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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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NICUnurse78 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!! It is beyond fun to drive, not to mention easy on the eyes. Fuel economy not too bad for a V6, and the power is phenomenal. I dont regret my decision to buy the Mazda over the Accord. I would definitely do it again.

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  HUGE HIT WITH THE 6!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By luckey13 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my 6S, 5 speed, fully loaded in silver and this car literally has it all! My previously owned BMW 330i(with sport package as well) has nothing on this car(just a higher price and a name!), no kidding! This Mazda is ALL you could want in a car without raping your pockets! I have had more fun in this car in just 3 days than I had in my bimmer in 3 years! Just as fast, and the mazda has a hell of alot more available options than the bimmer did, and all for about 12k less! I got mine fully loaded for 23K!! It is all you could want in a car, very sporty, good quickness, handling is great and it has room for just about everything!!

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  White Mazda 3s 5 door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By qkalis - June 26 - 6:43 pm

  Bought my Mazda3 5 door after I got into a major highway accident. Forced into shopping for a new car in 3 days but luckily my wife already owned a 3 4 door. Very good car for the price and size. Excellent fit and finish, build quality and ergonomics. A bit snug for me in the drivers seat since I am 62", 210 but very good commuter and short distance car. Put over 9,000 miles on it and it is performing well with no complaints. Shows all the other manufacturers how to design and execute a top quality car instead of the junk they try to pass off on consumers. Well done, Mazda!

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  Runs Great - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Camie - June 26 - 3:23 pm

  Prior to purchasing the MPV I looked at the Honda as well as the Toyota and I considered a few things. Although the Honda and Toyota offered more power and size, #1 I realized it’s not a race car and I’m not trying to give the entire world a ride. Bottom line it made more economical since to get the MPV. I purchased the LX loaded including the DVD system. The same options would hurt the pocketbook with the competitors. It looks great and very unique in a positive way. I constantly get comments on it. It runs really smooth but doesn’t float. I’m not sure what the experts are looking for but it drives more like a car than a van. Adjustable second row makes in/out access easy.

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  Acceleration - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Brewser - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my millenia. However, shifting could be smoother and needs quicker acceleration for passing at lower speeds.

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  NoMoreMazdasforMe - 1998 Mazda 626
  By nomoremazdasforme - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car about 15 months. I bought it with 58000 miles. The guides and the rails broke on the moonroof about 6 weeks after I purchased the car about $1100.00 to fix. The radiator had to be replaced at about 91000 miles- $350.00. The air conditioner condenser started leaking a few weeks ago-another $200.00. Now the clutch has gone out and that is going to cost me about $800.00 with the repairs I have already done on the clutch. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TO BUY A MAZDA.

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  Excellent Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Bfar - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had car for three years and have not had any problems with any components. Taking ordinary care of maintenance was the only thing that was necessary. Dealership service was outstanding.

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  Quik Silver - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By clt1btr - June 26 - 10:00 am

  After taking a job 134 miles round trip away from my house, I needed a car that would be good on gas. After a sorrowful goodby with my Toyota 4Runner I purchased my P5. However, much to my suprise, the inexpensive commuter car quickly turned into one of the best cars I have ever had. Within a week after owning my P5 I was noticing countless stares and questions from people who were impressed with the car. The P5 is definitely an eyecatching, fun to drive, and exciting car for the money!!!

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  Glad to own - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rickwla - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Subaru Forester, which was an excellent car, and Im very satisfied with the performance and roominess of the Tribute. Fuel economy could be better, but its par for the course for its class. 7 speaker stereo system has great sound. Wish there were seperate controls for the air conditioning and the vent outlets (why Ford chooses to limit air conditioning only to the front vents is a mystery).

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Carbide - June 25 - 3:46 pm

  We have been driving this car for 9 years, now, and this was the best car decision we ever made. The car is now 12 years old, and most of the original parts still work fine, including alternator, power options, rad, water pump, steering components, etc. The only unexpected problems were with some replacement wheel bearings which didnt last as long as they should have. We live in a very wintry area with lots of road salt, and the body has held up well. I did a bit of research before we bought the car, so I avoided the automatic (Ford built) transmission of the 90s. Ours is a manual transmission, and it is still smooth as silk ; and the gas mileage is amazing. Basically, I love it!