver than I am. It revs like a sportbike and is as much fun to drive. I highly recommend it.

• 

  Real driver, real world - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nwcab1 - October 20 - 6:06 pm

  Every review on here seems to be written by Mazdas PR dept. This car has a major issue. Everything about the car is excellent, except for the transmission. It is flat out terrible. Read the reviews at cars.com, this is not isolated. In their attempt to save gas, Mazda has created a transmission that will not shift down unless you floor it, and then the pedal engages some sort of performance button imbedded in the floor and the car lurches forward unsafely. Real world driving is miserable. Every down shift is met with a delay sending your body forward, and then the car lurches forward a second later. Simply awful. Test drive in traffic, around corners, change speeds...youll see.

• 

  Wish I knew about the tire situation. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By beachybum76 - October 18 - 11:23 am

  Well I have had my car for a little over a year. I really love my car but I am having to replace my tires already. FYI- the warranty on tires for new cars is for only a year after that its your problem. And then there is the gas problem. Can you say wow? If you have money to spend on gas, then this car is for you. Other than that I love my car.

• 

  2005 Tribute AWD - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Hcormier - October 17 - 5:53 pm

  So far so good, vehicle has proven to be a good towing workhorse for our boat. Only issue has been the installation of a wiring harness for towing (did not purchase with towing pack). Had to wait until March 2005 for harness to be developed by Mazda as any aftermarket harness would void warranty due to compatibility with design issues. Otherwise it has proven to be a very good vehicle in the snow and loose gravel.