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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  Very Impressed - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Johnb - September 22 - 11:07 am

  As a client advisor for a European car company Im surrounded by performance based and elegant roadster vehicles. The Miata fits in right with all of them. While its not as power as some of its main competitors, the handling, the drive, and price of this vehicle are phenomenal. The vehicle is very user friendly, technologically advanced, and fun to handle. Very appealing while also providing and entertaining drive.

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  owner - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ava - September 22 - 12:43 am

  Love my car. Continuous problems with the roof leaking and flooding inside the car behind the seats. The vents keep clogging where water runs off. Problem every rain season. Any suggestions?

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  MZR - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kupo-Chan - September 21 - 8:33 am

  This new 6 drives and feel like a sports car, at the same time it offers comfortable seating for all 4 passenger. Plus enough room for extra storage. The gear shifts with little efforts and the clutch has low resistance. The shift knob position is just about right but the radio control is a little our of reach at my seating position but thats what controls on the wheel is for. The 2.5 MZR engine makes your driving experience is quit fun.

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  Great Value for your money! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sp23Freak - September 21 - 5:03 am

  You cannot find a better value for your money. My Mazda3 SP23 is fully optioned, with the exception of a Nav system. For under $21K you get 4-50 bumper to bumper warranty, leather, heated seats, power everything, ABS, tire pressure warning system, auto headlights, automatic windshield wipers, 6-CD Bose system, front/rear airbags, Xenons, LED taillights, polished 17-inch rims, power moonroof. Its optioned like a Lexus for less than half the price. So far very reliable; unique styling - get more comments from passers-by on this car than I get for my medium quasar blue metallic 92 Corvette...go figure.

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  Grand Sport - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By dano100 - September 20 - 4:00 pm

  Just purchased 2 days ago after trading in an 06 Civic (that had many issues) and am extremely impressed with this car. It was a leftover 06 that I got for almost $9000 off. It is not the fastest in its segment but handles better than anything in its class. And I know about handling (previous cars: Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, Miata, Honda S2000, an Acura CL and TL). I just cant get over how cheap the interiors are getting on most of the mainstream cars today. The quality of the materials Mazda still puts in the 6 is to be applauded. My only concern about this car is the durability of the engine, being a Ford block, but only time will tell. Right now at $9000 off this is the best car for the money.

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  great roadster - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By giain - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Its been a blast! Value is the bottom line and this is it.

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  GOOOD CAR - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ISA GALLASHAW - September 20 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS VERY PRETTY AND ONE OF THE BEST SMALLER SUVS THAT I HAVE SEEN. I LIKE IT A LOT BUT I AM LOOKING FIRWARD TO PURCHASING A TRAILBLAZER.

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  Superb Overall Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 68mpolo - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Had my eye on this car after initial test drive. Excellent handling and brakes. Got the Rally White HB automatic with ABS, moon + 6 CD (wish id gotten the NAV) for $19223 + tax,lic,doc.... For the price it cant be beat. Ive had it for 5 months now and I really cant complain. I get about 24 mpg city and 30 mpg hwy. If reliability is excellent, Ill keep this car Forever!!!

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  I love my 3!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sillyguy - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The best I have ever had!

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  Best Car for Tall Guys - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By YankeeSR23 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  First, Im 61" and have problems finding cars to fit me. I tried the Eclipse and Scion tC and found neither to have enough room for me. I tested the Mazda 6 cause it looked nice and was pleasantly surprised to find it had more than enough room for me. I loved the fact this car had everything I need within easy reach and the V6 was nice to drive. I bought an automatic and I have yet to regret the decision. The Bose audio sounds nice and the luxury package has options higher priced cars have like heated seats & heated mirrors. The sports package made this car look better and any other car. I bought the S sedan for 26k with tax and titles included.