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:

• 

  Nice car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By fredo - September 8 - 8:46 pm

  More than adequate acceleration with great handling characteristics. Like the style and design in silver -- looks like the sports machine it is. Have had no mechanical problems to date although just got a recall notice about possible engine cooling problem. Did run the car hard during our peak hot week -- temps mid-90s for 600 miles with little stopping along the way and everything worked fine; comfortable ride with no excessive heating indications. Lots of inquiries about "whats that?" with lots of positive comments about the cars design. Gasoline consumption depends on how you drive it. Did check on one throughway trip at average speed of 70 and got almost 24mpg. Less when playing in city.

• 

  6 was it after lots of research - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6nWNY - September 8 - 6:40 pm

  Have Bose/moonroof package & convenience package. Car has handled extremely well in the snow and climate control has been great during the recent cold snap. Replaced my 00 Grand Am GT1 6 cyl. Felt comfortable from the first test drive. Tested Corolla, Civic, Camry, and others but settled on the 6 for its combination of style, handling, features, and safety. Great value. Can be a bit slow off the stop line, but the 4 cyl flies nicely on the highway once at speed. Convenience package is a must to get rid of the Buick like upholstered door trim. Xenon lights a huge plus. Bose sound is great. Like the aux jack in the armrest. Rural road and expressway commute - averaging 27-28 mpg at 2700 mi.

• 

  one fantastic sports car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By williama - September 8 - 10:00 am

  what can i say - awesome! lots of power, fantastic handling and looks great both inside and out. Sun roof is good, although not as large as the one on my old 82 RX7. Got the spoiler on the car and think it adds to the looks - doubt the performance is much affected but I think its a positive. Negatives - the gas mileage is not great but so what. This is a sports car not an econo box - remember you still are not using as much gas as an oversized SUV. If you decide to get one youll not regret it - see you on the road and I will if you are driving this car!

• 

  Best Test Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Test Driven - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a foreign vehicle or a car and this was the most comfortable car. It is fun to drive, easy, lots of room.

• 

  Zoom-Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By CvS - September 8 - 7:43 am

  Ive been very satisfied with my RX-8, even after the first few weeks of road fever were gone. Its still hard not to drive it as a go-kart, for it is so stable and fun to drive that you will find yourself revving it up just to hear the jet-engine noise. The 6 speed transmission is great, and you will learn soon to skip gears when driving with the traffic flow and keeping the revs under 3500. A common issue pointed in the reviews is the low gas mileage. To me it is fine. This car performs as a 6 cylinder, and uses about the same amount of gas. During normal driving I get 20+ mpg in mixed use, and 24 on the highway. Can you how me a 6 cylinder sport car that can do better?

• 

  3 hatchback s GT - 5 speed -Titanium Gray - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 783 - September 6 - 9:40 am

  Very pleased with the car, performance & handling, interior, stereo is amazing. Havent yet driven in snow, but I have a feeling that it will be reliable. Everyday that keeps looking better & better.

• 

  SWEET - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By PINMAN - September 6 - 2:00 am

  NOT THE BIGGEST MINIVAN OUT THERE, BUT THE PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING ARE EXCELLENT. THE HIDE AWAY THIRD SEAT CREATES A NICE CARGO AREA. MY WIFE SWORE UP AND DOWN SHE WOULD NEVER BUY A MINIVAN, NOW SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVES THIS VEHICLE !!! WE SPRUNG FOR SOME OF THE EXTRAS, POWER DOORS, IN DASH CD CHANGER, WHICH PUSHED THE PRICE A LITTLE HIGH (THE WIFE HAD TO HAVE LEATHER...) BUT THE BASE MODEL IS AN EXCELLENT VALUE VEHICLE.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Karl - September 6 - 2:00 am

  So far no problems at all. It has been everything I expected!

• 

  Sportscar of Minivans - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Eileen Gallagher - September 5 - 9:20 pm

  Have been driving this great little minivan for the last 2.5 yrs. Excellent for kids, roadtrips, hauling stuff. Drives beautifully: smooth, good pick-up (even on steep mountain passes), nice ride, and really can corner on those curves. Plenty of room for 64" son and many more. Very dependable mechanically, no big repair disasters like other vehicles I have owned. Probably the nicest car Ive ever had.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justin - September 5 - 8:33 pm

  I have had this car for a year now (24k miles) and have not had a single problem. The car handles great, has very good power (for the class), is very comfortable, and looks great! I have made a lot of long (8+ hour) trips in this car and it stayed very comfy all the way through. The car feels so tight and well built, very few squeaks and rattles. There are a few things I would change, but they are minor. I cant wait for the Mazdaspeed!