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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  Not as well built at Acura/Honda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By neojamie - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought Id try a Mazda 3 as their styling was light years ahead of the Honda Civic. I was let down on 4 occasions already with the *@!# engine coming on every 200 miles or so and after replacing 4 major enjine parts like O2 sensor to Purge system it has made me decide never to buy a Mazda again. I have always purchased Hondas or Acuras and the quality and when they can catch up on the styling I am going back without a doubt!

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  Nice car, but.... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rekow - September 27 - 9:16 pm

  Got this car loaded - everything except the leather. After a year and 26,000 miles, I still enjoy it, but its not without faults. Its a good blend of utility, looks, comfort and sportiness. It does lots of things well, but nothing really great. Its quick enough, but doesnt inspire me to race (could use 30 more hp). Its fuel efficient enough, but no Civic. The handling is good, but only in dry weather (bad tire choice - I cant wait to replace them). It looks great (especially in black) and I still find myself staring at it. Definitely stands out in the crowd. The interior is well laid out. Seats are firm and comfortable, but the fabric pills up like a cheap sweater.

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  Inexpensive and sporty - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By romans - September 27 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this car new to replace my 99 Altima. Much better looking, great handling and brakes, very comfortable and good MPG Engine not very responsive and not much torque, need to keep RPM high to get any power. Had to take it to dealer a couple of times, now its knocking in front end, so build quality does not match Nissan. High engine RPM at highway speed, needs 6th gear, that would improve mileage as well; I get about 30 MPG in mixed driving and a bit over that on highway. But otherwise reliable and fun to drive

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  My Junk 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lisas 6 - September 27 - 12:10 am

  Well, my problems began at around 900 miles. First it was the brakes. Ended up they had to be replaced at 7000 miles. Next the paint began coming off of the black strips running up the doors. Then, my transmission was leaking. Next, the back passenger speaker works only when volume is turned way up. I tried numerous times to get these problems worked out where I purchased, they never could "duplicate the problem." Finally went to another dealership. Some problems have been fixed and some havent. Brakes are making a popping noise, car is surging, interior lights flicker, and car has been at dealer since Feb. 27. Theres always a problem. I have contacted a lemon lawyer and they took my case.

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  Best values/Reliability is your luck - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Wayne - September 26 - 10:50 am

  After only 600 miles, the transmission is locked up. Dealers replaced it with a rebuilt transmission within two weeks. It should be replaced with a brand new transmission. The car now has 7000 miles on the odometer and it is running fine now. Actually, I am kind of lucky to have the transmission completely lockup. Otherwise, I will only get 8-10 miles a gallon but it will never get fixed.

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  Mazda 3S - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JS - September 26 - 2:16 am

  Wife and I have been looking for a new car for more than a year. Test drove Honda, Toyota and the Mazda 3S. Didnt take very long to fall in love with this car. More solid from stem to stern. Handling, braking and road authority in a different league. Very smooth, fast and safe. Begs to be driven. Mazda must have taken apart a BMW 3 series. This car must be German. A lot of car for $18K! Well see how reliable it is over time. Paid extra for the 100 K warranty.

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  My Mazda experience. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By My Mazda6 - September 25 - 5:00 pm

  Fun to drive, love the way it looks. But.... all of the rotors were warped at 11,000 miles. Dealer turned them but now it squeals when the brakes are applied. (No, I dont beat on it!) Not happy with the auto climate control in the summer. You have to put it on 78 or else the fan runs on high speed all of the time! The automatic transmission sometimes seems to clunk into gear. Not always, so it wont be easy to find out why, as Im sure it wouldnt do it when its in for service. Transmission also has a gear whine. Great dealer experience.

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  Great Alternative - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeriko - September 25 - 2:03 pm

  So I was in the market for a used car and was having trouble deciding what 05 or 06 model to go with and then my wife just said, why dont you get a new one...so I did. I went with the Mazda3 s Touring Wagon for room and the addition of the side curtain airbags, but was surprised by all the little standard features: MP3 input, storage trays under panels in the back, and cupholders everywhere. I bought the car and immediately took a 1,200 mile road trip and it ran great, although the gas mileage came in a little lower than I had hoped (27 mpg), but that might more due to my driving style. I think this is great car so far and lends a lot of versatility to move stuff.

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  What are you waiting for - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chick - September 25 - 4:20 am

  This car is freakin awesome. Wanted one since 89, cant believe I waited so long. This car takes turns like she was on rails flat and smooth and no surprises. The brakes are just as impressive. Soft top operation could not be easier. The clutch pedal could be stiffer, its a bit light for me.

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  Its Okay........I guess - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lt - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I think it is over priced for the value.Ive had it for about a year now and the ride has seemed to gotten worse.