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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  Surprisingly good vehicle... - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Trinbago foreigner - August 20 - 9:23 pm

  I had to say goodbye to my 92 Honda Accord after it began to give some trouble. It took about 3 months of car shopping and a serious test of patience to finally pick my 98 Mazda 626 LX. I took the 4 cylinder standard partly because I prefer standard and Ive read (on Edmunds) that the automatic transmissions give too much trouble. Ill say Im happy with my purchase (used with 124,500 kilometres or about 87,500 miles). I didnt know Mazda still had the swivel vents (Mazda had them since 1980s) which made me smile. I find it very comfortable on long drives (fiancee and son live in Rochester, NY) and the sound system is wicked. Ill tell anyone to get this car, but I wont push them towards the automatic.

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  Not built for the long haul.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Pitt Fan - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, but Im starting to think it isnt built for the long haul. I recently had the dealership perform a transmission adjustment to eliminate an occasional "rumble strip" noise that would randomly occur in the 40-50 MPH range. They said theyre getting about 4-5 of these problems per month! Ive also noticed the mileage is getting worse. I was getting about 20mpg with combined city/highway. Now Im down to about 17, which STINKS.

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  somewhat disappointed - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By adrianne - August 13 - 8:40 pm

  Four months new and under 3K miles, so not enough info on mechanics, etc. I do a LOT of errands and have some things I love and HATE, namely: shifter - "sporty" automatic zig-zag maze made like a manual. Having carpal tunnel and shifting 10x or more a day between PRD absolutely kills the hand/wrist. Pickup: extremely slow and extremely jerky, and I mean with a pronounced jerk when stepping on gas. A full 1-1 1/2 seconds to kick in, which makes it useless to dangerous when passing and power/speed is needed. Test drove 20 minutes or so but never noticed the bad pickup, and shifting wasnt done as many times as would be done in a normal day, so it wasnt noticed. HATE radio volume depending on speed!

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  2000 Mazda MPV - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Tom Brosz - August 11 - 2:00 am

  For 3 kids under 10, this has been a good car. We have had it for 3 years. Many interior features make long trips easy. We have done some 1200 mi. in one day trips w/all 3 kids. Not really a lot of fun to drive, but moves people well and it was about $4,000 less than the Odyssey & Sienna and about the same price as a domestic. Interior easily configures by wife. No moving 60 pound seats. Havent had any serious mechanical problems except the front suspension after the wife ran into a curb.

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  Amazing handling - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By markimi - August 11 - 2:00 am

  My wifes is red. Real eye turner with chrome wheels. Car could be more powerful as really lacks torque but has amazing corning capabilities especially with the 16 inch Yokohama Parada Spec-2s I put on last year. The 99 needed a functional drink holder. Pops in and out of traffic with ease and stops on a dime. Braking requires that you are acutely aware of what is behind you at all times. If this thing were hit from behind by a SUV - good luck. We have had no problems with the car thus far.

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  Nice small car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By arizonadragger - August 11 - 12:17 am

  I bought my 3 for the looks and mpgs. But wasnt thrilled by the mpgs after tracking them for 2 years (24mpg avg). I do a lot of city driving, but expected a little better, hwy wasnt that impressive either, 28-30 most the time. I would blame the 4 speed auto, just not enough gears to go through in the mountains. The cruise control is horrible, set it at 60 and it goes past 65 when it switches gears to accel. Accels down hills in cruise control. Wanted to use a family car but the 3 star rear side crash rating is too scary. Solo city driving, its a very nice car. But I had to sell because it was a terrible roadtrip car that just isnt safe enough.

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  Two kinds of RX8 owners - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Apexman - August 10 - 1:23 am

  I have an 06 RX8 with the six-speed manual. I wouldnt even consider the automatic because its down on power (212hp for 06/197hp on 04 and 05 models- pathetic considering the manual has 238hp and redlines 1500rpm higher). Basic things to know before buying: rotaries consume more oil (check often) and gas than similar-sized piston engines. Standing-start acceleration is underwhelming but from 30mph and up, watch out! Rotaries need to be revved above 5000rpm to get the best performance. Run the car for at least 5mins to avoid flooding the engine. Handling on this car is phenomenal, a renowned Mazda trait. Car is not designed for snow/ice so dont bother driving in it.

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  More Room, Less Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Now its the wifes! - August 8 - 10:20 am

  I bought my 3s to replace my totaled 626. A desire for better fuel econony and performance drove me to the 3s over the Mazda6, which had a reputation for being unreliable.Ive owned the car for exactly four months, drive 40mi daily. Im 510" and in good shape. But, no amount of seat/steering wheel adjustment has rendered a comfortable driving position. I cant find a comfortable spot for my right leg with the tapered design of the center console. The two lane black top I test drove the car on proved what a quick, nimble fun-to-drive winner Mazda created. But, I spend most of my time in rush hour traffic at 15mph. Never wouldve guessed this woould happen. So I gave it to my "dainty" wife.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Jerry - August 7 - 12:03 pm

  Bought this truck used with 2600 miles. Automatic transmission started slipping at 30,000 miles. Had to replace at 35,000 miles. Poor gas mileage for a small truck, 17 - 18 mpg. Interior trim quality is sub par. Plastic dash trim is peeling. No doors on the extended cab make the area behind the seats hard to access.

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  ES Rocks - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Smoke286 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is sweet, so much fun to drive