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:

• 

  2006 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michele - October 12 - 12:26 am

  The driving of this car is great, handles curves very well and is all around a very fun car to drive. Gets great gas mileage. First Mazda we have owned but it wont be the last. I purchased this car from Gerald Jones Mazda in Augusta, Ga. and used Charlie Royal. He was impressed me with all the ins and outs of the car and made the process very easy. I highly recommend him and this dealership to any one looking for a new or used Mazda. I can definitely say it wont be our last Mazda.

• 

  Formerly Honda, now Mazda owner! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By traveler777x - October 11 - 7:46 am

  Ive had my 6i hatch (auto) for over 10 months and put on almost 14K miles. Mazda got it right! Im a former Honda Civic owner (15 years, 3 Civics) who wanted more features and horsepower and did not want to lose reliability. So far, I have had no issues (other than a little sputtering in the cold with no warmup). The 6i is not as quick to accelerate under 20mph as my Civic was, but its not a VTEC. The gas mileage truly stinks with the way I drive; Ive gotten as low as 19mpg and no higher than 26.5mpg so far. Car hugs the curves, though. I wish it came in a hybrid - Id trade this one in for it. The amount of room I have is astonishing. I recommend test driving to see if its for you.

• 

  This car rules - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By MtotheC - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2005 Tribute S - Fwd for about 3 months and I love it. I have always had small compact cars so I worried about driving an SUV, but this car drives great. I love the new design and the cloth seats. I like how the black is no longer two-toned. It is very fun to drive and is a smooth ride.

• 

  True love - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By BHRpowered - October 7 - 9:43 pm

  I purchased my Millenia brand spanking new off the showroom floor and have been in love since day 1. I went so far as a purchase a 2nd car and save this baby for the weekends. The styling and history behind it are timeless, with LEDs and factory style HIDs added I have people come up to me asking if its a 2009. Excellent long distance highway car, good around town, very high quality all around, if it didnt have a Mazda badge it could have easily sold for 75k. I have never driven anywhere without attracting attention, envy, and curious on lookers wondering what it was.

• 

  Great SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jgc1995 - October 7 - 12:06 pm

  We have had this car since 2012 and it has been great! It is just the right size for getting around town but with lots of space. AWD gets through the snow without a problem. As many, had to replace the tires at 27,0000 miles.

• 

  Great City Car - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By boomerbob - October 6 - 7:32 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 3 for just over a month and Im very pleased with the car. Most of my driving is in the city and the SkyActive engine has delivered right at 30mpg on the first 5 tanks. I really like the driving dynamics and the overall road feel the car gives. My only complaint so far is the road noise at higher speeds. Theres plenty of interior room and very comfortable seats.

• 

  From a former 2004 Audi A6 owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael - October 5 - 11:10 pm

  Just stepped down from an Audi A6 to a gun metal blue Mazda 3 GT (or did I). Love this car after just a week of ownership. Design, build, performance are all top notch for its class. Test drove this and a Mazda 6 (we already own a CX-7) and found that I liked the 3 better. I couldnt afford the six cylinder Mazda 6 and the 4 cyc appeared way down on power. Best bang for my buck. We now own 2 Mazdas with this being the fourth. No regrets.

• 

  A Family Car Done Just Right - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Best Ever - October 5 - 6:06 pm

  If you are looking for a family car with a third row look no further. This car/suv is awesome. It has better styling and preformance than more expensive crossovers. If you can afford it go for a model with the blind spot monitoring system. The blind spots arent to bad but I would feel more comfortble with this feature.

• 

  2004 Mazda 6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda 6s - October 5 - 2:33 am

  I would have to say that my automotive preference is "luxurious sporty". I like cars that look good, handle well, and have enough power to do pretty much anything I want. The Mazda 6s is an absolutely fantastic choice if you are looking for the sportier version of an Altima, Accord or US class equivalent. The 6s handles like its on rails, accelerates extremely well, and stops on a dime. The interior is laid out very well. I first thought it was a little "too much" but once I got used to it the interior is laid out perfectly. The best part of this car is the price. For a car that costs $7k less than an Altima you get a lot more car. Oh one more thing, the traction control really works.

• 

  Im SO pleased! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lauren - October 5 - 1:20 am

  I have been driving a beat up 99 Ford Escort for the past 6 years and couldnt wait to get rid of it. I finally got my first job and within a few months was ready to make my purchase. I originally decided on an mx-5 Miata but once I saw the new 6, changed my mind. I just couldnt justify paying the price for the mx-5 when I could get a fully loaded 6 for less. Went to the dealership this morning and drove away with a gorgeous i touring with convenience package in comet gray. The color is stunning and the car is amazing. I paid 500 below invoice and drove away in a car that some have already mistaken for a Lexus. Couldnt be happier.