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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  Great Car For The Money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By T W - May 12 - 3:46 am

  Overall this car drives and handles very Honda like. Great fit and finish for a car in this class. The clutch is a little too grabby while shifting from 1st to 2nd and sometimes 3rd gear when car is cold. If not careful (under emergency acceleration), the clutch will give off a burning smell (probably needs to be made of a better/harder material). My local dealership has had a couple of complaints on this same issue. It just may be a Mazda thing. Other than that, wish it had at least 15 more horses, and more space for "do it yourselfers" to change the bulbs in the headlight assembly. After the warranty is over, no more free bulb replacements!

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  Great Urban Vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I stepped out of a custom F-150 xlt with all the power and none of the economy to this. I moved from the country to the city and this thing does exactly what I need it to. Front wheel drive with traction control for Cleveland winters. Fold down rear seat for those few times I need a little more room. It doesnt look like every other ride on the road. The 2.5L engine is spunky enough to merge from short access lanes w/o worrying about getting rolled over by whoever bought my old truck. It parks easier in the big city, it gets better gas mileage, it is comfortable on trips (Ive taken 2 to NC so far) and it has enough ground clearance to drive over a parking lot curb...totally by accident ;-)

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  Pretty mediocre car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  One year into ownership with the 2010 Mazda3 and its got a few positives, a few negatives and overall a lot that is just blah. The engine is rough-riding, doesnt rev well and when matched to the archaic 5 speed auto delivers wretched fuel economy: mostly highway driving and the car returns 20-21 MPGs. The engine seems to strain on any incline. The interior still feels cheap and rough. The car handles well but that cant make up for the fact its mostly just a bland car with a bad transmission and engine.

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  Great performance & Gas Mileage - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By ponchojuan - May 10 - 8:33 pm

  I love this Mazda, and Im picky. It was cheap: $15,563 new. It is full size; Im 63" 240lb and I fit fine. It averages 31 miles per gallon. I dont know where they get 24; must be the turbo. It has everything you need, maybe not everything you want. You wont go wrong buying this car.

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  The Best! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MX-5 GT - May 9 - 10:50 am

  Well, basically I test drove most of sports (convertible) cars including MX-5 Miata, BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35, and more ... but my MX-5 Grand Touring was the winner. It looks great, easy top down, and it feels like you are somehow connected to the wheel when you are driving. You wont believe how fun it is to drive MX-5 (close to PERFECT!). If you are having hard time choosing your convertible, just go for MX-5 (GT is even better). I guarantee that you will fall in love.

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  Good Choice - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By DBK - May 9 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this new based upon its styling and the good reviews we had read. The vehicle has performed extremely well in heavy snow, which was our main concern. Our V6 has plenty of get up and go when passing on the highway. We had problems with our moon roof twice, otherwise weve not had anything mechanically wrong. I have also been impressed with its braking capability. I recommend over the other vehicles in its class due to its overall power.

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  Much to Like - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tbird56 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have approximately 20,000 miles on my 2003 Merlot ES. Its a great vehicle for the commute, as the traction in the winter is exceptional, and I average silightly over 21 M.P.G. I had one major problem at about 4,000 miles, when an engine leak developed. The engine was pulled to find a camshaft seal leaking. Mazda provided me with a loaner for the 4 days of the repair, and its been smooth sailing ever since. I like the looks much better than the Escape, which I briefly considered. The warranty was much better on the Mazda.

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  great! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By pballer - May 9 - 2:00 am

  great no problems what so ever!

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  A minivan thats actually fun to drive - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By NewtoMazda - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Moved from a 2001 Town & Country to the MPV and couldnt be happier. We wanted the functionality of a minivan, but not the huge size. The MPV is perfect...narrow and short enough for easy parking while still having all the necessary minivan features. Looks sporty and has great handling.

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  04 Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By collinsjj - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent combination of quickness and handling. Fun to drive!!