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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  Mazda Fun - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tim - October 27 - 2:56 pm

  I researched and test drove all competitive models before making my purchase. As soon as I drove the new Mazda6, I knew it was the one. The mix of power, sport, comfort, and styling is unmatched in the class. I drive a lot of miles per year and have already racked up 6K miles. I have been getting about 28 MPG on average, with a lot of those miles spent at 80 MPH on the interstate. My only complaint so far is the transmission. It seems to shift lazily at times, especially during 1-2-3 transition, and when coming to a stop you can actually feel the trans downshift. But overall, I have been very pleased with the car.

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  Not a bad little car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By undertaker - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had pretty good luck with my 626. Car has very little pep, but continues to trot along. I can tell the transmission is going to go soon. Ive not had anything go wrong with this car outside of very minor things (power antenna stays up, clock set button doesnt work, one dash light is out). No big deal. Fit and finish are pretty bad on the interior, but Im a pretty big guy and admittedly rough on things.

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  Love my new Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By JRandyH - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Tribute as a second car to replace a 10 year old explorer. I mainly was looking for 4WD in a small SUV. I was close to buying an excape but the mazda warranty was much better so went with them. The car drives like a dream and my other car is an Acura TS type L. It sits high and is really fun to drive.

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  Best All around - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Mandi - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is a great value for mini-van. I wanted something that wasnt big and bulky and drove like a car yet had the seating capacity of a van. I found just that in the MPV. Each day I drive it I like it even more/

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By pitcrew55 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful quality and very practical....

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  My First "NEW" Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MattLeeGee - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Loved it at first site, test drove a automatic and signed the papers 10 mins later for a 5speed and all the options (except navi) I have never owned a new car but fully loaded for a little over $20k seems right for how fun this car is, i also bought a 100K warrenty. It made me broke but its better then owning a older car!

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  first time Mazda owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By proudmazda - October 27 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of research, we bought our first Mazda. A sepang green metallic Mazda 6 with the sport package. After taking it on the first long weekend trip, we are amazed at the excellent gas mileage it got. We were concerned about pick up being that it was a V4, but our worries were put to rest. We traveled on heavy traffic highways, and passed any vehicle with ease. There were many times we caught ourselves going 80 without even realizing it, that is how smooth and powerful the ride was. We would recommend this vehicle to anyone, without hesitation, and that is what we didnt have with this Mazda 6 ......hesitation :) zoom - zoom

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sthnbelle - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 5-door Mazda6 two weeks ago and am very pleased with it. Mine has the optional sunroof w/visor, Bose sound system, security package, and side airbags. It is very sporty looking and has enough room for five average-sized people to fit comfortably. The 5-door even has enough room to fit a months worth of groceries when the back seats are folded down. The Bose sound system provides excellent sound quality. I feel that this car is a great value for the price.

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  Great...for the first two years - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By fzyltlsquirrel - October 26 - 2:09 pm

  I was in love with this car. Frankly, in many ways I still am. I have the standard tranny and love the handling. The car really is fun to drive. Except when the gear synchro does not function properly from first to second. I drive 300+ miles a week, and have since I got the car. We live in northern CA and go snowboarding and backpacking often, so this car gets driven a lot. Even so, it is only 2 1/2 years old, and the tranny is clearly going bad. The worst part is that it is an intermittent problem that the dealer has yet to duplicate. I have 5,000 miles left on my warranty so, sadly, Im trading her in for a CX 5 - which doesnt come with as many features on the manual. Disappointing

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  Mazda 3, 5 door 2.3 liter - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Thom - October 26 - 12:33 am

  We have owned for approximately 1 year and have had no trouble with it at all. We traded from a large SUV to this car and my wife loves it. Mileage is obviously much better. She loves handling and fun factor. SUV was larger and I thought safer, but in truth Montero SUV would have possibly rolled in emergency situation. This car handles like a slot car and I think would be safer under an unexpected situation and my wife could avoid a potential accident.