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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  very pleased! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By limey - July 12 - 5:00 pm

  Just purchased a new Mazda5. So far we are very pleased with it. It certainly is a lot nicer than the Volvo turbo we traded in.

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  RX-8 with Automatic - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Darryl - July 12 - 2:13 am

  Unique car with polarizing styling. Either you love it or you dont. Gets lots of positive comments, especially on the suicide doors. Good interior quality. Rear seats OK for kids or adults for short rides. Front seats small for large people -- can become uncomfortable on long trips. Trunk is small, but holds more than expected. Engine is smooth as an electric motor, no vibrations. Gas mileage good at 16-18 in town and 22-24 on highway. Automatic transmission really saps power. Super handling. Problems with A/C; after many complaints it was completely replaced, now works just OK. Several recalls. In cold weather must warm engine before turning off or it will flood. Poor in snow.

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  Nice car, terrible dealers and service - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By denverrx8 - July 11 - 8:03 pm

  Ive owned my RX-8 for just over a year. I love almost everything about the car, except for the fact that its a Mazda. The car has spend over a month in the shop, mainly due to dealers that dont know anything about the car. The car now has a power problem where it loses power after driving, and 2 different dealers have failed at repairing it, and now theyre charging me for diagnosis and rentals, even though theyve duplicated the problem. Mazda is no help, the car is a lemon, and they wont stand behind it. Ive even filmed the problem for them, and they still say it doesnt happen! Bottom line. Great car, terrible car company, this will absolutely be my last Mazda. Dont buy Mazda!

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  2 months and 3,000 Miles into it... - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By spoonman42 - July 11 - 4:16 pm

  I drove an Acura TSX for 10 years and 175k miles and it was hard to let go. I researched for a year and narrowed down to 4 cars: Mazda6 GT, Honda Accord EX-L 4-cyl, Audi A4, and BMW 328. I quickly deleted the German cars because I didnt want to pay for premium fuel. Nothing wrong with the Honda, just a boring drive, but great features. When I sat in the 6, I knew I was home, great overall experience with all the creature comforts and Great MPGs.

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  Still Going After 170K Miles - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bryce Be Quick - July 11 - 1:20 pm

  Outstanding build quality and handling. Dumped the original equipment Dunlops in favor of less expensive/better wearing Kumhos, and this has eliminated the hydroplaning issue as well. A true overdrive 5th gear would help the gas mileage. This is the car which helped make Mazda: other than the Miata, before this retooled Mazda sedan debuted in 2002, there was nothing in the Mazda stable to make good on the Companys "Zoom-Zoom-Zoom" ad campaign. Actually prefer the P5 to the second-gen Mazda 3 - yes, the 3 more refined, and with more horses, but the 130 HP P-5 has a kind of teenage spunk, whereas the 3 more the mature adult.

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  Not a bad van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By RDW - July 11 - 7:00 am

  No major problems in nearly three years. Dealer service is good. The MPV is not a street racer but it gets around OK in the flatlands of the southeast. Gas mileage is not that good.

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  Great choice - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mark - July 10 - 4:56 pm

  Bought new in 08 over a Civic and have been extremely pleased. Got rid of the performance rubber for some all- season tires which made the car a lot quieter and less nervous. Handling is still great. I have been getting 35 mpg in the summer and 32-33 in the winter ( I am some what of a feather foot). The 2.0 liter engine spins more easily with every mile, the chassis is still tight, and the car has not had a single issue. I also think it is better looking than the new model.

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  This car is the bomb.... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jasper - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I totally fell in love with this car from the day that I first drove it as a rental car...ever since I had to have it..and I got it. the 6 cyl with everything. The handling rivals a BMW and easily matches the Accord in my books. This car isnt for the "typical driver", to enjoy this car you have to love to DRIVE

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  Love my Tribute! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By geeman99 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Acceleration is excellent. Ride and handling are wonderful. Roomy, plush (for the price) interior. Biggest shortcoming - seats could definitely be softer and give more thigh support. Nitpicks - shift lever is too long, ignition key location is a real hassle. Overall a very enjoyable vehicle! Would definitly recommend the Tribute! Not sure why everyone complains about the mileage on the V6 - the great acceleration doesnt come out of thin air, you have to burn more gas to create more horsepower!

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  excellent!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By asn - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is so great. I love the looks and the feel of such power each time I drive this car. Fun does not explain what this car brings to each driver as they experience the drivability of this vehicle. I am more than pleased with my purchase, and Im sure that I will remain so as long as I have the RX8.