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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  love to hate it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By steven30x - May 2 - 9:56 am

  I bought my rx-8 in April 09 with 27k. It is now Sept. 09 and i have 34k. I got a great deal on the car and loved the first 2 months i had it. Recently the airbag light came on for 2 weeks and then just shut off. A few days later and a month after an oil change it ran out of oil because the warning light never came on. Now every time i drive it it smells like burning oil, and mazda has no answers to these problems. The brakes squeak horribly and still squeaked after replacement. Heat from the cupholder area is ridiculous,and everything rattles. The stereo for a bose is awful, but the car looks awesome and if u get the clutch perfect in first it will take off pretty fast. Keep it or sell it?

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  Clunk-Clunk in place of Zoom-Zoom!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Olegreybeard - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Too man recalls to mention.Weve had the transmittion checked for rough shifting-dealer cant duplicate problem.Then comes a recall for that very problem,car is in shop all day,they say its fixed,no it is not! Service engine light has come on 3 times ffor different reasons,the dealer says,find out there had been recalls of those problems!We are already looking to trade.Looks like Ill take about a $10,000 hit on this one.Lesson...NEVER buy a first year vehicle.The 6 is a beautiful car,drives like a sports car,super sterio system,only we cant hear it good for all the air noise coming in from somewhere,and of course the dealer cant duplicate that problem

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  New Model, New Problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By charlie2004 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Pros: Turns great, decent mileage, comfortable (front seats), looks really nice, roomy trunk space, and better than average performance. Cons: Lights keep coming on in front panel, no parts available for this car-- cracked windshield could only be replaced at dealership with original part costing $$$$, one tire blew and the tire can only be changed at dealership (no place has it but factory), to sit comfortable in the front leaves very little space for back seats, very tight ride--not so smooth, and last.. the horn is horrible.

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  Fun to drive, good on gas - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By sunnyvegas - April 29 - 10:00 pm

  Fun to drive. Good on gas mileage. Not quite what it says for combo driving. Get average 30 with mostly hwy. Took a long trip with no heat/little AC and got 40/41. (Using the heat/seat warmers will lower the MPG quite a bit if the "average this drive" mpgs is accurate) Paid quite a bit more for Navigation (which I didnt really want) and heated seats & they still cant fix the tech package even after update. Majority of time I cant use the touchscreen. And although seats still heat, they are not working like they were at first. I purchased it in Dec, and so far no problems engine wise. So if this car is reliable long-term, I will still be happy.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By salty1211 - April 29 - 10:30 am

  I bought my 1999 Mazda back in May , It has 207,000 Plus miles all I have done to it is Oil Change and Lub . I like all the extra features which are to many to disribe . After owning a Ford -150 4 X 4 I enjoy the Gas Milage I get on The Mazda .

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  I LOVE IT! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Toni - April 29 - 4:33 am

  I have only had my baby for 3 months now, but I am having so much fun driving it. I miss my Hondas better gas mileage (especially now), but its worth it to have such pleasure driving a car. I hope it proves to be as reliable as my two previous (new) Hondas (thus my 7 rating on that because I dont know yet). Thanks for making it not only so much fun, but affordable as well.

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  You get what you pay for - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By JeffInNC - April 28 - 4:20 am

  Yes, you get a lot for your money here. In my case Mazda was taking $4K off sticker to move a few of these and I was able to get the dealer to reduce his cut as well. But theres a price. After about 9K miles my front rotors are warped. Lately the car has started to stall immediately after being started in the morning. The interior rattles and buzzing speaker enclosures were annoying from day 1 and seem to be getting worse. Matter of fact, I put it in the shop this afternoon and got a Dodge Neon as a loaner. The Neon has a smoother ride and it doesnt rattle. Thats pretty sad! I was planning on this car purchase being a long-term keeper but I dont think thats going to happen.

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  Very satisfied after 1st year - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By AllieB - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I really have liked my Mazda Tribute. I went for all the bells and whistles and glad it did. The exterior design is fabulous, and the interior is very functional with lots of room for 4-5 people. The vehicle size is perfect for anyone who wants an SUV with power, but doesnt want those huge Suburban- type cars. Rides smoothly like a car. At 9,000 miles my car stalled at 40 mph, but I had it serviced and they have reprogrammed my onboard computer due to a communication issue with a celltower. I have had no further problems with the vehicle. Customer service at the dealership has been great.

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  Good little Van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By HarryJ - April 26 - 3:16 am

  Overall, this has been a fantastic vehicle. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a van that has power and is also concerned about fuel economy. I purchased this knowing I was going to Europe and on the roads and streets there, it was outstanding. I had practically no issues at all with it. My only challenge was to get an American spec vehicle serviced in Europe. I can honestly tell you this van would run 120 mph on the Autobahn with no problems, and the fuel economy was pretty good doing so.

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  Nice Compact SUV, drives great - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MZCMDR - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Very nice ride and suspenion. 4WD is nice. Great visibilty. I like it but there are a few annoying issues that need Human Engineering refinements.