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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  Eastern NC - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Randall Tyndall - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks great, lot of compliments, most controls within easy reach. Cannot see under visor when in down position. Recommend extended cab for taller drivers. Difficult for entry/exit for shorter operators. Great mileage for truck - 23 - 25 average.

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  diy Mazda 6s 5spd owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By maz6s - December 14 - 6:21 pm

  Since 07, my 04 6s(v6) has been strong. I bought it at ~60,000 miles. All maintenance done early except the spark plugs. Dont drive too long with a misfire/vacuum leak/hesitation. Lucky I had knowledge of precat failure prevention so I didnt find out the hard way like others...keep an eye on fluid level and color esp oil. Since about 90-100,000 miles I noticed the oil level drops a lil every 1500 miles which is normal on most vehicles. Dont trust oil change places, they only pour 5qts in, but this engine takes 6...oh and Honda seekers dont buy Automatic Accords, my wifes tranny died@100,000 miles...fluid drained and filled every 10,000 miles since 40,000 miles. 2004 Accord EX V6. Thx

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  little disappointed - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By valley - December 12 - 3:43 am

  The car looks are great, however I have had it in the shop a few times. I think the seats are the poorest quality I have ever seen in a car. I have had my Mazda since July of 06 and the front seats looks so worn, they are awful. The gas mileage is not as good as they say either. The car is not too comfortable, I wish I could have had a 30 day money back/trade in because it would be gone. Like I said the looks are great, but they need to improve on some quality issues...interior is very cheap...the lumbar on drivers seat has already broken.

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  Fun - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lee in Canada - December 9 - 2:00 am

  We needed a replacement for our minivan. This had the good visibility and enough power to pull a tent trailer. Were thinking about the MPV but its interior was boring. Miss the room of a minivan.

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  Fun Daily Driver. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Luv2drive - December 8 - 7:26 am

  I have an 06 with a 2.3L engine and manual transmission, and it is one solid, sporty little car. Its interior and exterior styling are, without a doubt, the best in its class. Everyone who rides in it comments about the cool interior. Its way more fun to drive than its price tag might suggest, especially with the manual transmission. The engine is responsive and rev-happy, the steering is precise, and the suspension tears up corners like a sports car. The only reliability issues Ive had were minor annoyances related to my own modifications. This is probably the most exciting car you can buy for under $20,000... and it still gets 26/31 mpg!

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  Completely Happy - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Alvin - December 8 - 6:00 am

  My wife and I wanted a minivan that wasnt so bulky, with 3RD row stow away seats, and something with decent power under the hood. The 3.0L motor is both powerful and smooth. You forget its a minivan youre driving. The 5 speed automatic makes a world of difference on the freeway and weve found it to be smooth on shifts. We have 118,000 miles, and so far so good. We were going to buy a Honda, but after research, they had just as many complaints from its customers and was bigger than we liked

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  Solid Vehicle - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By m - December 6 - 9:30 am

  After 112,000 miles only a few major repairs - one door actuator and cracked exhaust manifold. Lots of great features in the van, especially for the time. Really like the fold flat rear seat. No problems with CD or moonroof. Great stereo. Biggest disappointment is the lack of power. The transmission kicks and the whole car jumps (not to move fast, just jumps). Its been a good dependable car and with 23/24 mpg on the highway not bad for a van.

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  Very solid first car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By D.A. - December 6 - 12:43 am

  I recently got this as my first "own" car, Im graduating from college soon, and decided to invest in good, newer car that would last me a while. Bought this one with 11k miles. I was attracted by the styling, and after the test drive, I was hooked. The dual exhaust, rear lights, low-profile tires all look awesome for a car at this price. It drives great on the highway and in the city. The handling is very very good, acceleration smooth, and I havent had any mechanical issues with it so far. I liked it a lot better than the other cars I tried: Toyota Camry, Suzuki Verona, Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac GT. Hondas were all too expensive, so I didnt get to try them. Mazda6 is simply great!

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  Light and Fast - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Beverly M - December 4 - 11:43 pm

  Gas Mileage is not great

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  Nothing like a go-kart on steroids - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Themisfitjoe - December 4 - 10:23 am

  My baby, my first car. And what more can I say that hasnt been said. If youre a young male owner many people will criticize you for maintaining possession of the car, but do not heed their words. Most stock cars dont corner like a Miata, and with such little weight the car is very nimble. Ive had this car for just over 3 years now, and it wont be my last, but I do plan on keeping my baby for awhile, because its so much fun to drive, especially in sunny Florida. And though the RX-7 and others are better at it, drifting in this car is still lots of fun, at sponsored Drift Days. One downside is that it is a pain to work on, and at least mine breaks down often, but it is 13+ y.o