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:

• 

  Well Done! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By J Delo - August 23 - 12:43 am

  I have an 05 Mazda 3 S and I just hit 170,000 miles. I purchased my Mazda new in Nov of 04. I am a rough on the vehicles I use and I needed something that could handle my "abuse". The Mazda 3 stood up to the test. I have literally run the engine to its limits. Note that even though I am bad about performing regular maintenance, the Mazda still survived and continued to run well. I thought in the beginning that this vehicle may not handle me as an owner. I am proud to say Bravo Mazda 3! Well done!

• 

  2008 Mazda Tribute - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Kiwi - August 22 - 5:10 pm

  The CD player has broken and the window seems that it does not fit into the window frame. In addition, I dont understand why Mazda does not provide manual for audio system. It is not easy to grasp gear handle as console box obstructs my right elbow.

• 

  Engine problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mary - August 22 - 12:16 pm

  Agree with other reviewers that battery was poor and had to be replaced early in the ownership. Also had problem with driver side rear door latch not closing in cold weather. Kept all service appointments with Mazda dealership, 80,000 km on car, and yet the engine literally fell out of the car while we were driving on the highway at 90km/h.... many parts scattered all over the highway and smoked pouring out. About 3 minute warning from the "check engine" light before this happened. Will not buy this car again.

• 

  Mazda6 5 doors beats Accord and Camry - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By martin - August 22 - 9:30 am

  The new 2006 Mazda 6 is lot better than 2005; the seats are better, lateral support is superior, interior is quieter, suspension has been tuned and bushings have been replaced, the front disk are bigger, less fade, electronic height adjustable xenon light is a plus, the front nose, the skirt and the rear lights look more serious. Sure it would use 30hp more, but 0-60 in 8.2 seconds is quite good for a car that does 40mpg. The subwoofer from the Bose system could be better. Overall, for $30g, what car offers you volume, super big trunk with the biggest opening and an interior comparable to BMW, Lexus. I had 18 cars in my life, for the money, this is the best. The road handling is marvelous.

• 

  Satisfied - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Another Mike - August 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife chose this above other more expensive cars, and has had no regrets in the year weve owned it. Only work needed has been normal scheduled maintenance (and tires, see suggested improvements). Although this is our fourth Mazda, it was actually purchased to replace a Honda that didnt fit between the moving vehicle behind it and the stationary one ahead of it. After 20K miles no major complaints and were just as happy with it as we were with the Honda before it was compressed.

• 

  04 Tribute LX 4wd - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By libsdad - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car only after I was looking at a Mazda 3. Much more usable bang for the buck, never has a suv before, but this one seems great for what I am using it for. Had a snowstorm 2 days after I took delivery and it never even spun the wheels. I went where I needed to go with no problems.

• 

  AWESOME CAR - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By brian brewer - August 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS AN AWESOME CAR THAT WILL TATCH THE LADIES EYES ITS A GREAT CAR AND IT FUN TO DRIVE.

• 

  Just Like a Marriage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By samsmazda - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Buying this car is like a marriage-- there are pluses and there are minuses. The fun to drive factor is off the charts. The engine makes you feel like you are Indy-500-ing to work each morning. The seats are snug but comfortable. You get a day off any time it snows (rear wheel drive, yknow). The spouse approves because it has four doors. BUT: you have to check and add oil often, and like being married to a hot spouse, you have to endure a lot of envy and attention. Heh, heh. If you test drive it, youll buy it. But read www.rx8forum.com before you test drive it.

• 

  Luv it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Chet Lowney - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love just about everything about my RX-8. Especially the suspension. I traded in my 2003 Acura RSX-S because of its harsh ride over poor pavement. This is so much better and more comfortable on top of its sports car performance. Its not as fast but the manual option of my automatic is neat. P.S.: Im a 73 yr old former RX-7 owner.

• 

  Awesome 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dgall - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best! I had another so-called sports car before this one, and there is no comparison. This car is everything I was hoping for and more. Great looking and a great driving experience. What more could you ask for?