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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  Zoe - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Norm - August 19 - 2:03 am

  I really enjoy this car. I have only one complaint and that is regarding the car stereo. Mazda made it nearly impossible to replace the radio with an aftermarket model. Or at least have the option to install an Aux input module for my MP3 player. Otherwise I love this car.

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  Grant Tourer it aint - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Richard - August 19 - 12:04 am

  My prior soft top experience was with my TR8. The Miata GT is certainly more reliable, has more creature comforts, and handles better, but Grand Tourer it aint. Eight hours on the freeway in 100+ weather is not so good, I got leg cramps after 3 hours and the road noise even with the top up precluded conversation. Lack of handy cockpit storage and decent drink holders is a problem on long trips with two people, as is the lack of trunk space. That said, blasting along Angeles Crest in the early morning, or anywhere else, is guaranteed to get me smiling. I bought this car for fun not convenience, and it delivers. Follow-up = still great fun to drive locally. I especially like the 3 second top up or down. Hit a deer but it was still drivable, so pretty stout as well! Repair cost wasnt too bad.

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  Great Value! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mojay - August 18 - 11:50 pm

  We have had our 6s for 6 months without any problems. We had a VW Passat prior to the 6 and had countless problems with it. We love the sportiness of the drive and the high feature content in the interior. It was a great value compared with other vehicles with the same option list.

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  Fantastic car if you have smooth roads - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By slow_jim - August 18 - 6:29 am

  I owned this car for about a year and had absolutely no issues with it. Added on a couple of goodies (Corksport intake and cat delete, Cobb Accessport) which significantly increased the power without sacrificing MPG or driveability. For the $$ the MS3 really is the performance bargain of the century. Great build quality and reliability, handling, power, its all there. Dont listen to the weenies who complain about torque steer, its really not bad or difficult to control. Wheels spinning? STOP PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. Its not complicated. The only reason I got rid of the car was the ride comfort. We have horrible roads in Ohio with giant potholes and lots of speed bumps so it was just a pain

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  Surprisingly fun family car - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By rac20585 - August 18 - 12:35 am

  When I bought this car, it was a necessary "downsizing" for me from a GMC Acadia (basically I took what I could get to get my payments more affordable). I didnt expect to like it; it was just something I bought to "get me by." Well, to my surprise, I am now a Mazda customer for life! This car has been very reliable, affordable, and fun to drive. Everything on the interior is clean and easy to use, and I think the exterior has a nice look to it as well. My family is growing so I am now taking advantage of the Mazda loyalty program to get a nice discount on the bigger CX-9. So glad I made this purchase!

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  Mazda Protege ES 5-speed - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Tony Harris - August 16 - 7:26 pm

  My car is an ES 5-speed with premium package, which includes sunroof, anti-lock brakes, and side airbags. This is a sporty car thats always fun to drive. Very tight steering, handles like a go-cart. Peppy engine that likes to rev once the engine is broke in. Clutch is a little on the light side. First front wheel drive car Ive driven that actually oversteers. Overall, a very dependable yet fun automobile that has a sporty personality (Zoom, Zoom).

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  FUN CAR!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike C. - August 14 - 1:36 am

  I bought an "i" model for an outside sales job 3 months ago and have over 10k on it already. This car has had no problems at all. Interior, stereo, handling and exterior are all better than I had in my 01 Civic. It really carves up the road if you push it. At many speeds it will not downshift without use of the manumatic and that gets a little frustrating, it has very little torque. Produces a lot of brake dust but only on the rear wheels. I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. 90% of my driving is highway and I get between 28-29 miles per gallon. My Civic alway got over 36. If you want the feel of a Bimmer on the cheap, this is the car for you!

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  tires wear out at 17,000 miles - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By bryanp98 - August 13 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my vehicle in january 2011 at Cerritos Mazda new. 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 Black mica, Exellent performance but you will need to buy new tires at 15,000 miles each tire will cost you $250. or more and also youll need an aligment because my tires they were wear out from the inside. warranty will not cover poor aligment or tires wear out to early.

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  Great choice - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rich - August 11 - 9:23 pm

  Feeling the gas price crunch, I had to look at getting rid of my FX35 and get something with mileage. Looked at Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion, Malibu, and finally came across Mazda. This is a fun car to drive, the steering is a little overboosted, but great mileage (avg 24mpg mixed), good brakes, comfortable, but a little sluggish. Feels lighter and smaller than it is. Glad I bought it, and saving lots of money each month!

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  Great vehicle under 75,000 miles - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By vabeachjason - August 10 - 7:00 am

  I bought my tribute at 76,000 miles. It has been a great vehicle to me in the last 2 years until the last 4 months its been 1 thing after another. In April I started the engine and it literally exploded. The intake exploded destroying everything around it and sending oil and plastic parts everywhere! The dealer could not explain it and said "these things happen." I was given no explanation and had to pay 1300 dollars to replace the intake, the cable and damaged hoses. Then in May the transmission went ($3000) and today I have an unexplained oil leak under the rear differential. I love my Tribute, but I would never buy one again because of the costly repairs.