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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  Not as great as I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trish - November 30 - 5:00 am

  I have 4000 miles now on my Mazda. The suspension or something creaks really bad and my brakes are very noisy. The A/C is very weak for Texas heat; takes forever to cool. It is a fun car but I need all the moans and groans checked out.

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  smart choice - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By ginger27 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the third mazda I have owned. I purchased my brand new millenia for 20000 about two weeks ago. This is considerably less than a new maxima, which was my first choice. I could not be more satisfied with my purchase. The car has every luxury feature you could want.

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  MY FAVORITE CAR - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MIATADOC - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car, very few problems, drives and rides exceptionally well for a sports car, especially one with 45 series tires. New VVT helps with power delivery.

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  I like it - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By 2002maazda mpv ex - November 30 - 12:26 am

  I like the handling, acceleration, and comfort of my Mazda van.

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  Best in the bunch - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Richard Casserly - November 29 - 7:30 am

  I have enjoyed this car from the day I first drove it at the dealership as a test drive. My first Mazda was the Protégé 5 which was a practical and inexpensive spacious car. Mazda has not lost that theme with the 3 but has risen the bar in this category.

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  My Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony - November 29 - 5:50 am

  Ive only owned my Mazda6 for about a month. Drove from San Diego to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving and sat in traffic and still got excellent gas mileage. Cant wait to put an aftermarket intake and exhaust on it once they start making them for the 06 models. My, my what fun thatll be. Also, I love the fact that I can switch from automatic to auto/manual to get some more power if need be. Thanks Mazda for a well engineered and affordable Sport Sedan.

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  Falling Apart - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Peddler281 - November 29 - 5:23 am

  Thank goodness for extended warranties! At 35000, but over the 3 years, the rack and pinion was replaced. At 38000 the transmission was replaced. Air conditioner has been making a noise for the past 18 months, but not broken so not repairable under the warranty. Struts are shot even though driving only on good paved roads. Planning on selling as soon as possible.

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  Love this thing... - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By christak - November 29 - 3:03 am

  Ive had my 2007 Miata PRHT for about 3 days now, but already find this to be an amazing vehicle. Its a real pleasure to drive and the PRHT is definitely worth the money -- much quieter than the soft top inside the vehicle. Ive owned a 280ZX, an MGB, an Acura Integra LS, and most recently a Toyota Celica GTS. The Miata is far and away the most fun and responsive vehicle of the bunch. Go get one! ;-)

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  To much oil loss - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By dacrunner - November 28 - 5:57 pm

  I purchased a 2011 Mazda3 seven months ago, and have 21,000 miles. My local Mazda dealer has changed the oil every 5,000 miles using 5W20F oil. Every oil change the level has been a quart low. At the 10,000 mile change I ask the service manager to check the level before the oil was drained, he did and confirmed it to be a qt. low. At the 15,000 mile changed they again checked the oil and confirmed it to be a qt. low, and that we had an issue. At 20,000 miles they again said it was low but that was acceptable for my engine. The service manager just called me and said he has it in writing that 1 qt./1500 miles is acceptable for my car and I should be very pleased my car does as well as it is.

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  My 1st Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 7C4 - November 28 - 2:16 pm

  We have mostly been Honda buyers (4 total). M6 iGT far exceeds Accord, Camry, Altima & Malibu. No contest. Replaced a 96 Audi A4Q. With the exception of the AWD this is as close as you can get to the Audi but with Japanese quality and reliability. I put this Mazda as best-in-class. The 4 cyl. has plenty of power as it goes through the gears and pull nicely in cruise at highway speeds. With just under 500 miles we are averaging 27.8 mpg city/highway. It is so quiet that when stopped at a light, have to check the tach to see if it is running. You must check this car out!