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 performance & Gas Mileage - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By ponchojuan - May 10 - 8:33 pm

  I love this Mazda, and Im picky. It was cheap: $15,563 new. It is full size; Im 63" 240lb and I fit fine. It averages 31 miles per gallon. I dont know where they get 24; must be the turbo. It has everything you need, maybe not everything you want. You wont go wrong buying this car.

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  The Best! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MX-5 GT - May 9 - 10:50 am

  Well, basically I test drove most of sports (convertible) cars including MX-5 Miata, BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35, and more ... but my MX-5 Grand Touring was the winner. It looks great, easy top down, and it feels like you are somehow connected to the wheel when you are driving. You wont believe how fun it is to drive MX-5 (close to PERFECT!). If you are having hard time choosing your convertible, just go for MX-5 (GT is even better). I guarantee that you will fall in love.

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  Much to Like - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tbird56 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have approximately 20,000 miles on my 2003 Merlot ES. Its a great vehicle for the commute, as the traction in the winter is exceptional, and I average silightly over 21 M.P.G. I had one major problem at about 4,000 miles, when an engine leak developed. The engine was pulled to find a camshaft seal leaking. Mazda provided me with a loaner for the 4 days of the repair, and its been smooth sailing ever since. I like the looks much better than the Escape, which I briefly considered. The warranty was much better on the Mazda.

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  great! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By pballer - May 9 - 2:00 am

  great no problems what so ever!

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  A minivan thats actually fun to drive - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By NewtoMazda - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Moved from a 2001 Town & Country to the MPV and couldnt be happier. We wanted the functionality of a minivan, but not the huge size. The MPV is perfect...narrow and short enough for easy parking while still having all the necessary minivan features. Looks sporty and has great handling.

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  04 Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By collinsjj - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent combination of quickness and handling. Fun to drive!!

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  Style that seriously turns heads - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ammo990 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for my birthday the week it came out, and I love it. Its style is very unique and modern, the craftsmanship is great, as is the performance. I truly belive this car is worth more than the price it is selling for.

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  Zoom-Zoom too - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MyNewCar - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, I did a lot of research, a lot of test drives. This car is the cream of the crop.

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  ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex Williams - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN IN THIS CLASS, THE INTERIOR IS GREAT, THE PERFORMANCE IS ABSOLUTLY ZOOM-ZOOM, AND I COULDNT BE HAPPIER WITH MY AUTO- MAZDA3 HATCHBACK. THIS IS THE BEST GIFT FOR A FIRST CAR, IT SURE WAS FOR ME. GREAT CAR, STANDS OUT, BEAUTIFUL STYLING, BEST BREAKS EVER SEEN!!!!, NOBODY HAS THIS CAR, GREAT TO SHOW OFF TO UR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS CAR IS A LOTTTTTT OF FUN TO DRIVE.

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  my Mazda - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By riviboi - May 7 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this car used. It has been a pleasure to drive. I have had an alignment problem as it drifts right and has ruined a set of tires in 12k miles. The dealer was not helpful and Mazda NEVER returned my call. The paint on the mirrors at the joining edge to the car has peeled off. Again no help from the dealer. It also shifts poorly on occasion or skips.