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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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By tlauro - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Our MPV has been great. We saw it as the best blend of performance, handling, styling and utility available for the money. The only issues thus far have been a jerking in the transmission on occasion. My understanding is that Mazda is aware and that there is a fix. We just have to bring it in. Overall, no major complaints. Build quality is excellent. No rattles or squeaks even!

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  Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Glenn Lappe - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned the car for 2 weeks now. Love to drive it as much as I can. It calls my name during the night. Mazda did a great job on this one!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevesteve - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda 6 Classic sedan i4 for over 9 months and couldnt be happier. Styling inside and out is superb, handling, ride and engine performance are all fantastic.

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  My review from Maryland - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marylander - January 13 - 3:03 pm

  Great car. Got some satisfaction from having more midrange pickup, better handling & trunk room than brothers more expensive Audi and!! unlike his, my Mazda (6 cyl) can run well on regular gas! Agree that the fake metal interior finishes - esp around the shifter scratch too easily. upgrade on this is neccesary for ownership & re-sale satisfaction. Driving & satifaction w/ appearance awesome. Didnt get sports exterior but had upgraded interior & sun roof - great. Needed good driving, good looking, not too expensive drive foir work w/ room for family. GOt it. Negative: my automatic doesnt seem to downshift quickly enough for city/non- hwy driving. Great on hwy. Manual override great too.

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  Not satisfied - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Lori - January 13 - 9:26 am

  We were not satisfied with this vehicle at all. We have had nothing but problems with it and the parts and maintenance are expensive for this car. It has been in the shop several times for major work before it even hit 30,000 miles. It now has 65,000 miles and still nothing but trouble. We have decided to never own a Mazda or Ford due to the problems we have had.

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  Painfully fun to drive - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chris - January 12 - 12:53 pm

  Loved the car, but couldnt take the low, hard seats and harsh ride. I do not think that the 17" tires helped the ride quality as well. Sold the car after only two months of ownership. It was fun to drive and got 27 mpg.

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  Zoom - Zoom! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By C. Cox - January 12 - 11:30 am

  Excellent vehicle. Well built, reasonable room for four adults, reliable, economical, very responsive steering and excellent acceleration in a four cylinder auto (2.3L). Just plain fun to drive. Will buy another if its possible to wear out this one. Zoom-Zoom!

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  "Cheapest Super Car" - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By PY - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Trying to push this car to its limit but seem like this car have no limit. The MP3 body is good enough to handle a 300 hp or up engine.

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  Good Daily Commuter - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Protege-ing - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Its a peppy little car, though Id rather have the manual than the automatic that I have(passed down in family). Little rattles and noises here and there, but nothing major, 45,000 miles and still going strong!

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  Good MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Chop100 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We sold a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee to buy the 2001 Mazda we bought. So far its a great vehicle. By far the easiest vehicle to drive Ive ever owned. great visibility, handling and roads manners. The off the line performance is not great, but generally lack of power is not that noticeable.