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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  Just right - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Anthony321 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my r-x8 on 5/04.A mature sports car. If youre a 17 year old and think a sports car is speed and thats all,this is not the car for you. If you understand what a great sports car is about,then the x-8 is worth a test drive. True, it is slow "Off the line" and thats where it ends. HANDLING (on par, if not better then Porshce,I know Ive drivnen Porsche) SUSPENSION,BRAKING,COMFORT,INTERIOR and especially a head turning exterior. Oh yeah, room ROOM-and more ROOM,you can fit 4 6Ft. adults in the Rx-8 and the x-8 is not longer or wider than a Porsche 911 !!! Bottom line, if you want to stand out, the proof is in the pudding, test drive it!

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  2007 CX-7 AWD Owner with 82K Miles !!!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By tony2am - August 5 - 6:45 am

  The car (black) looks really sharp when it is cleaned up! Here (remember 82K and I have not treated this car well "maintainance wise" AT ALL. If you own one, follow my reasoning below I will give you the low down. Bought my 2007 Sport with maybe 12K on it in Ohio and currently it has 82K.

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  buyer beware - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Dave - August 4 - 6:23 pm

  After owning this car for almost 2 years, our 626 has been a decent vehicle for my wife until now. Suddenly the transmission has gone out and had to be replaced. The tranny shop told us that they see a LOT of these Ford transmissions and said most dont make it to 100k miles. I have a Honda and a Mitsubishi that both have over 165k and have had no problems whatsoever. No late model car should have transmission problems this soon (our 626 has about 105k on it). I am now finding that this is fairly common with the 626, so keep that in mind if you are considering buying one. If you do still buy one, go for the V6.

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  I love mine! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robby - August 3 - 9:40 pm

  I just bought my wife a Mazda 6 and we love it! It is so much fun to drive. I am really considering trading my GMC Truck in on one, simply for the gas mileage, and the sport shifter! I highly recommend this car for any middle income families on the market for a new car. It is roomy, comfortable, awesome to drive, looks great, and is priced right for new, middle income families. I love mine!

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  Loving the 5! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - August 3 - 2:40 pm

  Had to find a new car quickly and wanted good price, economy, and something that worked with two kids. Looked at numerous cars and the 5. Surprised that it was hard to find, but glad I did. Home town didnt have any and drove 60 miles to find the only Touring the dealer had. The white is really sharp! The 5 gets lots of stares and I think of it as a sport wagon rather than a mini van. I havent seen another on the road in the few days we have owned it, couldnt say that about the Taurus and Altima that I was considering. We made a GREAT purchase! The kids think its cool too! This will be my everyday car, my wife drives a Honda Ody.

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  My 50th Birthday Gift - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Shaboom1965 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Gave myself a new 95 M-Edition for 50th birthday. Best decision I ever made. Garage it in the winter. Love it each spring and summer. Totally trouble free,low maintainence expense----the joy of my life. Glad I chose it over the BMW Z3 that had just come out.

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  Best in class! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By NW Truck Guy - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Better options/trim/dealer better than Ford. The Frontier is cheesy while the Tacoma & S10 are getting really old. The B2300/5 speed will leave the B3000/auto in the dust. It cruises at 80 up mountain passes easily. Great mileage--about 25 city/30 hwy. The B2300 is a bargain. Its quiet & comfortable, the interior is similar to a $30k Explorer and it pulls strongly to nearly 6000rpm yet loafs along at about 3000rpm at 80mph. It’s a great light duty truck! The guy complaining about the A/C must not have driven many 4 cylinders with A/C or something is wrong with his. You can tell when the AC cycles but its not obvious.

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  Cant Get Enough! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian - August 3 - 1:30 am

  I went from a 1990 V8 Ford Mustang to this car. All I can say is WOW! Although there is a drop in horsepower from the Ford to the Mazda3, I hardly notice it. The car handles much better and the features cant be beat. The automatic transmission is fun to drive as well. Im always looking for an excuse to drive my car. The fuel economy is so-so, but an improvement over my last vehicle. All-in-all, this is a must drive. The only gripes I have are that my right knee rests a little uncomfortably on the center console and the sun visors are too small.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By mstrongin - August 2 - 9:10 am

  Went to buy an 05 Miata (great deals - $5K to $6K off of MSRP) for me and my wife as an extra car. Wife was dead set against any of the two seaters without side airbags (which left out the Miata and S2000 - my other choice). I hadnt even thought of the RX8, but she like the look so we test drove it. Loved the ride & the practicality of the back seat. Also really liked the Black Cherry/Tan leather combo of the Shinka (in SoCal, tan interior makes more sense). Dealer had one with no add ons (exactly what I wanted) and sold it for under invoice. Great bang for the buck. A buddy bought a Porsche 911 S. Yes its cooler, faster & more exciting -- but its close to $100K and back seats are useless.

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  ZoomZoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - August 2 - 5:40 am

  I have the 05 Mazda3s 4 door and I love it. Its nice on the inside and out and fun to drive. Im 18 and commute to college on Long Island. I get compliments on it all the time and with the JL audio speaker upgrade and the addition of subs and a 2000 watt amp really makes the difference. I have neon under the dash and in the side door panels with lambo doors. 15% tint all around really looks great on the silver. I got new 17" rims and put the stock tires back on because they were fine. For around $22K with $5K in add ons you cant beat it. I will have this car for a while.