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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  Loving my new Mazda6 - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By bdl - August 2 - 5:46 pm

  I have not owned the car very long but it is fun to drive. I have had nothing but compliments and friends have been impressed with how comfortable the seats are.

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  Great, Sporty Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By lmo722 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Thia vehicle is great for anyone who likes the wind in their hair. It is fun to drive, runs great and have good fuel economy. It is relatively cheap compared to the other 2 seater convertables. Only problem would be comfort for a tall or overweight person. But for the small this car is a dream!

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  college students car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By moodswinger - August 2 - 2:00 am

  good for a second car

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  Love my minivan - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Jilene - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great trouble free vehicle.

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  Unreliable so far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Soaring - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car at first. Fun to look at and fun to drive. However, the automatic transmission failed after 1,500 miles of normal driving, and am currently waiting for a brand new transmission. Overall, the car has good road handling and steering is good.

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  Mazda3 a 10 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jday - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Impressive feature set when compared to the price. When you drive the Mazda 3 you cant help but feel like you are in a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Great Car!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sherbear - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Fun! This car is so fun to drive. Its also great on gas, which helps with the gas prices today.

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  Well worth it - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RADatFBHS - August 1 - 3:33 pm

  I purchased the last brand new 3rd Generation Limited roadster in Georgia. I didnt know how to drive stick, but I learned very quickly. The stick is as smooth as butter. It may have just a four cylinder but dont underestimate it. You feel like youre driving a race car. BEST CAR EVER.

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  More Fun Than My 500SL - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RichTampa - August 1 - 12:03 pm

  I like convertibles. Take that back, I LOVE convertibles. My last two where a Caddy Allante and a Mercedes 500 SL, respectively. They were both big, gas guzzling V8 powered "sports cars"... neither one could come close to the providing the day-to-day fun of my new Mazda Miata. I did my research. These cars are bullet-proof; something my high-line roadsters lacked. I am 65" and fit fine inside the car, a tad cramped on longer runs, but fine for under 100 mile trips. Bottom line ... if you are looking for a reliable, safe (dual air bags & aftermarket roll bars), economical and is a blast to drive and be seen in, your search is over. I bought mine 70+k in great shape for under $5k. I LOVE IT.

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  Be careful with this one.... - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By thill357 - August 1 - 7:15 am

  This is my first time owning any mazda and for the most part I can say it is OK. I own the Touring Plus model with a few extra features. First thing I must say is the car is very slow and the 4 cyl seems lousy and sluggish. It is a very loud engine for not being that fast... The extorior styling is beautiful. I love the trunk, even though fitting some larger boxes through the small opening can be difficult. Since the day I owned the car, the radio has been very staticy and even when close to local radio stations. Tried to take it back and get repaired and they said it was fine, which it is not. Heritage Mazda of Towson has bad service and is pretty expenisve. Prefer the Camry SE over this...