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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  Copper-Hatch - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Copper-Hatch 06 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 06 Mazda3 Hatchback in October 05. Thought about getting a Toyota Corolla S, but after trying with several Toyota dealerships they couldnt get the options that I wanted. So far the Mazda3 has been a fun, reliable, good looking car. This is my first Mazda and so far a good car, Im a Toyota kind of guy, but decided to give Mazda a chance.

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  Head tuner - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8 - February 12 - 10:56 pm

  The handling on this car is excellent. The power is great at high rpm. The look of this car is like no other sport cars out there. No a lot of RX-8 owners out there, so you will turn heads as you drive around town.

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  Honeymoon ended - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jlenart - February 12 - 9:07 pm

  This car is a great style option for those that want the 3rd row, 4-wheel drive and NOT a minivan. The first 20k miles was fine but after that it was really really bad. To qualify, we changed the oil and did ALL dealer service as recommended - never missed a beat and from 20k-60k we had so many issues - rust on the back hatch door even though we paid $1500 for an addl paint warranty, window and body liners fell off, roof black plastic pieces came off, the rear wheel bearings went, then the strut, the interior fell apart, etc etc. NIGHTMARE. So buy it for >2 years and then DUMP IT. The warranty and the dealer dont support their product so DON"T buy any addl warranties!!!

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  Heart of a Sports Car - Sleek Looks - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HorsySce - February 12 - 10:06 am

  I have 25,000 miles on my winning blue hatchback and am very satisified with my purchase. It accelerates fast and handles like a Porsche. It looks great on the road (especially with tint). It could use slightly better gas mileage, but its not too bad. One complaint is the tires - the Goodyear Eagle RSAs it comes with from the factory are pretty great in the summer but useless in the winter. The hard rubber freezes up and is dangerous with even an inch of snow on the ground. I frequently got stuck in the snow. After purchasing Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires for the winter, Im very satisfied. I recommend doing the same.

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  Next best thing to a BMW - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Laura Allred - February 11 - 4:33 pm

  I love my 2003 Mazda6s! And my previous car was a 1989 BMW 325is. Other than my getting used to front wheel drive in the Mazda, the 6s handles remarkably well compared to the BMW. I love a car with great road feel, and this car is glued to the road. I love the 5 speed manual transmission and the 17" wheels. Got the complete sport package. Such performance in an everyday car makes the commute to work in the morning my fun time! And what a value. Other than routine maintenance, I have had no problems. Its a sweet car if you believe that unless you use both hands and both feet, you arent really driving. If you want to float down the highway on a sofa, better get a Lexus.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By webmiller - February 11 - 11:43 am

  I put off buying a new mid-size sedan for a couple of months as I knew the 09 Mazda6 was coming in August. The wait was 100% worth it. Its the best looking car in its class without question. The interior is easily a full class ahead of the Camry, Accord, Altima, or Malibu. As with most Mazdas, the handling is excellent making it a pure joy to drive. I cant imagine anyone test driving all the mid-size sedans out there and not picking the 6. The features/fit/finish etc are closer to a Lexus ES350 than a Camry. This car is going to own the magazine mid-size comparison tests for at least 2-3 years.

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  Bang for the Buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thebrakeman - February 10 - 2:13 am

  Purchased used with about 24k miles. Titanium Gray, black leather, 5-speed, ABS/airbag package, 6 CD/moonroof package, TPMS/Xenon package. Previous car was 89 Ford Probe GT, which was a Mazda clone. I really miss the low rpm torque from the Probes turbo (Mazdaspeed3 will be awesome!), but overall, I cant be happier. I could have purchased a new 05 Ford Focus ST (5-speed, same 2.3L Mazda motor) for about the same money, but the Focus interior and features STINK compared to the Mazda3. Also test drove several Dodge SRT-4s (TURBO!), but again, the interiors were not livable compared to the 3 (not to mention the race car open exhaust).

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  M6s - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DSS1000 - February 9 - 12:26 pm

  Great car: original & stylish, excellent & spirited handling, high revs, 4 yr/50K warranty. Ive owned a Mazda6s 5-door for about two months and so far find it exciting to drive, nice to look at, and very satisfying. Low end torque isnt best, but when engine runs up to 4K RPM, the thrust is invigorating, though may overwhelm some folks. OEM tires will be replaced: marginal in wet conditions, though not worn completely. I wasnt sure about an M6s initially, but owning it changed mind for better. Hatch storage is wagon-like. Great straight-line driving and car hugs road in all curves, no lean, great brakes, and taut ride make it a champ. Not class-leading power but does nice job!

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  Youll Get My Miata... - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By azcat - February 8 - 10:00 am

  ...when you pry my cold, dead fingers from the steering wheel. >102k miles, <$50 in unplanned maintenance, and a blast to drive. Plenty of room for two. Of >30 cars Ive owned, this one is by far the best built, best running, and most fun to drive. You cant go wrong with one of these.

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  great van, great price - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By eureka001 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I pondered a while about which minivan to purchase and test drove Odyssey, Sienna and MPV. In the end I decided on MPV because of its size and its cost. MPVs size is just right - can fit a lot of stuff, but handling and parking is like that of a sedan. We had this van for a few weeks and its been great. It really is fun to drive. My wife, who was very worried about driving a minivan is perfectly comfortable with it now. So far I didnt notice any problems with the car (like mentioned missed gear shifts). Finally, it is 3-4 K cheaper to comparably equipped Odyssey!