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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  Excellent Choice! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By henrob - July 6 - 7:50 am

  When my daughter decided to go to college in-state, we had enough funds to get her a new car for school. We decided the car should last her 10 years, so tried to figure out the car that she would love now as well as 10 years from now. Looked at 2009 Matrix, 2008 RAV-4, 2008 CR-V. Choice was RAV-4 UNTIL she drove Mazda 5. Fun to drive, seat layout, and cargo space won her over. The after-thought car became the obvious choice. She absolutely loves everything about it. About $2000 cheaper than the RAV-4 made me happy. She made a great choice.

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  Read Before buying - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bama - July 6 - 1:13 am

  My first Mazda. I have had 3 recalls in less than 3 years. one was to replace the motor!. Less than a month after the motor was replaced . The car started running hot. Through no fault of the dealers mechanic and everything hooked back up right. The radiator fan burned out. Whats next? You can buy this car if you like. But i will be putting mine in to some Toyota dealers used parking lot. 200,000+ sold with the same motor and fan. Good luck

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  Best Mazda I ever owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RedRX8 - July 5 - 2:20 am

  Ive owned several Mazdas in my day. The RX3, RX4 pickup, RX7 carb., RX7 GSL SE fuel injected, and now the 2004 RX8 6 MT. This is by far the best car of them all. I was the first one to buy an RX8 at my new dealership. So I was expecting Mazda would have some problems with such an advanced engineered sports car. The only constant updates were on the PCM programs to improve fuel mixtures, oil metering, & cold starting problems. They finally got it all working perfectly. This is the must fun you can have driving without getting a ticket.

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  love my Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dbritt - July 5 - 1:26 am

  Bought my 2002 Miata second hand 8 months ago and love it! Never really enjoyed owning/driving cars, but I can honestly say that the Miata has completely changed that. The car is a blast to drive, is actually quite comfortable, and the overall quality is excellent. Two problems Ive had with the car: a tiny hole in the soft top and a "chattery" clutch when the car was cold. My local Mazda dealer completely replaced the top and clutch under warranty without blinking an eye. Scheduled service performed by the dealer was inexpensive, especially compared with the VW that I owned prior. The ride is rough on poor pavement, and can be noisy/windy at high speeds, but regardless its a GREAT car!

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  WOW! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kendall - July 4 - 6:50 am

  I just purchased my first Mazda. After researching the Accord, Camry and Altima, I ended up in a new 2009 Mazda6 Grand Touring. It was really an easy decision after comparing these cars and what I could get for my $$. My Mazda is loaded and a blast to drive! This is my first Mazda and I have to say, Im very impressed. I initially wanted the V6, but after driving them both, I decided the 4 cylinder would be more efficient on gas. I dont regret it at all. Its very peppy, in fact, it is even spunkier than my old car which was a V6! I highly recommend this vehicle. If youre on the fence about what to buy, take one for a drive... youll be sold!

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  Tickled Green - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Stapes - July 3 - 11:33 pm

  Regrettably traded in my Acura RDX for a better gas mileage Mazda 5 Grand Touring, Golden Sand color. The 5 is no Acura but its a pretty darn good substitution. The interior quality is very good. The acceleration is very smooth and the drive quality is outstanding. First tank with combo city/hwy got 26 MPG, which is what I was hoping for. Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  My 1st Mazda, my last Mazda - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Brenda - July 3 - 8:30 pm

  This car has been a lot of trouble. I put on a lot of highway miles, but have put more money into this car in 125,000 miles than I ever did with our Hondas or Toyotas with over 200,000 miles on them. The engine light comes on every 10,000 miles with something wrong. 9 months ago I replaced the catalytic converter, $1100, and now they say the "other" converter needs replacing for another $1100. I am looking at Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna....no more money sucked out for that vehicle. Its not like we dont do every scheduled maintenance either. Gas mileage is poor for the size car. It is priced about $4000 too high and the resale on it is terrible. Mazda has lost our business forever.

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  zoom zoom is good - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DeWitt - July 3 - 10:00 am

  this is my first mazda automobile and I am more than satisfied with the car. It is a blast to drive; running through the gears is mucho fun and taking corners the car sticks to the road like glue. For the money this car has more than exceeded my expectations. You can have your euro road racers. Ill take this puppy any day

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  I see a bad trend here - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazda6s_in_ky - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Steel Grey Metallic beauty in June 2003. This car is very eye catching and you dont see one at every single stoplight like Camry and Accord so its unique! My auto trans has a horrible throttle delay. I contacted my dealer and Mazda USA and both say that its operating as designed. Fix the throttle and it will be perfect! Be sure to note the take offs from dead stop when you test drive an automatic!

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  Mazda has a hit! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8_is_great - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car a week ago and am really enjoying the ride! It gets extra attention from onlookers...even had a few people follow me to the parking lot where I work to look at it! Mazda did a wonderful job on the exterior and ride of this car.