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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  Love it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By kfd - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is the greatest

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  awesome car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By saterage - December 3 - 10:00 am

  great car very hot looking i would look great driving in it and so would you

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By phillyflyer - December 3 - 10:00 am

  So, how do you guarantee a smile from two adults and a 4-year old on a daily basis? Well a simple high-spirited ride in the 8 will do the trick. For those of us that miss our FDs and are sick and tired of the generic "family offerings" in the high 20s-low 30s price range. This car will do the trick. Safe, comfortable, stylish, and FUN. Now, Im not saying to turn the DSC/TCS off with the kids in the car or take it out to your local AutoX event with the family buckeled in, but everyday driving has certainly become a treat again. mundane tasks such as grocery runs now become the property of the 8, much to the joy of my 4 year old.

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  A brilliant drive. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By djvolvo - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Love this car so far! Styling is exquisite, handling is superb. The youthful interior styling, while initially skeptical, has proved to be very well laid out. Only problems are with the glovebox, which doesnt always shut well. Engine could use a little more pull at certain RPMs. Overall, this is an exceptional vehicle. Its solid as a rock. You will not be disappointed.

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By gadb2000 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car, Im very Happy with it. The only issue I have is sub-par mileage, I average around 26 mpg on the highway, was expecting more. Besides that, overall Im totally satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Great Job Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jan B. - December 3 - 10:00 am

  In the search for a new car, I was looking for something unique in the automitive world. I found that with my Mazda 6. Its surprisingly powerful for a 4-cylinder. The interior and exterior are both very attractive designs. I really love my new Mazda. It hugs the road, and in the rain I feel safe driving. If you want a car that will turn heads, and accelerate faster than every other 4-cylinder after the red light turns green, get this car.

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  Great value - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Byron Holt - December 2 - 6:16 pm

  I love my car. It has almost all of the options I wanted in a car. I like the appearance of the car far more than the new 09 Mazda 6, even thought it is a bit more powerful. I chose this car over the Camry, Altima, Accord and a few other midsize sedans.

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  Great Looks Poor Quality - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By 1micared - December 2 - 12:43 pm

  Gas cap wont stay tight. Hot air blows in through vents forcing me to use a/c all the time. Bad odor like burned rubber and oil. Car had smoke coming from front end at 1k miles but dealership cant find any problem and says all is fine. Gas mileage was okay at first now getting only 14 MPG and I dont have a lead foot. Serious trouble.

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  Big Disappointment - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rob - December 1 - 5:00 pm

  Had the car for a month and its been back to the shop 3 times to correct a vibration/modulation problem coming from the wheels/tires (which has yet to be corrected). Other issues include mediocre gas mileage, noisy interior on anything but smooth pavement and a few creaks and rattles after only 1,000 miles. The ride is firm and sporty but very unforgiving of bumps and cracks typical of NJ roads. Like a previous reviewer commented, I was downsizing from a higher-end vehicle and the Mazda 3 was the only car that offered some of the high-tech bells and whistles that I was used to. Otherwise, dont expect anything more than a fancy economy car.

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  Better than our Accord - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By dbinIA - November 30 - 9:50 am

  We just picked up the 09 6 GT to replace a leased Ford; all around, its better/more fun to drive than our 08 Accord. A quieter ride, more surefooted feel, nice build quality, great looks/lighting, etc. Love the Bluetooth and BMS, along with the advanced keyless system. Very satisfied.