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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  New RX 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By DaveHansen - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my new RX 8 for a month. Fuel milage is 18 mgp for the first 1000 miles. The 8 is fun to drive and seems to be extremely well built. The body fit inside and out is perfect. The transmission is stiff and hard to find 5th and 6th gear. This is my forth Mazda, 1987 RX 7, 1989 929, 1992 Miata. Dave Hansen

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  Not as good as the RX-7 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By docnycdc - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Although I enjoy driving this vehicle, I must say that it is slightly disappointing when compared to the 1994 twin turbo RX-7. I realize that with any introductory vehicle there are "kinks" to work out but after waiting 3 years for this car I had hoped for slightly more speed.

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  Reliable and Worth the Cost - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John K - April 27 - 9:36 pm

  This has been an excellent and fun car to own.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazdanomore - April 26 - 3:50 pm

  Did Mazda six stand for 6 miles to a gallon less than advertised? Used to own Plymouth Breeze that got on average 5 miles to gallon better. Ive had it in the shop 3 times now for a rattle coming out of the dash when AC/defrost is on. Dealership still doesnt know what it is, and even tried to bill me for a $130 on the first look because they said it was leaves jammed up in the cabin air filter. Probably will look at a different make and will sell this off before I pay out my lease. Other than looking good, car seems a little less than average. For 10,000 miles, I wouldnt have expected to be in the shop 4 times to fix things.

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  Not a winter vehicle!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Zepppo - April 24 - 7:23 pm

  WE bought the Mazda 5 as it offers 6 seats without the bulk of a real mini-van. The design of the vehicle is good, but it feels a little "flimsy" compared to our Honda CRV. Gas mileage is good (again, compared to a minivan) and its a pretty peppy ride. The biggest problem is driving on snow and ice, however (I live in AB,Canada). To compensate for the lack of oomph Mazda designed the manual gearbox with very "short" gears. First gear has so much torque that you can barely start moving without the wheels spinning! We bought Michelin X-Ice2 tires which helped a bit, but its still not fun driving this vehicle on snow and ice. For a winter environment this is definitely not the right choice

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  B2300 extended cab - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By mwhipple - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for the gas mileage,got what I expected. Not much on power, drives and rides smooth. Not had any mechanical problems so far.

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  Great for the kids - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By dcbruin - April 23 - 2:10 am

  Bought this car for my new drivers and I have been very happy. So far, its been reliable and served them well. Great extras and good handling make it a fun car to drive. Lots of room for stuff too. The stiff suspension takes some getting use to. Its not a cushy ride at all. For going back and forth to school its great !

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  After 17,900 Miles ... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Virgin1 - April 20 - 9:23 pm

  I still love this car. Yes, it has a few flaws but at less than $20K its a deal. As stated before me the car/tires leaves something to be desired in rain and even more so in snow and ice. Yokohamas may have been a better choice than the Goodyears. Get the ABS package! Its a lil pricey but includes side and curtain air bags. Also, get the 6-CD changer even if you dont think you want it (as I did). I plan to install a 22mm rear anti-sway bar to reduce understeer. In spite of what others have said here, I have raced cars and any factory front driver understeers too much. I think 25-32 MPG is excellent for a car like this one ... any car really, and on regular 87 octane fuel too.

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  2010 MazdaA6 Grand Touring - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bill - April 19 - 6:40 am

  Just bought the car over the weekend. We looked at about a dozen in this category and went with the Mazda. So far we really like all the options, BlueTooth, Nav, Sirius etc.

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  Ford Engine - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bernie - April 14 - 3:30 am

  With 12000 miles on our new Mazda, the engine locked up which sent us on a one month "Mazda doesnt want to sell us another car" misery. We found out that Ford builds the engine for our car. We also learned that the problem our car was having was a mystery for Mazda and Mazda engineering would direct our dealer as to what to do next and when. After one month of experimenting with our car and several threats from us that we would not accept the car unless the engine were replaced, Mazda replaced the head and gave us a 100000 mile engine/drive train warranty. If Mazda had been concerned about keeping us happy customers, they woulds have replaced the engine and had our car back to us in a week.