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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  MPV still Zooms - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Cysfans - May 16 - 5:40 pm

  Purchased new because it was NOT a big minivan and had a fold-under 3rd row seat. Handles better than some cars of similar weight and size. Power is adequate or better in most situations. @ 90,000 miles and 7 years, has original brakes and battery, no light bulb has ever burned out. No problem with any major system. MPG rated 23 highway, 18 city, all-around experience is about 22 MPG; have gotten 25+ on highway. Can easily remove 2nd row seats and fold under 3rd row for versatility. No power seat, but ergonomics are very good. Smaller outside dimensions means easy to maneuver.

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  Bang for the Bucks - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By chgoride6 - May 16 - 9:43 am

  I traded in an 04 6i so the S model was a wonderful step up. Great handling and acceleration; with the 6 speed "shiftable" sport auto trans. Nice dashboard, and features on this model with HID, 18" wheels and factory heated leather seats. Really nice dual storage compartment. Sad to see this model depart for 2007. Have had a few minor problems. #1) Drivers side lumbar support just broke and #2) front rotors warping for no apparent reason. Both issues being warrantied by selling dealer no questions. Nice car for mid $20s with all rebates.

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  My Trib - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dblduce - May 13 - 9:30 pm

  Just purchased a demo with 8700 miles. This car is like new, Ive researched many other small utes but this one tops them all. I was lucky to get an almost fully loaded unit, sunroof, 6 disc changer and subwoofer. It doesnt have the side or curtain airbags but I do like that it has ABS and 4 wheel discs. I live in the Sunbelt so no need for 4WD. This is an excellent vehicle and its carlike ride doesnt give you the feel of an SUV.

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  My mx5 - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eliot Jemal - May 13 - 1:56 pm

  Ride nice took drive from nyc to ft lauadale Air conditioner not great in hot weather No problems

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  Great Choice - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By JimiJames - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id buy another vehicle after my first Honda. A vehicle that I still have after 12 years and 200,000 miles. However my Mazda MPV is everything that I wanted in a vehicle as a young father. Im a believer now.

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  Great car for the cash - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By monstamaniak - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for about 3 months and have logged 5000 miles. This is the most fun and precise machine Ive piloted that comes in the under 20K range.The steering is tight and the body roll is slim.The suspension allows if not encourages spirited runs through the twisties and the engine delivers good power and torque.The transmission operates smoothly and the shifter has that "snick-snick" feel like a well-built Euro machine.Everything about the car in my opinion is outstanding except the carpet.The leather seats are attractive and supportive,what went wrong when Mazda was picking the carpet?

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  Love My 2015 Grand Touring - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joules - May 12 - 3:58 am

  My son is off to college so I gave him my 2014 Ford Escape and bought this little hard top for me. Great excuse right?!? Considering other roadsters out there cost so much more, I cant complain about anything. No wonder this is the best selling roadster of all time! I purchased my 2015 from Enterprise Car Sales - it was a rental and had 19,500 miles on it. I just love it! Every negative point I read on this car, cracks me! Its too small - Its too loud, you can feel the road to much, blah blah blah. Its a roadster so of course its all those things but it is so much more! It handles like a dream and is so much fun to drive. I joined the local Miata club and did a back road drive to Moss Landing - zoom zoom is right!! The only change Im thinking of making is putting in a roll bar. But I love this car and people must love them too because it is hard to find a 2015 hard top and that is exactly what I wanted. Can you tell I LOVE IT ;)

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  Not bad at all..... - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Anthony - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Very nice van....Its well designed with a nice 200hp. engine. I got the ES model fully equipped.

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  Zoom- Zoom - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MSB 4 fun - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is the greatest little car for trips to the beach the store or to work it brings back the fun in driving. Have had NO problems what so ever just turn the key and go. The handling right of the show room floor was great when I added four sticky tires the handling was like it was on rails. Needs a better sound system with top down needs an amp or more output. But the care is just plane fun.

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  Its Fun - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dickie - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I thought after many years of driving sedans, it was about time to have some fun so on my 65th birthday I bought a red Miata and it changed my driving experiences. This car makes you want to drive, especially with its "Zoom- Zoom" power and fast gear shifting. Hard to sane and legal.