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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  Excellent, but a few gripes - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BobB - June 17 - 9:06 am

  No dispute about this being the best handling, most refined & practical under-25k roadster. Mines a GT, supposedly top-of-the line niceties... not. No fuel/trip computer. The ECU knows how much fuel its burning. Let me know! No MP3 support in the CD changers (without a $500 upgrade just for MP3 support) Crazy cheap. No external media input, despite looking like it on the stereo faceplate --> devious. Intermittent wipers not adjustable rate, as if there were only 3 settings of rain. On/off seat heaters are off or hot.

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  Disappointing Fuel Economy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NYCDriver - June 16 - 10:00 pm

  Bought the 2006 Mazda 3i Touring after owning a Honda Accord for 12 years. Drove it as a rental in 2005 and was impressed. I bought the smaller engine because of the variable valve timing and have been underwhelmed with the pick up and MPG. Have not gotten better than 23MPG in the city or 25MPG highway. Has a tendency to throttle down while holding accelerator in 50- 60mph range. I think this is what kills the mileage. Hopefully its only a sensor that needs adjusting.

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  First time Mazda owner - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Judy H. - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  Ive been driving my 2006 Tribute now for 3 weeks. I really like it. It handles very well, its very comfortable, the controls are easy to reach, though at first a little confusing! Nice rebates and getting a good deal helped convince us to go with the Tribute over the Mariner or Escape.

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  Just a newby, but... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ipsedixit7963 - June 16 - 2:46 am

  I bought this after many months of test driving. Saw this after driving a Mazda 3. Took an auto for a drive, but wanted a 5-speed. I look forward to getting out on the road! This thing zips around. I cant wait to see what kind of real gas mileage I get. Its a versatile little wagon and a commuter all in one. Ill have to get a few after-market add-ons, as the 5-speed is only available in the Sport model. This super mini is functional for my family. I needed a commuter vehicle with room for hauling stuff, and an around-town scooter for the family. A great (different) change from my Saab wagon.

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  I love 2 ZOOM-ZOOM - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By nebular - June 16 - 12:13 am

  I have owned 3 off-the-lot new cars: 2000 Sentra GXE, 02 Lancer ES, and now my 07 MZ3! The 3 is by far my favorite car. Economical, very fun to drive and dependable. What more can you ask for in a car?

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  Best Commuter Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By avelectro - June 16 - 12:00 am

  My previous car, a Mercedes C220 purchased new in 1996, was a great car but this 6s Grand Sport is way better for around town commuting. The climate controls are very easy to use, HID headlights are a big plus, and the V6 is so smooth I have found myself driving in manual mode wondering which nearby car is making the high-rpm noise. It really is that smooth. My daily commute burns fuel at a 28 to 30 mpg rate, depending on the weather (A/C on or sunroof open). I drive conservatively, keep the tires at 40 psi and the six-speed automatic shifts into high gear at 42 mph, all of which gives much better mpg than I expected. Highway mileage is unknown - Ive only driven it in metro Phoenix.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeremy - June 15 - 4:03 pm

  I just go rid of my GM car and purchased a M6s sports package. I have had it about a month now and love every second of it.

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  perfect - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By zac baum - June 15 - 10:00 am

  With the double wishbone tuned suspension It feels very nimble. This car gets driven in tiptronic. On the high way the 6s shines pulling away from any car.Doing 65 in 5th gear then switching down to fourth gives you what i call passing power.This is no normal clutch. It allows you to drive in manual or automatic w/o the H or clutch. The one thing i dont like is you always have to have the engine revving to get performance. Under the hood is a 3.0 liter v6 w/ varible valve timing pushing out 220hp at 196 pound ft of torqe. My son like to switch the gears for me because its that easy. Mazda hit the jackpot with this car also it is very affordable.

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  still "zoomin" - 1999 Mazda 626
  By BananaDoc - June 15 - 10:00 am

  A wonderfully reliable workhorse. Never give it a thought, just get in and go. Comparisons to Accord/Camry/Etc. Are obvious given the price point, but I argue the 626, at least the LX V6, does it better and with tremendous amounts of style or the competition. Everytime I stroll towards the car in a crowded parking lot--I never see a prettier package without spending $20,000 more! It is a real looker! With the leather/moonroof/power-out- the-yingyang combo, you would be pressed to find as well heeled a car for double the money!

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  I love it - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV, so Im not used to the gas mileage, though im not as surprised as everyone seems to be at the lack of it. I have the fully loaded dark titanium 4wd. I absolutely love this thing! I have over 5,000 miles and havent had a problem yet. Its better looking than any of the others in its class and drives fantastic. If I had the money id buy another for my 17 year old daughter. No complaints.