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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  Zoom Zoom! Is Right! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By EHo - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for less than a week and always have the urge to go driving when Im not actually behind the wheel. I had a Millenia before and the 3 is much more comfortable. My wife and I test drove the ION and Corrolla before and they just dont compare in terms of comfort and build! Zoom Zoom!

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  Almost bought the Matrix. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dprefa - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Boy, am I glad I got this one. The fit and finish is what sold me, well thought out. So many standard features, better warranty, sure its a little more money, but worth it, look closey nad you will see. I labored over this decision and I know I made the right choice. Great handling, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, AND LOOKS! 3 months now and no looking back. My 3 yr old daughter loves the view from the back seat, good widow height. At first I was not sure about not having an interior rear door release or rear window that opens, but it hasnt bothered me in the least. You still have to get out to lift the door to open, no loss.

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  I like this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BICKLEHOFF - January 3 - 10:00 am

  For around $19,000 I got a car that has a great engine, great handling, ABS, safety extras, sunroof, 6 CD changer, 17" wheels with air pressure monitors and Xenon Headlights. I think it looks cool inside and out. If you include cheap financing and the 4 year 50,000 mile warranty its a darn good value and a heck of a fun car to drive.

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  What a Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nickman - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for exactly a month today and I love it! Everything about it is truly enjoyable. Ive put 1,400 miles on it and every mile has been more fun than the one before it. The ride is smooth (compared to my prior truck), the interior is amazing & you cant beat the price!

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  Mazda 6 S-Wagon is Awesome! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tmarsh - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I stopped by the Nelson Mazda to test drive the Mazda 3 5-door. I loved that car, but my wife was concerned about cargo space on trips. Our salesman, Rob heard our concerns and introduced us to the S-Wagon. I had no intention of getting a wagon, but this wagon changed my mind! This car has a beautiful, sleek profile that screams performance. The interior has plenty of space, plenty of headroom, and is very confortable. The performance is terrific! The handling is exceptional and exactly what you would expect from a much smaller sports car. The BOSE 6- disc in-dash sound system is the best I have ever heard in a factory supplied system!

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  Still Crazy About 6 after 6K - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nomovdubya2 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Yes, still a winner.Bought end of January, Pebble Ash Metalic. Unlike VW, Mazda 6 has been trouble-free. Starting to see more on the road. Would still choose over the TSX, Accord, Altima or Camry. Great handling, just rotated and balanced the tires, helped; amazing how many new cars need this from day one.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bob k - January 3 - 10:00 am

  i love the 6

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  Fun car to drive-excellent car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Luis - January 2 - 7:53 pm

  I was looking into getting rid of my chevy s-10 truck and getting a reliable sedan. Mazda is that car and more. I love the car and have owned it for 1 week. It drives like an expensive sports car and the feel on the road is excellent. You cant beat the price and the extras that the car comes with. If you need or are looking into a new car, test drive a Mazda and you will see what I mean. Love my Mazda 3.

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  dont buy from Byers Mazda- Columbus Ohio - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By elantra6 - January 1 - 6:11 pm

  CX-9 is a great car. Very good quality, great Value. Compare it to all 7 seaters- CX 9 is the best value. I got my for $34,000 - Grand Touring - best value on the market I was very disappointed with Byers Mazda - Columbus Ohio - actually with their service department. The outside mirror is shaking a lot, so I went there to ask the to fix it. Its bean almost a 6 months and I have been given all kind of excuses not to fix it - very disappointed.

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  2000 miata - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ricklfitz - January 1 - 4:53 pm

  no problems except make sure you tighten the fuel cap after fuleing...3 clicks..sends a check engine light...found out the hard way...ha ha