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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  Almost flawless car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mipost - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my car. Its fun to drive, its looks beautiful, and it was priced right. The only flaw was Ive had my car less than a week and the check engine came on. The dealership told it had something to do was a new program for the computer, but i made sure i got a print out of the maintance.

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  Absolutly AWSOME!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bongomav - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a fully loaded M3s. There isn,t a another car out there that can compete apples to apples. I,ve looked at them all! Quick, Stylish and affordable. My wife is affraid to drive period, NOT anymore! The ease of parking and handling the city roads awsome. Now I have to fight her for the keys. (Dam car! LOL)

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  Economic Fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ecofun - January 24 - 4:50 pm

  I chose the Mazda3 over a Civic EX coupe because I was looking for performance, styling and versatility over mileage. After 2,000 miles, Im finding all of that and more. This car is a pleasure to drive on long trips and short. Handling is superb and mileage has been excellent, generally getting 29-33 mpg. This car offers Honda quality with twice the styling.

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  10th anniv. worth the extra $ - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Oakley1337 - January 24 - 3:50 pm

  Last year I bought the 1999 mx5 10th ann. The car had 68k and was in excellent cond. I drive the car quite hard and find the power band somewhat disappointing, however I do admit red-line shifts are very satisfying, at around 7k rpms,(typical for many import sports cars). Little acceleration in 6th, toping out somewhere around 125mph. Shifting quickly into 6th can be sketchy, since reverse is just a click away. Car has an awesome feel and ride... very stiff and sporty. Sound from stock exhaust is respectable. Seats are leather with blue suede inserts that are difficult to maintain, but look very cool. Winter driving is a death wish, however the hard top keeps you warm and looks amazing.

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  Decent Car for the Price - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Paul71 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife has had no problems with her 626. This car is a good Accord/Camry alternative that we were able to buy for thousands less than either of those comparably equipped.

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  Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dave - January 23 - 4:06 pm

  For around 15 grand, this is a lot of car. I got the base model with a manual transmission. Performance is OK considering its a four cylinder, but the fun factor is increased by the great handling. Ive been able to get up to 32 mpg in mixed driving, mostly highway commuting. Ive had to take it in twice for minor emissions problems that triggered the check engine light, all fixed under warrantee. I swapped in a sport grille to make it look a little more sporty, and really am happy with my choice after 10 months with it.

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  Great car except for the gas mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By poots - January 21 - 7:03 pm

  Love the styling and the performance (mainly handling), but cant say were a big fan of the gas mileage. My wife drives the car almost exclusively to work, which is a ~32 mile roundtrip of 90% highway miles, and were averaging 25mpg (tires properly inflated, oil changed, air filter changed) on our 36,000 mile Mazda6. The styling is great and it performed well in the snow, which reminds me of one other negative: this car is not meant for snow chains AT ALL. There is almost no clearance between the control arms and the actual tire, so you get A LOT of vibration even at low speed with snow chains. On top of that, the alloy wheels were scratched by the plastic chain connectors.

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  aaahhhh yeah :o) - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By CU-UGLY - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Shopped for 2 years before deciding on this one. Drove my Acura LS Coupe for years and absolutely love it, till I spotted the "8". Had a "7" before, so I knew the quality, but Mazda have out done themselves with this one. Definately a "roadstopper" of a vehicle. Love everything about it, except for the mileage but thats ok cause when filling up, you get a 1001 compliments and thumbs up :o)

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  Wow, its a Rollercoaster - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Steven Heist - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Most fun i have had driving in a long time. This car actually makes the drive to work fun. Plus at night this car looks awesome , I tell you how many people stop and ask about the car. Guys if the wife stays no sports car...this one fits a child seat without an issue.

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  Too SeXXY! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fixtion - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car it too sexxy from its exterior to its interior. I mean there are not enough words to describe how brilliant this car was designed and engineered. I personally love the newer modern hatchback style, and its perfect for an audio enthusiast such as my friends and me. Handling is impeccable, and drifting is fun . . . yes its possible in the 3, use your hand break. ;) Sweet Power smokes slightly modified Civics and equivalence. Great Bang for the Bucks!