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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  2000 Used Mazda Millenia S for Sale - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By n_8dog - August 27 - 2:06 am

  This car has amazing reliability history. I dont know why it never took off in sales. I mean, you cant get a sleeker, snazzier, roommier, sportier, car for the same price. It is my second S model, and I dont agree with the review given by Edmunds. I am selling mine to get into a house with all these low mortgage rates flying around. With the high ratings for reliability and build quality given by Consumer Reports, I think this is a great car.

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  awesome car - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By chris123 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this is an awesome car!! i love the car!

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  Never loved a car till this one ;) - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LoveMeeata - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love to drive my Miata! It is so quick on the highway and just flat-out a BLAST! The convertible top is easy to manage from INSIDE the car...love that! My family whines that its too small and "get a real car" but ya know...they are just jea-LOUS! My 63" 250 lb boyfriend complains that he doesnt fit in it, but hes always grabbing the keys to get a chance to drive it. lol

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  Still going strong at 95,000 mi. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Richard D - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Dec.06 with 21,000 miles on it. After a few minor issues due to the previous owners neglect, it has provided me with years of trouble free, reliable transportation.I still love to drive the car even after all this time. I keep up with routine maintenance,(oil and filter change, tire rotation , etc. ).When the time comes to retire this one, Ill probably look to a newer model 6 , consider me a repeat buyer.

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  Love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 S - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I used to flip cars very often, had many faster cars. But i always looked up for economy also. This car comes with nice compromise for both. Its sporty, good on gas, has practical hatch and looks good. The main thing is that is very reliable. Im getting close to 150k miles on this car and has been trouble free. Just tires, brakes, plugs and runs still strong. Have improved radio with navigation system and headlights with HID.

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  2010 Mazda 6i GT Sangria Red Mica - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By mrchuck - August 25 - 4:56 pm

  The new car smell of tan leather in a red car is a must! WOW! The tech features are outstanding. The Bose sound system is absolutely awesome. Comfort and quietness wherever you drive is just pure satisfaction. Acceleration is great, and the gas mileage on 87 octane is great. I have no complaints, and I test drove ALL of the mid-size luxury cars and this car wins. Period. It won. The trunk space with the back seats down will easily handle our Costco and Sams Club shopping trips. The quietness and super quality attention to details make this car a winner, no matter what luxury car you have been driving. I am extremely pleased. You will be too! Mazdas "Zoom Zoom" is infectious!!

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Monkyc - August 24 - 1:03 pm

  Amazing family sedan that handles better than a BMW 3 series. Great acceleration from the 4 cyl 5 spd. Absolutely no problems in two and a half years over 36,000 miles.

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  WOW! This is fun to drive! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jackson - August 24 - 11:19 am

  This is fun to drive. Im not sure I would be comfortable driving on a long road trip but the vehicle is fun driving around town. I find myself accelerating into turns and braking hard. The performance is unbelievable. This is a homerun and the price is reasonable.

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  Second Mazda 3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By moonman - August 23 - 5:50 am

  Went to dealer for an oil change on my 04s, and looked in on the 06 Grand Touring. Mazda has done right by this car -- several of the larger problems (the slow shift out of first when cold) have been fixed by the new 5 speed transmission, and the other refinements on the car are well done. Its the same shell but it feels substantially different ... also appreciate the (admittedly slight) gain in MPG w/ the 5 speed.

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  Well Done! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By J Delo - August 23 - 12:43 am

  I have an 05 Mazda 3 S and I just hit 170,000 miles. I purchased my Mazda new in Nov of 04. I am a rough on the vehicles I use and I needed something that could handle my "abuse". The Mazda 3 stood up to the test. I have literally run the engine to its limits. Note that even though I am bad about performing regular maintenance, the Mazda still survived and continued to run well. I thought in the beginning that this vehicle may not handle me as an owner. I am proud to say Bravo Mazda 3! Well done!