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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  Best bang for the buck - 2000 Mazda 626
  By lions0216 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the first new car my wife or myself have ever purchased. We got it b/c, at the time, it had all the features we wanted at only $20,500. It is an ES (top trim) V6 with a 5 spd trans. The car also has ABS, Traction Control, Sunroof, fog lights, etc... every option available. We owned it for 2 yrs and over 50K miles and have not had a problem except for a broken cassette player. I absolutely love this car, especially, when I think about spending ~$10K less for something comparible.

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  Roomy and Dependable - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By daigt - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Tribute lx v6. unbelieveably roomy for a "small" suv. the v6 is very powerful and peppy! I have owned it for over 2 years and it has given me practically no problems to speak of. The best vehicle in its class by far!

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  My experience with Madza - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By RJV1284 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  My SUV is more than I expected. Its confort conforms to my needs with the family. I would buy another. Your pricing was very good.

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  My 4th Mazda, and not my last - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By amandakl - April 24 - 7:22 am

  I am in love with this car. I have owned a 2004 Mazda 3 sedan, a 2008 Mazda3 GT sport (hatch), and a 2013 Mazda cx-5. I traded my CX-5 in for the 2014 Mazda 3 and do not regret it at all. The car handles like a dream, hugs the road and corners perfectly. The interior is simple and modern, and the exterior is striking. I am getting 6.7L/100 (or 43 MPG) with combined city/highway, which is more than I expected to get. If you are looking for an affordable car that is fun to drive, gets great fuel mileage and is reliable, this is it. I have the GS (middle model) with sunroof package, and comfort package. I also had custom white leather interior installed.

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  Rewarding little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lamis - April 23 - 11:56 pm

  Bought this M3 to have some fun and save on gas in daily city driving. For the fun part, its delivered above and beyond expectations. Handling, braking, road attitude, looks are great, surprisingly quick for a 2L AT, nice and roomy interior. Sadly, I must have gotten the thirsty one on the lot, hardly gets 25 mpg in the summer and 22- 23 in the winter. Suspension is perfect for zipping around town, but highway rides longer than 1 hr get a bit uncomfortable. Overall outstanding value.

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  Update...now had car 2-years - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By joellein - April 23 - 6:22 pm

  I wrote my first review shortly after I got this car in late November, 2010 (see posting below: "Great car if you like large"). Anyway, this is still functioning as a great car for me. It still seems too large, but I cannot complain about much at all. Its got almost 30K miles and the only trips to dealer service have been for tire/wheel rotations; I do my own oil change-really easy to do on this car. I love the car for long road trips; its quiet, has power (not a lot extra, but certainly enough), and is really comfortable.

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  Great fun, great value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jimmy - April 23 - 10:10 am

  A low priced car, the 5 speed 160 HP engine is well matched to the gearbox. Quick acceleration, good handling, decent top end for a car that cost less the $20K. Nice looking, though silver is bland at best. Like the rear end appearance but the front end has a cheesy pseudo-chrome strip over the grill I dont like. Ive had it for a year - no problems to speak of. Though the kick panel fuse box cover is a poor design. Compared with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and the Mazda 6 was bigger, more powerful, roomier and more fun than the other two.

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  It was a good SUV until the Turbo went 2x - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By johnnyg5454 - April 22 - 2:37 pm

  I enjoyed driving this truck everyday, until last year (2013) the turbo decided to quit. It started billowing smoke from the tailpipes. Luckily this was replaced under the warranty. Fast forward 9 months and 2000 miles over warranty the turbo goes again and Mazda refuses to pay for the entire fix. A part they fixed fails not even a year after it was replaced. I was a loyal Mazda owner and was looking forward to purchasing another, not anymore.

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  2012 Mazda 3 with 1200 miles on it now. - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sirturkey - April 22 - 6:00 am

  I got my Mazda 3 when it had 15 miles on it, and now it has around 1200. I love this car. I upgraded from a 2004 Passat. The SKYACTIV-G engine truly performs. Ive been getting a combined 34.8 mpg with mostly city driving but with a few long distance bouts. On my distance trips, Ive been getting 40-44 mpg at around 70 mph. I generally drive like a grandpa but its difficult NOT to accelerate quickly in this car! The seats are not nearly as bad as what other people say. Im 60 and they fit me rather well. As for the complaints about the interior controls, I find them rather intuitive. In regards to weird noises from the engine, I havent heard anything.

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  Awesome Mazda 3 2.5l. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By chaps6 - April 22 - 3:10 am

  I bought the Mazda with 34k miles on the clock. It has all the bells and whistles...sat nav, bose, keyless entry, zenon, bucket seats etc. I have now done about 10,000 miles without a single issue. I hope to have this car for at least another 100k miles...perhaps pass it onto my kids when they are old enough to drive. It feels incredibly safe, very assured on the road and pretty sporty. It’s no race car but it really handles well and has create torque when you put your foot down. I looked at all sorts of other cars first…golf, accord, mini, jetter, passat, hyundai’s etc…none came close to the reviews this got…which is why I bought it.