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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  Best wagon owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tyler Turley - May 29 - 7:40 am

  I have owned this fantastic car for just over a year now and just love it! I have a family of 4 and have taken several long vacations in this car and there was plenty of cargo room and comfortable seating for everyone. I have had no problems with this car at all. I was a little disappointed in the gas mileage, sticker said 28 mpg and Im getting about 22 or 23 mpg. Overall Im very impressed with this car.

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  Dont miss out! This cars a GEM! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Happy with Mazda - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 4 door 2002 ES Model in Seabreeze -(Light Aqua/Green) as a leftover in Jan of 03. This was a great move, the car is reliable, good price, GREAT looking inside AND out, and ALOT peppier than youd expect. Also very comfortable. The 6CD changer and sunroof make great toys for the price. Safety is covered with the airbags and brakes... I highly recommend this car!

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  Awesome!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By jflak - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! I traded in a Ford Escape. Ford will tell you its the same vehicle...I beg to differ! The styling is better, as is the ride. Much less road noise with the Tribute. Great dealership as well.

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  RX-8 is Great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Slice - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Mazda did a great job in the re-design of the RX-7. Interior is not cheesy, but rather elegant/sporty. Leather is a nice touch.

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  Bought used, couldnt be happier - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By djcuba908 - May 27 - 9:23 pm

  Just bought my 2007 CX-7 Touring AWD used from Flemington Mazda in NJ. I was able to find this amazing car with almost no wear/tear in like new condition with only 40,000 miles. The car immediately impressed me with its braking performance and minimal body roll, this SUV drives more like a sports car than a truck. The leather interior is stunning, great easy maintenance for the kids. Plenty of space for our 3 year old and newborn in the backseat, cargo room is perfect. I almost got a Ford Edge, but the less than adequate braking power was concerning, but the Ford was definitely a smoother ride. All in all, this is a great car for a young family and dad like me who loves the sporty drive!

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  Mazda RX8 Bang For the Buck - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Brett Carner - May 27 - 5:06 am

  I looked extensively for a daily driver with a sport car mentality. The Mazda RX8 was a hands down choice. The rotary engine is far ahead of the engines still today. It is a little thirsty on fuel economy if you get on it. Handling is excellent, rear view visibility is poor. Appearance and quality is very good, considering the price. If you are looking for a mid range sports car this is the choice. Mazda has an excellent warranty 5/50 and so far service is also above par. It is a fun car to drive.

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  Blown engine - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By pjl7 - May 27 - 3:21 am

  We read all the reviews about this vehicle before we bought two years ago. This is not the car to buy if you are looking for a reliable older vehicle. Yesterday, the engine blew and left our son stranded on the interstate. We now have a decision to put another $2,000 to $3,000 to fix or just scrap and payoff the remainder of the five year loan. Less than 100,000 miles, no warnings! Do not buy this vehicle.

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  Class problem with auto trans - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Goopie - May 26 - 11:06 pm

  We bought this car out of the Hertz fleet with 26K on the clock. It was reliable early on, needing only a plug wire set and fuel pump (both replaced under warranty). Now at 100K mi the transmission failed to the tune of $2000, even though I have had it flushed twice and have been running Amsoil synthetic ATF since about 50K mi. Perhaps it would have failed sooner if I hadnt been proactive about the service and premium ATF. It is a Ford CD4E trans and is infamous for failing in this car. Mazda is apparently not standing behind it; there are no recalls and of course now it is out of warranty. The engine has been reliable but due to the trans failure Mazda has lost a customer forever.

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  my Strato Blue baby - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By K.Love - May 26 - 1:43 pm

  I brought my car home 12.14.2004. So far, Im quite happy with my purchase. It has been 4 years since Ive owned a vehicle and I promised myself that my first *New* car would be exactly what I wanted. I paid (in cash) $19k (after $500 college rebate- beware its taxable) $20,273 with TTL- for the following: Automatic, Strato Blue, Moonroof 6 CD with ABS/SAC/SAB pkg. My car also has the digital compass attached to the rear-view mirror (its extremely helpful) The drivers seat is quite comfortable. For a 4 cylinder engine- it has quite the pick- up! The gear shift is a little strange in its zig-zag design- but after a while you get used to it. Lots of space in hatch/trunk!

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  Mazda3 Line Still The Best - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By vaclubmaker - May 26 - 4:56 am

  I have owned Mazda vehicles since 1984 and the 3 series (GLC, 323, Protege, Mazda3) have always been the best when it comes to value, performance, and style in sedans. Bought the "3" to be used by my college-age daughters while Mazda was offering the 0% APR deal (and to avoid the stupid No. VA transportation tax). As with all my Mazda vehicles, the driving position, design, and sporting nature have been retained even in the base model i Sport I purchased. I liked the fact that finding one with ABS and side curtain airbags was not impossible in the base model. My only complaint would be the colors on the instruments. Theres just not enough contrast for my 50+ year old eyes.