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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  Too Bad They Dont Still Make Them - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By ANewcomb - July 29 - 1:16 pm

  Spent a lot of time researching for our first minivan since baby no. 3 is on the way and I abhor the idea of being a minivan owner. Looked at everything, but had to go with something small enough to fit down my ridiculously narrow drive way. Ended up looking for a MPV ES used since they stopped making them with the 06s. Were not the biggest people and our kids are all small at this point so this van is just the right size for us. Only had it a couple weeks but it really works well for us. It handles great, rides like a car and has sporty looks. Friend of mine just bought an 04 Honda Odyssey EX cloth seats and 35000 miles and paid the same that I did for my 05 MPV ES thats loaded.

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  Great car, but one thing concerns me.. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By richardb11 - July 28 - 10:48 pm

  Everything said here is true - this is an amazing car particularly for the money. But the low engine speed throttle response concerns me. After driving for 6 months and 5,000 miles Ive consistently, but randomly experienced a problem that does not seem to be fixable. About every fourth time I try to accelerate with the engine running 1000-1500 rpm, like making a turn from a light, the engine does not respond at all when I push on the accelerator. It also seems like it wants to stall. But after 2-4 seconds the car finally realizes that I want to accelerate and it springs forward. Above 2000 rpm the engine revs just fine. Like turbo lag the dealer service said. Great car, but for this.

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  Excellent Car! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nathanatx - July 28 - 7:51 pm

  Just bought the 2014 Mazda 6 sport last week. Its a great car. Its design and handling really make it stand out among midsize family sedans. It wont win any drag races but it has competitive acceleration for its class and gets great gas mileage. I am averaging 29mpg with about 50% highway (60-65mph) and 50% city driving. Some things I have noticed: Plenty of backseat space, gigantic trunk, smooth transmission, suspension stiffer than others but results in better handling, road noise is acceptable but not the quietest and the base model radio stinks but thats to be expected (will upgrade soon) I highly recommend. At least test drive it.

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  Better than ever - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JS - July 28 - 12:23 pm

  Love the acceleration especially on LA freeways, and its roomy enough for four, and can load it up with lots of bags, boxes or groceries with the convenient four doors. Its performance, handling and reliability have been excellent. I havent had to do any maintenance like adding oil or anything else. Its fun and easy to drive.

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  CX-5 keeps getting better! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Tcasto - July 28 - 1:35 am

  I traded in my 2014 cx-5 for this 2017 model. Also Extensively researched this model and it came out with highest marks compared to hond CRV and Toyota RAV4. Looks sharp and little road noise.

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  Amazing Purchase - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazdanola - July 27 - 2:50 pm

  We recently bought a 2006 Mazda6 5-door after it came off a 12 month lease. The first year of depreciation on these is pretty steep and would recommend buying one a year old if you can, we got a $27,000 car for $21,000 by doing this, and its flawless condition with only 25,000 miles. We park on the street and love it because it has the versatility of an SUV but the packaging of a car. Its sporty, fun to drive and exceedingly comfortable, so far we love it!

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  THE 6 REALLY ROCKS - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JESUS TREVINO - July 27 - 10:00 am

  THE MAZDA 6S HANDLES VERY WELL. EVEN THOUGHT THE TORQUE IS LOW END IT STILL GETS UP AND MAKES DRIVING IT EXTREMELY FUN. THE LOOK AND THE INTERIOR DESIGN DEFINITELY GORGEOUS. THERE ISNT A BETTER CAR FOR UNDER 25000. IN MY OPINION.

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  Special Edition 6 Speed - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By R Taylor - July 27 - 10:00 am

  A true roadster! Light, small and agile. What more could a sports car aficionado want? A modern classic.

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  i finally know what zoom zoom is! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Khuyenski - July 25 - 7:16 pm

  This is the first mazda that Ive ever driven in my life and Im never going back. I have an automatic and this car is still so fun to drive. The great thing about this car is that its both sporty and comfortable. I drive my sisters BMW 3 series all the time and I actually like my ride a whole lot better. You can really feel the torque when you gas it...so it makes it feel faster than what it is. The interior of the car is very pleasing. The front seats are comfortable enough to go on road trips. The back seats not so much but then again I never have to sit back there! Ive had this car for almost 4 months and over 5000 miles and I still look forward to driving it every day.

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  Sad to see the coming to an end - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Ted - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Probably will have to replace the MPV soon, as it is getting up there in miles. It has been a good, reliable family vehicle for almost ten years. Still wish it had more power and a 5- speed automatic. The Ford engine (from the Contour) was the only mechanical challenge. It has a minor oil leak now, and the exhaust manifolds are leaking a bit, making warm-up slightly loader than normal. The van still looks great and rides and handles great, and the interior is tight and solid with no squeaks, rattles or broken/loose parts. Highest quality car I have ever owned, other than the aforementioned engine. I wish Mazda had not discontinued. Will likely go with the new for 2011 Honda Odyssey.