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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  Mazda 6 s (V6) - get an Acura or Honda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MAS__ - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Loved my car when I first bought it. Within a few months I received the first recall notice. Then a month later, my colling fan was making an awful sound. Then a few months later... the second recall. The dealer now does not issue a "loaner" or rental car when you take it in for service...unless its through a recall. (Even if its a warranty thing... no loaner.) Not good. I should have stuck with Acura.

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  If you LOVE driving you will LOVE the 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bungle - March 24 - 2:00 am

  The rotary engine is INCREDIBLY smooth. Acceleration is linear and power builds quickly as you climb the tach. This thing loves to rev all the way to 9,000 RPM!!! Gas mileage sucks! I average 17 - 18 MPG and thats 50/50 highway and city driving. As a daily driver the comfort is top notch and the ergonomics are well thought out. The handling of this car is absolutely NUTS...the best I have ever driven. Excellent in traffic and twisties. The RX-8 is a driving enthusiasts wet dream...you wont own the drag strip but when you consider the car as total package and then look at the price you just cant beat it.

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  Pleased with the selection - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 1stMazda - March 22 - 4:43 pm

  Shopped extensively before selecting the Mazda6 and so far I am very pleased. Compared Nissan, Chevy, Hyundai, Pontiac, Honda. For the features, performance, comfort, luxury, size, and styling, the 6 was hard to beat. Mostly mixed driving so far and mpg is holding steady at 24.5 mpg. I have to admit the power out of the 4 cyl is quite impressive. Am hoping for CAI and oil filter options to be available soon. Would highly recommend this car if you are in the market.

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  Makes a commute feel like a vacation - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mac - March 21 - 11:26 am

  I have been driving mine as a daily 80 mile commuter for nearly 2 years and it has been simply a blast. Fun during the winter with the hardtop on. Just a delight in the warmer days with the top down. Getting 28-30 mpg. My wife says it makes her feel like were on vacation every time we go out for a spin. Low cost, reliable, daily driver. I SMILE during my commute!

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  Another Mazda in the Garage - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By rangermutt - March 20 - 11:47 pm

  We purchased a 2012 Mazda3 i Touring w/Skyactiv engine and auto tranny in Blue Sky Mica a couple of weeks ago and so far could not be happier. The combined mpg is 35 at present which includes about 40% in-town. This is our first new car since 1985 so hoping for many happy, trouble-free miles. We did, however, hedge our bet with the purchase of the extended warranty.

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  Still the One - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By steammerchant - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my triple black base miata since it was a pup in 1995. It is still as exciting as ever. It sits next to my 1975 Datsun 280Z that I have owned since it was a pup, too. The handling of the Miata is incredible, it has done things I didnt know were possible. The Z car is for power - the Miata is for fun... Normal maintenance is all I have ever done and its easy enough that I do most of it myself. Great car - glad I made my decision back in 95 - like I said earlier "my Miata is still the one"

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  Bugdet Beemer! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By therealdeal - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car new in 2001, initially impressed with fit and finish, sharp ride and handling, good braking. It whines on the highway at 3500rpm in 5th gear going 120km/h (a 6th gear would help) The 2.0 litre engine has more potential and at a conservative 130 hp, it chews up more gas than it should. With 83000 km on the clickler, Ive since had minor corrosion around the tops of the door frames, my brakes are squeaking, tires are balled, the manual shifter is choppy after starting in cold weather until I warm it up, The radio display is starting to fade in and out, dealer service personel need help identifying problems!

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  Just got mine 2 weeks ago... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Cypress California - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking car. Low/Mid/High power is insufficient. Added a JIC exhcuast and K&N intake, but they did not add any kind of noticeably power. Exhaust alone sounds great. DO NOT GET THE K&N intake unless you want to be challenged by every ricer out there. It is LOUD LOUD LOUD. The car sounds like its going 500 mph when youre really going about 25 miles.

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  Get one with low miles and be a mechanic - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Will - March 12 - 7:13 pm

  First off, this was my first car I ever owned and I loved it with all my heart, but Ford cant build cars to save their lives. If you can look past the doom and gloom of Ford than I think you will find a decent car. I think I had issues which were more isolated but none the less annoying. First off my transmission was horrific since day 1 with extremely choppy gear changes. The massive amount of recalls are staggering. My first factory sparkplug died early at 55,000 miles, thanks Ford. My best Top Gear simile to describe this car is "The tribute is like your girlfriend who is incredibly hot and will do great things for you, but she threatens to kill you each time she leaves."

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  Great Car, think I got a lemon! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By The Mazda 6 Fan - March 12 - 2:10 pm

  Researched two years prior to buying. Handles like a BMW 3 series, but not close to the hp of one. Never enjoyed driving a car this much before. It tackles corners perfectly, gets good gas mileage, and looks spectacular. Overall a great car but Ive it in for service at least 6 times over the 9 months Ive owned it. Nothing major, just this annoying tweedle noise from under the car that they couldnt find. This last time I think they fixed the problem. They had to replace the catalyst converter.