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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  Educate yourself before you buy - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Chris - December 17 - 5:40 pm

  The 08 does not require high octane, but its recommended. If you buy a car with a turbo, expect lag, its that simple. Yes its a 4cyl but its a turbo, so dont expect standard 4cyl economy. From a performance standpoint the car does not feel super fast off the line, but passing can be a lot of fun under full throttle, especially from about 40mph as 80 comes up really quick! The ride is stiff due to performance, if you want a soft ride buy a boat. Stopping ability is outstanding and cornering is very good. This car is the best of both worlds if you ask me. Drivers seat fits well and controls are all within easy reach.

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  Sleeper, not just in performance - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Alumar - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Picked up the car on the ford-A plan, for 26,000.00 brand new (marked down from the 32,500 sticker price). Has been an excellent car and held up to what I have required from it. The car if took care of will last you a good time. With a few basic modifications you can get near 230hp/tq crank performance out of the millenia placing it up there with some competitors.

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  Outstanding, Understated, and Overlooked - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By apphillips - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the Mazda Millenia S, which I purchased from a dealer off lease return for several years now. Ive always thought that the car was underappreciated for its lovely styling. Okay, its not a head turner, but I think it is one of the more attractive cars out there. It is completely rock solid. Spartan compared to say Lexus, but has everything I need/want. Too bad they quit making this lovely car.

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  Honda features without the high price! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By FRed - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My brother bought the Honda Odessey and I figured when he drove my MPV he would pan it. Not so. He loved it. He loved the interior, the CD changer, the moonroof option, the handling. My 2000 didnt have the power door option and has the smaller V6 but other than that is has been a great van. The fold and hide rear seat is great and so easy.

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  Get One - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JimBo Hami - December 17 - 10:00 am

  If you like to drive, get one. I bought mine for what I call a steal of a price for such a fun car to drive. If you get one and donot have this feeling, go to the doctor and find out whats wrong with you.

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  Mada MPV ES - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By good_luck - December 17 - 10:00 am

  the price value for money. we compared this with a Sienna, and we find there is a $7000 difference (incl the premium we have to pay to the dealer). Over all - very satisfactory.

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  Better than Corolla - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kenstewart - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it after comparing with Corolla and Civic ... hands down winner! Corolla has the infamous Toyota reliability but it felt cheap compared to the 3. Its stick felt weak as well as the handling. Jump into the 3 and you have tight suspension, great stick, and overall a much more robust feel. Nice looks all around. I was a previous Civic owner and loved the car, but again the 3 blows the doors off it as well. With dealer incentive, I actually bought it for almost $200 below invoice.

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  Woohoo :) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ABallinger - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda3 for 5 days now, but I am in love. I researched the car for a few months and thought I would have another year before I had to purchase, but my older car died and it was a perfect excuse, and I couldnt be happier. I got it all (leather/moonroof/6-in-dash- CD/spoiler/etc) for only 400 over invoice.. out the door for under $19k. It drives SO well.. 5sp manual.. great acceleration, great pricing, great handling, great everything! :)

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  Lucky Number Seven - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jobow - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Our seventh Mazda -- A terrific vehicle, much fun to drive. This may be Mazdas best car ever, and it really turns heads. The only, and we mean only, criticism we have is that the manual tranny is difficult to shift into first -- too little gas and it wants to lug and too much gas makes it bolt (the clutch is too sensitive as you try to get underway). Be sure to check out the new hatchback -- it is so versatile, and it is the only hatchback sedan available in America now. We expect a lot from a vehicle, and this ride does not dissappoint!

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  All around great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mdkcs5 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and more importantly it is number 1 in consumer reports safety tests. My kids are learning to drive a stick and we are having a blast!