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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  2010 Mazda 6i GT Sangria Red Mica - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By mrchuck - June 26 - 6:53 am

  I now have over 5500 miles on it. Just finished a round trip to the West Coast. Boy was this fun driving. Absolutely effortless and really enjoyed watching the miles just fly by. This is a road car! Everything works, no flaws or defects. Now let me tell you about changing the oil and filter yourself. I like to do my own and the Mazda engineers thought of people like me. There is a hole in the bottom plastic cover that allows the oil filter to be seen and absolutely easy to remove and replace. Exact same thing for the oil pan plug. Super thought and engineering on this means no mess, no drips. You could be wearing real nice clothes to do this!

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  Love my Fun to Drive Mazda5!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By NJMommy - June 26 - 4:26 am

  Have had the Mazda5 for a year now w/18,000 miles on it. Went from a 98 Bonneville, and thought the luxury and space would be missed, but it is amazing how well this little package is put together. Handles my commute excellent, as well as 2 long road trips this year. We live in Jersey and went to both Bar Harbor & Myrtle Beach and were very impressed with how comfortable the ride was and the Hwy MPG (we were getting 32 - 34 MPG on 95 once we got out of the DC area traffic and that was at 75MPH with AC! We are a family of 3, so it is plenty of room for us. I did so much research before making this purchase, and I couldnt be happier, it was the best all around choice by far. Zoom Zoom!

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  I love my 6! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Vessel - June 25 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, this is it. There isnt a better value out there in my opinion. I did all the research and drove all the competetion and this is the winner hands down. You just cant go wrong with this Mazda!

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Freeway823 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  the vehicle is good looking has a powerful motor and nimble handling. Has all the power equiptment that is to be expected in a SUV. The roof rack is nice but I dont think I will ever use it. The tinted glass is a nice touch.

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  buy this! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian Neidt - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Just a great car! I need no further words to describe how happy i am with it!

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  best one ! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By hamada - June 25 - 10:00 am

  very best compact car

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  My second 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By zzzooom - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my second 6. My newest is a 2004 6s 5 door. I gave my 2003 S Sedan to my son. The 6s is absolutely the best sport sedan for the money. It handles on par with any FWD sports sedan. The leather interior is classy, yet understated. The driving experience is second to none. Its the best value out there. Now comes the 5 door..OMG...take all the attributes of the sedan and add the ability to carry almost anything I need to! AND it doesnt look like a stodgy hatchback. In fact its difficult to tell between the Sedan and the 5 door, until you open the trunk. With this feature, the value went up again!

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  Love my 6! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MZBuckeye - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The 6 is a fantastic car. With the manual transmission, the 2.3l has great pickup with even greater gas mileage. Interior is comfortable even for me (66"). I upgraded from the Mazda 3 because of interior size. The styling is fantastic. Just add some nicer rims (mine came with the 16" plastic hubcaps) and youre good to go. Much more style and individuality than other cars in this class. Lots of OEM accessories to add to this car in the future. Way to go Mazda!

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  Best Car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Digga3 - June 24 - 8:56 am

  The car drives great and makes me very happy. I am an ex-mustang cobra convertible driver, and although that car was fun, it was a headache on my wallet and I never knew when the next major maintenance would arise. This is a great car, so jump on the 2.0 liter before they change it to compete w/Subaru! This engine is lighter than the 2.3 and in my opinion, more fun to drive.

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  From Gernan to Japanese! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By YoVinnie - June 24 - 2:56 am

  After 3 years in our BMW X5 we chose to go a different path with our purchase of a 2009 Mazda CX-9. What a delight it is to drive and we cant believe the creature comforts! Tight but kind suspension and great get up and go when demanded.