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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  Worth The Wait - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By dudeimthirsty - November 3 - 1:26 am

  Handsome. Fun. Tech. 3 words that sum up my new 3. I have had it for a week and the new car emotion hasnt subsided. The car simply looks good. It looks good at all angles. I have a snowflake pearl paint that looks good in the sun and somehow doesnt hide the nice lines of the fender across the body. I am your average commuter that doesnt necessarily have the luxury of a twisty commute but it is quite fun to steer the car. It gives me a good feel of the road. The infotainment center is awesome. Its pretty quick to pair your phone through BT or USB. There isnt a lag time at all when connecting. The commander control has a good feel. I find myself using it than steering controls.

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  Automatic transmission is terrible - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By grayliner - October 30 - 8:04 am

  The car is great, but NOT with an automatic tranny. I would have bought the stick but my wife cant drive a stick. I miss my Echo, that was the best car Ive ever owned. The ride is fine. But getting out into traffic is dangerous. The acceleration is very laggy. Theres a delay. Going around corners is sketchy because throttle control is a guessing game. You step on the gas and its a crapshoot whats going to happen. Theres no gradual acceleration, it hits - reminiscent of a 2-stroke dirtbike. The cruise control buttons are my least favorite of all the types Ive had. The fuel economy is not what Id expect from a tiny car. The driver seat is all the way back and Im 58".

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  Fun little car, not too Reliable - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Brazuka - October 29 - 3:33 am

  I purchased this car in 2006 with only 11K miles on it. It is loaded including navigation. Overall I love the car, the way it looks, and particularly the way it handles. Throughout its life I noticed a steady decrease in power, and in gas mileage. Complaint about it several times to Mazda with no fix. The doors also rattle quite a bit after you have it for about 40k. The car now has 67K miles, it is at the dealership for a new engine; and somehow I am still responsible for the "bad" O2 sensor which probably was damaged by the overwhelm amount of gas going thru the cat converter. I also had to replace the clutch at 62k.

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  Fun car, but dont get cloth upholstery - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dgmosr - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the 6s 5 speed loaded with everything but leather. After 9,000 miles and six months of ownership my impressions are: - great handling for a 4-door sedan. - very comfortable ride for a sport type suspension. - needs more low end torque, but really moves out once you hit 3rd gear. - engine idles very quiet. - Bose stereo option is very good but not great. - the cloth seat coverings are starting to fray and pill. I should have gone with the leather.

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  Too soon to know - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Danielloveshis3 - October 28 - 10:16 pm

  I love this car, but I havent had it long enough to know how reliable its going to be. The seats are great, and its big on the inside. The speakers are good for stock. The only problem I have with it is that the paint seems like its very thin. I already have 2 chips on the hood, and 2 scratches on the passenger door. Its black and I guess thats to be expected, I had a charcoal grey car before and it didnt seem to scratch this easily.

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  not a bad car at all - 2001 Mazda 626
  By capt. midnight - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable and no problems at all in first 15 months of ownership. My only complaints are a very whimpy V6 (165 hp) that uses premium gas, and stereo has bad reception and sound for a Bose system. Main problem is antenna built in rear window. Aside from those issues it is a very nice car and well built.

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  First Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacko - October 25 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased new in 04 and love this car. Get compliments on exterior design all the time. Got the Luxury, Sport, Security, and Bose packages all in a manual 4-banger and love all these features. With the small engine, I really dont push this car hard, but it gives me all the power I need, with the exception of some throttle lag in 1st or 2nd gear. Stock Michelins terrible in snow. Had clutch replaced due to shudder, and brakes and rotors twice due to abnormal and untimely wear, all noted by Mazda bulletins. Hope current models have these problems ironed out cause I still love this car.

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  Needed New Engine - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ajmjd2 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Five days after purchasing a new Tribute and with less than 400 miles on the road, a piston broke off and destroyed the engine. The dealership offered to replace the engine, but eventually agreed to replace the vehicle. So far, no problems.

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  The potential is there... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Hopeful in FL - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the design and drive of this vehicle from the first time I saw it and had to have one. You get a lot of features for the relatively low price tag. However, 6 months after we bought, my Tribute, too, stalled on me--in the center lane of the interstate at 60 mph during rush hour. Luckily it started right back up after I got to the shoulder and turned it off. The dealer was great; found the problem right away and fixed it. Mazda is aware of the faulty computer chip (which my dealer reset) and I, too, cant believe they havent issued a recall. The potential to love this vehicle is definitely there, but I am still skeptical...

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  good truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By kickwheel - October 22 - 12:06 am

  Looked at Toyota, Ford and others. Decided on the Mazda because of the 0% for 5 yrs. I really enjoy this truck. Have driven it in all types of weather and it has performed well.