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:

• 

  Great Car, when it runs 8^( - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By David Lane - September 28 - 4:30 pm

  I fell in love with the styling. I fell in love with the features. I fell in love with the handling. Then the honeymoon was over. After approximately 1800 miles on it, the engine started to sputter when it was cold. It idled fine. But as soon as you put it in gear, the engine would shake violently, & only rev to approximately 2k rpm when you mashed on the gas. The colder the weather the worse it was. 1st trip, dealer, they said it needed a software update. Didnt help. 2nd trip, tried to repair a valve. Didnt help. 3rd replace valve. 4th more software. It is on its 5th time and they dont know what is wrong (after 3 days). If it is not fixed this time, I will try to go the lemon law route. 8^(

• 

  Best small car out there - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JohnS - September 27 - 8:20 am

  Researched a TON of other small cars out there including the Fit, Civic, Versa, Corolla, Psion, Kia, Cobalt, etc. This is the only one that offers all the safety features available for under $18K, including Stability control. Great mileage, fun to drive, awesome looks; it literally looks and feels like a baby BMW or Lexus. Its my first Mazda, but so far it feels like a keeper. You can literally option this car out very affordable, but we decided on a base iTouring. the bluetooth phone/MP3 player also ROCKS! Works with my iPhone 3GS like a charm!

• 

  One Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By tim - September 27 - 5:03 am

  This is our first Mazda and it wont be our last. This car is great. Fit, finish, and quality are all exemplary. Though only a 4 cylinder it has ample power for merging and round town driving. Ease of maneuvering make this car fun to drive on the highway or in a parking lot. Very quiet interior and first rate materials abound. Hatchback model looks better than the sedan! Price versus features can not be beat by anyone and all the standard safety features make this a great family car.

• 

  Mazda 6 :) - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karla - September 26 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Mazda6, for the most part. The interior has a lot of rattles that they couldnt resolve. The cooling fan has already been repaired once and is running overtime again. It is fun to drive and is "cool" with the teenagers, even though it is a "Moms" car. Had planned to pass it down to my teenager, but not ready to let it go!

• 

  I love my Mazda 6... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Auto4thpeo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 6 is quite cozy. The car is quick, and very easy to handle. It has great handling on slick roads as well as dry road. The interior is very roomy. The trunk space is great, plus the back seats go down for added room! I love my gadgets, unfortunely the Mazda does not have many of them. For example I would love to see Mazda add the following features, outside temp, MPG, Avg. MPG... Overall I love my Mazda 6, it was a great buy!!

• 

  This is THE best car I have ever driven. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gabrielle - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I do mostly highway driving and need a car to go 0-60 fast, and this by far is the best. The feel behind the wheel is excellent, turns on a dime. And as for comfort, we drove 18 hours with minimal stopage, and were very comfortable. It has everything you could ever want and be sporty as well. I previously owned a Pontiac Grand Prix, the Mazda 6 blows it away. And besides being a good riding and driving car, the gas mileage is beyond belief. I smile at the gas station looking at all the SUV owners sucking it up. And the stick on the fly makes it even more fun! Truck is very spacious too!

• 

  awsome car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By tex - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda6 is a really fun car to drive !!!

• 

  Its pretty good - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jf19540 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Considered the Passat and Altima. It my mind it was the best value of the three $ wise. Doesnt need the V6, the fours just fine. Handles well and corners nicely. Has 4speed auto-stick

• 

  Fun car for the family - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By as - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with our Mazda6. It is fun to drive and seats four comfortably. Although the fuel millage could be a little better, we average 24 for both highway and in town driving. The interior and controls are laid out very well, all within good reach of the driver. The trunk is large and with folding rear seats which gives us even more room.

• 

  I Love my M6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Xtine - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It is fun and practical and luxrious.