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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  Do your homework - poor A/C - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Bill - July 22 - 8:40 pm

  This is not a SUV as they claim, it is a car with more headroom. Make sure you check the A/C. Very weak - a 4 cylinder engine is too weak for this car.

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  Update - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jdowmiller - July 22 - 7:06 pm

  This review is an update from one I wrote a couple years ago. This MX-5 continues to hold up well. I finally made my first repair at 110,000 miles. The slave cylinder needed to be replaced. According to other owners, this is a fairly common repair at around 100,000 miles. I replaced the 7 year old top but that was a personal choice - not totally necessary. Otherwise, no issues. Im still on the original springs and shocks and it STILL performs better than nearly any car on the road. My one criticism is that, over the years, Ive concluded that this cars full potential cannot be realized in daily driving. Thus, the car is rendered nearly useless. A more appropriate convertible might be a Jeep.

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  Big Time Fun - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cwardlaw - July 22 - 2:00 am

  When you buy a Miata, avoid the special editions. Why? See, youll fall in love with the car, and when you own a special edition, every little scratch, nick and ding sends you over the edge. Youll end up storing the car rather than driving it. Get a regular Miata with cloth seats and drive the hell out of it. It can take abuse with a smile.

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  i have a mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chris6 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i love my car but the only problem that i have is that i cant good reception with the antenna i have. Also i have a problem with my window when i roll up the window it make a clicking noiseso check it out with others and make sure im not the only..........

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  Impression after 3000 miles - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Knox County Zman - July 17 - 2:53 am

  The new Mazda 6 (i touring) is a good car with decent features. Disappointments are: Travel computer is masked by clock. One or the other is visible at a time. The Travel info button is hidden. There is no auto headlight feature standard. You must spend about 1500-1600 more to get the xenon package. The auto on should be standard! Very irritating after having auto on on previous vehicle. Center console armrest is poorly padded. It is adequate at best. The radio is not the best quality. I find myself constantly adjusting the bass/treble to get a decent sound. Also no auto text scrolling for file names. Gas mileage has averaged 23-24 mpg with mostly highway driving. Brakes are just ok

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  Our Mazda 3s experience - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By chriscollins - July 14 - 3:05 pm

  Have only positive things to say about our 2007 Mazda 3s. Knock on wood, we have not had any major issues, once standard scheduled maintenance. Perfect for hauling all the kiddos gear around with us. For the low price point I think we got good value.

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ricymac - July 14 - 10:00 am

  this thing corners like a dream and everyone looks. Yellow is the only color to have. Nice comfortable interior and it has captured the attention of almost everyone. Like all rotary engines it is gutless at low RPM but screams when you get into the higher RPMs. The mileage has always been disapointing in rotary engines and still is. They guarantee it for 50,000 miles, but say that this rotary will last longer than that. I hope so.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GRGLV - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Mazda built car and its the best yet. While those looking for a fuel efficient car should look elsewhere, this car has the best combination of comfort, performance and utility for those looking for a car that is truly fun to drive and somewhat unique.

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  Dream come true! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Drek4 - July 12 - 4:13 am

  Just purchased this awesome machine a little over a month ago. This car is real fun to drive and really stands out by it`s looks and rotary motor. Only thing I don`t really like about it is its fuel consumption but other than that it`s a sheer pleasure to drive. I read a lot of people need to add oil, but have done 2500 mi without needing to add a drop. The best place for it is on the highway, mind you curving roads are fine if you don`t mind the bumps. Suspension a little firm on this car. The Bose sound system is just fine and has a great surround effect and the front seats are very comfortable for 2 hour + rides.

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  Nice, for the money. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwaynepg - July 8 - 3:36 am

  Overall nice car, good safety features, good performance. Back seat is fairly roomy, like the dash and radio setup, huge glove compartment.