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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  Cute, but whats the deal - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kyttykat - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun- very speedy for a 4 cylinder. Good suspension compared to the Civic SI. I cant figure out why all the dash lights keep coming on... airbag and then check engine light?

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  sport without the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By harleydclassic - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle two days ago. I have only put 80 miles on it. I took it to Snowbird (ski resort) yesterday and it was a blast. This car was priced below what I was loking at (2001 lexus is-300). The car was brand new with all options and had all of the features of the is plus more. From the driving I have done and what I have seen this car is one of the best deals for the price around. I dont know where else I could get a brand new four door sports car with leather, moonroof, 6 speaker bose stereo, 6 disc changer, 3.0 litre V6, 17 inch wheels and many others for 22,000! Oh yea....it also has another small feature...4 year 50,000 mile warranty.

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  2002 Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By alwayssunny - July 10 - 9:18 am

  I got this car with 137k miles on it and kept it for almost 5 years. This is a luxury car and is expensive to repair. I recommend financing a certified car if you want this. Something had to be changed every few months and it usually cost north of $1000. I spent around $2000 (and even more) every year to keep this car on the road. Parts are overpriced ($330 per engine mount is insane and there are 4 of them!). The check engine light is a huge issue with this car. As it ages, many exhaust components need to be changed (vacuum lines, egr port, catalytic converters, o2 sensors...the list goes on). I can only recommend this car to a mechanic or someone with deep pockets. It loves maintenance.

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  Fun car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - July 9 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased this car less then a month ago and enjoying the heck out of it. Not totally happy with gas mileage but I heard it gets better as the engine breaks in. Got it with auto transmission and it seems to shift well. Im in my fifties but its very comfortable even compared to my Volvo.

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  Great car for a family - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By ckraymond - July 8 - 5:23 pm

  We have had our CX-9 for three months now. We went to the Boston Auto Show and went through every single mini-van, SUV, and CUV in the place and found the CX-9 to be the best. Now having owned one for three months I can definitely say we are not disappointed. If you want the maximum amount of room get a mini-van. However, the CX-9 balances room (which it has plenty of) with a car that you enjoy driving. I love it and would recommend it, no strings attached, to anyone.

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  Very impressive car even with its quirks - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By flounda - July 8 - 8:52 am

  Although my search didnt start with the Mazda6, it ended there. Very impressive vehicle especially at this price point. Loaded with features, drives VERY well, comfortable and especially in Soul Red, very good looking. I am a previous Mazda owner so I felt right in home in this car. The driving position and touch points make it feel like you are driving something other than a mid-priced sedan with a mere 4 cylinder engine.

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  SkyActive Transmission is the fatal flaw, would not recommend or buy again - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jeisensc - July 7 - 7:49 pm

  The SkyActive Automatic Transmission is, in my opinion, never in the correct gear. I ordered my CX-5 AWD GT when I returned my 2010 Mazda3 lease in April, it arrived May-end, almost killed me twice within a week. I opened a case with Mazda customer service in June when it was less than a week old. Im still having issues 4500 miles in, and refuse to drive it out of town. Mazda is still working with me, but slowly. I am scheduled to bring it in (again) to download the onboard computers data, then they will order and attach a data capture device, I will note when the issue occurs, then they can analyze the data. I feel like Im beta testing their 32k SUV.

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  Zoom-Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By adam - July 7 - 4:26 pm

  Bought this car brand new in spring of 03 and couldnt be happier with it. I have kept up with most suggested maintenance and oil changes and have not had to service at all except for brake pads! Car has over 60,000 miles and is running wonderfully. Pickup is still excellent, as is fuel economy. LOVE the six disc in-dash CD changer and the stereo quality is good for stock. Only problem is that FM reception isnt the best.

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  Mazda Tribute Going Strong 160,000 mi. - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Susan Barry - July 7 - 1:03 pm

  These are such well built, reliable SUVs. Our 2004 with 160,000 mi. has never broken down or failed to deliver power towing our 18" SeaRay boat back and forth between FL & WI. No problems ever in the motor, drive train, electronics, operational parts like doors, lights, AC, heat, seat controls, etc. Well drive it on until we need to buy a new Mazda.

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  best car of its class, maybe other class as well - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By gothamquan - July 6 - 11:28 pm

  bought my self this Mazda 3 and just loving it. the look, handling, everthing about it is great. this is actually a COOL car to drive and to look at. interior is much better than a lot of more expensive cars. exteior also polished! it is a cool car for cool people. it is not a car that tries to be cool. ( corolla s and civic) anyway, very happy with purchase. at last, great price!