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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  Bland, but Efficient - 2001 Mazda 626
  By mbaisden - April 17 - 10:00 am

  It is liyttle more than basic transportation. It wont "WOW" you, but its relaible. Transmission is a little "choppy" and "harsh". Overall, ita a decent vehicle.

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  Yes, but........ - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By DianaDriver - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This was the car I was waiting for -- compact, roomy interior, reasonable gas mileage and up where I can see whats going on......yes, but....at 21000 miles Ive just paid about $400 for a rotator replacement on a front wheel brake....that cant be right. Apparently others are having this unanticipated expense also. How common is this and why isnt Mazda doing a recall if the rotators are, as my dealer told me, just not up to handling the brake pads?

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  Might have a lemon... - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By gml0603 - April 16 - 8:03 pm

  I bought the Grand Touring model with V-6 black with leather interior. Worked beautifully until a few months ago. The transmission went out in July of 2008. It started with jerking on acceleration, the tires would screech loudly. I had no idea what was happening. I didnt have the truck for two weeks as they re-built the transmission. Not even a year old at the time. I took it back in two weeks ago in August because the jerking was happening again and it still stalled out at stop lights. I cannot believe this. The dealer "fixed" a starter belt or something but that has done nothing because the jerking/stalling are worse now. So, I need to take this back for a third fix. I am not happy!

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  Excellent Value and head turning appleal - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By leotol - April 13 - 12:13 am

  Best car I have owned with regard to from the showroom quality. It handles very precisely and its turning radius is very small. I have taken it on long 400+ mile trips and found the car comfortable and well equipped to be fast and safe. I have an automatic, the manual shifting through the transmission is fun; am glad that I dont have to deal with manual shifting all of the time in traffic. Gas mileage is low, but expected. My dealer made a point of advising regarding warming the car up before turning off and keeping the oil level topped off, doing this is a must. One time forgot to warm it to operating temperature; it stalled & had to be towed, it was warranty fix.

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  7000 miles in One month - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TD32 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  We took our Tirbute across the country this summer and were very pleased. The MPG suffered with roof cargo and hills, but the comfort and handling were great. We were even able to plug in a cooler in the back(nice feature).

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  My B3000 - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Johnha - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been quite good to me. Comfortable and quiet, the 3.0 Liter V6 seems bulletproof. Everything still works as new after 2+ years and 34000 miles. I like this truck.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By djkest - April 3 - 10:00 am

  We got this car to replace our Corolla with something safer. Its been a great car for us so far. The engine, while not super powerful, is very smooth and loves to rev. Between the engine and the close-ratio 6-speed you can always find the power band. I was never lacking in power up to 11,000 feet on mountain passes, a feat my corolla stumbled on. The handling is wonderful, very composed and confident on twisty roads, but the ride is very smooth as well. It looks great, and the interior and trunk are enormous. The factory stereo is probably above average, the seats are grippy without being constrictive.Too early to notice any repair issues, engine seems to be getting stronger as it breaks in

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  I like it - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By t777jb - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Its been a great car and the list of features is fantastic for the money. I put some Continental Tires ($800) on it which have improved the wet handling tremendously - anxious to try it in the snow. I was afraid of it in those conditions with the original tires. The ride quality on the Continentals is much better than the original tires. My paint has way too many chips like others. Im satisfied with 27 mpg avg for this level of power. Manual is very smooth. Pedals are a little close together though and I have a size 10 shoe. Needs heated mirrors. I think I will have to get a BMW 3 series next to find something I would consider an upgrade in handling and luxury.

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  My first five thousand miles - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stan Mendoza - March 28 - 3:00 pm

  This car is fun to drive! The power band of the V6 is excellent as well as the five speed manual transmission. Getting on and off freeways is fun!! The sport package is well worth the extra bucks.The comfort of the leather seats is perfect for me, and all that have driven with me. My 2001 Honda Accord is boring to drive compared to the Mazda Sport Wagon, so far so good on my first Mazda product!

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  hot mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jvjvjvj - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car,good quickness,handling, and stopping power. A little cheap on the inside, I am used to Hondas and Acuras. Makes wind noise at highway speeds, but a fine car for the money I paid. I would buy a Mazda again.