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:

• 

  i love my mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By steverino - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is so beautiful and thrilling to drive..the interior is so cool and the exterior so hot... i havent felt this excited about a car in over 10 years

• 

  Stylish And Exciting Sports Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By RustyBawl - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Mazda designers are taking huge strides in the right direction in regards to the styling of their vehicles. The Mazda6 is available as a sedan and very soon will also be available in the US as a hatch and a wagon. One of the best things about this car right now is that you donÂ’t drive 15 minutes down the road and during that period see five cars exactly like the one you are driving. Look different and still have an excellent sedan! This vehicle suits someone with kids that still wants a sporty look and wants to keep the car for a long time. Find endless information on this vehicle as stated by owners themselves, on the forums at mazda6club.

• 

  The Greatest Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By allison - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all it has a smooth ride and a wonderful style and i would recommend it to everyone as well as it is a stylish car

• 

  A work in progress - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Probstc - December 28 - 2:10 am

  We recently purchased a Mazda5 GT Standard. As all Mazdas I have previously owned, this one too has the "Zoom Zoom" in it. However, there are 2 issues I find most disturbing: After 3 weeks, our car with a supposedly full alarm system was broken into. It seems the engineers forgot to protect the small back windows and the crook busted the window and grabbed what he / she could. In all the repairs took 3 weeks to complete due to parts on back order and cost a fortune (most paid by my insurance). The car seems less than happy in the Canadian cold and several parts of the suspension have already had to be replaced, despite the car being less than 4 months old.

• 

  Not Perfect, But still the best - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Zoomie Stopper - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Original owner of the van. After almost two years I have managed to pile up 38k easy miles. Power/Transmission: The engine, a Ford Duratec 2.5L V6, has been very reliable, a little noisey and slightly underpowered. Handling/Ride: Better than most cars, Very satisfying! Wind noise is a little elevated at highway speed but not terrible. Versatility: Flip under third row seat is AWESOME! In my opinion, a must have. This lets you carry ALL your stuff to Grandma and Grandpas and still haul the grand parents around when you get there. Bottom Line: Still happy with my purchase.

• 

  Family Zoom Zoom ? - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Needed Room - December 27 - 10:00 am

  This was the 1st minivan we have purchased. It came down to this or the Honda. Didnt need as much room as the Honda had, so didnt warrant the price difference. Really like the more car like ride than the bigger vans, doesnt feel nearly as clumsy, easier to park. the 3.0L goes just fine and the 5 speed AT is very nice. My wife is the primary driver of the MPV and she gave up her 200 Diamante, which ran like a scalded cat, for the room. She doesnt buy that Zoom Zoom tag, still needs to realize it is a VAN!

• 

  Love my Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sarah - December 27 - 9:26 am

  Ive had my car for over 2 years and I love it! It is a wonderful little car. Gets great gas mileage and runs so good! I definitely recommend this car to anyone!

• 

  Enjoying My Ride! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Ransoms CX-7 - December 26 - 3:00 pm

  I had the privledge of selecting the type of car purchased by my employer. Crossovers were my choice of vehicle type, so the choice was between the Honda CR-V, Madza CX-7, or Nissan Murano price range. Test driving all three was fun, but I found that the Mazda had more sports car like characteristics than the others. I am a consultant, and often drive 400 mile trips in a given day, with meetings. The car is awesome for such trips. I arrive in comfort, refreshed, and ready to consult. Glad I picked the CX-7. Almost feel guilty sometimes, most people in my profession drive pickups. Enjoy my Zoom Zoom Zoom Mazda.

• 

  A great toy and dependable car! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2005 Mazda MX5 Miata - December 25 - 8:46 pm

  Im 70 years old and have owned Jaguars, X19s and many small convertibles. I LOVE MY MIATA MX5! It hates snow and so do I, so it remains in its heated garage all winter but when its ready to go so am I. I feel safe and comfortable in it. I wish I were younger, Id be in the new 2008 with the upgrade! I take it to the mountains a lot and appreciate the way it handles and takes the upgrades with power to spare! As far as looks go? How can you beat it? Thanks Mazda.

• 

  Think I Bought a Lemon! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By pstiles1 - December 25 - 8:35 am

  I bought my 2006 Mazda 6 new. I am sad to say, I think that I bought an albatross. It has become a money pit. I have put 3 sets of tires at around $1000.00 per set. The air conditioner had to be replaced. The drive chain broke & had to be replaced, thank God it was under warranty! I have had to replace the clutch. The dashboard compartment broke and now my head liner is falling down near the rear window. I also have a very audible "squeaking noise" as the car changes speed which the dealer (whom I will never work with again) says is the acs clutch since my car is "old." I had an RX7 which I loved. This car is a big disappointment!