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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  Transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Deb - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have experienced problems with the transmission of this vehicle. When it automatically shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear it slams into gear. The more passengers you have the bigger this problem becomes. Mazda knows about the issue and is currently trying to work on a fix, however the past 4 months have been unpleasant. Still waiting.... The dealer claims they have 3 other vans with the same problem.

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  Oustanding Vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tazabe - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our MPV online through Carsdirect.com which was itself a 5- star experience. Mazda was offering 0% financing at the time which sealed the deal for us, but we really liked the overall package Mazda offers with the MPV. We researched several mini-vans before deciding on the MPV. The only real concern we had with the MPV was the interior room, but Mazda did an incredible job with their design. We estimate we saved at least $5000 by avoiding the popular Honda Oddysey and we really believe we found the best value all thing considered.

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  a great car all the way around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By connorsdad - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car- great handling, nice appearance. every option except Nav so lots of toys inside and out. Gas mileage is disappointing though it seems to be getting better with mileage. All around awesome car.

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  This aint your Fathers Protege - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By eriescott - June 27 - 2:00 am

  NOT like any entry level car you have ever driven. No other car comes close...@ $18,000 loaded this car is a steal. Many cars look the part...but this one delivers looks and performance. Mazda has hit a home run!

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  Nice Car Fun to Drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By cindy - June 27 - 1:56 am

  I have had mine for over a year, still love it. Of course its bad in the snow but its rear wheel drive so I expected that.

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  small discomforts - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By daren - June 26 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased my new 06 Mazda3 i Touring in late May. I get roughly 28 miles per gallon with country driving to work few stop signs not many lights. The vehicle I have purchased is "fully loaded" with an automatic transmission. I believe the interior is nice along with the sporty look of the exterior. When I was in the market I wanted to purchase the s model which had most the options I wanted standard along with the 5 speed automatic; with the 3 i Touring model it has a 4 speed so not as good get up nor as good fuel economy but there were none in the area. The vehicle I bought was fully loaded with the same options I was looking for but you can tell the change from the 4 to 5 speed transmission.

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shawn - June 26 - 10:23 am

  I got my three in Jan of 2007 and it has been a great car in in the past three years I havent had any issues with the car I would buy another any day.

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  happy diva - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By qtqueen2 - June 25 - 2:26 pm

  I love everything about this car! It is fun to drive, and sporty too. I like its performance. I couldnt have asked for a better car for the money.

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  Mazda RX8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By mablest - June 25 - 1:46 pm

  I wanted an RX7 my entire life so when they came back out with the 8 I was quick to snatch one up. I didnt test drive any other sports cars, I just purchased an RX8. I find that it doesnt have the pick up that the RX7 had but its still fun to drive and the fact that I can haul my children around and still have a sports car is just icing on the cake!

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  Zoom-Zoom-Zoom - 2001 Mazda 626
  By pcannon - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Second Mazda 626 LX V6. Gets 21 mpg on average. Elegant style and acceptable craftsmanship so far. Added simulated wood grain trim really makes car look classy. Very nimble for sedan hard to believe! Fun to drive, great for midlifers and above! A very happy Mazda Owner. Only complain so far is paint around fog lamp plastic bezzel peeled off when I power washed car to get bugs off in coin operated power bay at 3500 miles. Dealer agreed to fix after consulting with regional service manager.