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:

• 

  A "Sporty" sedan, not a Sports Sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By damon - February 2 - 7:53 pm

  I am a "driver" who was fed up driving a turbo lagged 9-3 (1999) in traffic without a decent cupholder. Gave up the manual and purchased a 2003 6 v6 with an automatic. The modern looks inside and out sold me - I wouldnt consider an Accord, etc. because of how common they are. I think this should be on the list for anyone looking at sedans but people who highly value sports handling should consider something else. This car is a very comfortable daily driver with everything at your fingertips. The engine is a blast in the mid-range but with the automatic the low end is abysmal. Dont expect quick shifts with the automanual - its better just to hold gears in turns. Handling is sloppy at higher speeds.

• 

  Expensive to fix and maintain - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By carena - February 2 - 6:44 pm

  Just purchased this car for college aged daughter. Purchased from a private party in a state that does not require emission inspections (Ohio). Car drove like a dream; ext. and int. were in great shape for a 10 yr. old car. It had a reasonable amount of mileage (121,000). The owner mentioned the check engine light was on but their mechanic couldnt diagnose the problem. Needless to say, after purchasing the car, taking it to Pa for inspection...it failed miserably! $2300.00 later! change the catalytic converters; fix broken seal on transmission; change a light bulb (requires front bumper to be removed!). Pretty car....but way too expensive to maintain! Buy only if you have $$$ to fix.

• 

  Not in Snow ! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bullsnotcowboy - February 2 - 6:16 pm

  It is incredible in dry weather. Nice quick ride and rather cheap to own. Oil changes are awful as they have a plastic shield you have to remove first and Jiffy lube just cuts through it to get to the filter. I greased the 8 bolts so they do not rust up so quickly. Park this car when it snows - it is very dangerous. I cannot even get up a slight incline. completly useless. As much as I love driving it in good weather I will be forced to get rid of it as it is 100% useless on any little bit of snow.

• 

  Another great Mazda - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By coaster - February 2 - 6:05 pm

  After driving my Mazda5 for five years without one problem it was time to trade. I looked at other brands of smaller SUVs and Minivans but in the long run the reliability of my 5 and my great dealer service persuaded me to stay with Mazda. I have had the CX-7 since Aug. 2010 and so far there has not been even a trace of a problem. The CX-7 has undergone improvements in ride, quiet cabin and interior appointments and they are all appreciated. The seats are very comfortable and the dashboard it really smart looking. On my most recent highway trip I averaged 30.5 miles per gallon. In normal city driving I average 22 mph. I love the car.

• 

  2003 Mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Craig Rintoul - February 2 - 11:10 am

  Great experience, had the car 4 years and not had a single mechanical issue. The 6s is a great car for long distance drives or around the city. It has the punch to get you around whatever situation presents itself but comfortable ride with excellent driver sear configuration.

• 

  Beware of Tranny - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By coreyandj - February 2 - 3:53 am

  I had this car about 1 year before tranny went out, and had it replaced. Mazda did help out though so I give them props. They paid for the tranny, and I paid for the labor. It was only 1,000 miles over warranty at the time. This cars interior and exterior is awesome, best bang for the buck. It really is a dog of the line, but 3rd gear and up performs ok. The rubber around the lights peels off. The paint has a defect in the side mirrors which causes them to chip off really bad. You can usually take them to Mazda and have it replaced for free. Oh, and the gas mileage of this car is horrid; check the forums. Everyone is complaining that their cars are getting nowhere near MPG that Mazda states.

• 

  Love it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By ABQmom - February 2 - 1:26 am

  We love our Mazda5. It fits 6 of us comfortably, but I dont worry about being a gas-guzzling SUV owner. Wish it had an AWD drive option, but otherwise, it meets all my needs. Fits 4-5 best, then it has lots of space in the back for luggage. With all 6 seats occupied, the storage is tight. No problem with acceleration at all (we have the manual transmission) and Ive never noticed it dragging. I would highly recommend this car to everyone!

• 

  A very well put together car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By AJH - February 1 - 3:23 am

  Having driven it for over a month now, I must say there is absolutely no buyers remorse. Handles very well even if you do feel the body roll a bit more than say a mini but a lot less than the civic. Acceleration isnt great off the line but acceleration in the 40-70 MPH driving band is very adequate for passing. In short the gearing to HP gives you the acceleration where your likely to need it more often than not. Mileage varies based on how sporty Im driving it. Ive done 27 (70 MPH long freeway drive with a small bit of in town stop and go) but the car does give you the urge to well drive so more often Im getting in the 22-24 range mixed driving.

• 

  Exclent car - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By justnoam - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Excelent car. Fun to drive.

• 

  Could not be better - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eli porat - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I just like it. My wife wonder who i love more? Ofcourse the Miata... She will never let me down.