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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  Weekend rental - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By marco3660 - July 11 - 11:03 am

  Drove one as a weekend rental. Being relatively tall, this vehicle has excellent headroom. Problem is that, if the seats are cranked up to bring the seat bottom to a reasonable level, the seat also moves forward, significantly reducing front leg room. Also felt that the tilt steering could not go far enough down, even at its lowest setting. Good points: the car has excellent acceleration, average gas mileage and a large fuel tank which means you can go far between fill-ups. Also has nice storage. I liked the sliding rear doors for passenger egress.

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  The MPV works well with our family - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By tmra2ree - July 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our MPV to replace a 1994 Toyota Camry 7 passenger wagon. The MPV has been superior in every respect: comfort, handling, fuel economy, ease of ingress/egress, fun factor, etc. Our average mileage is 20-21 mpg in combination city/highway driving. So far, after nearly 15000 miles, the only visits to the dealership have been for scheduled maintenance.

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  Most fun to drive! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Oneputt - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car to drive that I have owned. Love to hear the rotary engine...great to the ear...makes you want to drive everywhere and never get out. Super handling and very comfortable. Overall, no car can touch it. 350z is a rough ride and has tire problems, boxster too expensive, s2000 comes close but noisier and no back seat.

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  bad to the bone - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By modoom - July 11 - 2:00 am

  from start to finsh no one can tuoch it. makes me feel like Im on top of the wrold

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  Not the fastest, but the best! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mjsievert - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Smoothest engine Ive every driven. Very fun to drive. Excellent value for your money.

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  1 Week Old - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gogo - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought a black loaded 2.3L Mazda 3 sedan with auto, leather, mp3 player, 17" wheels, and aero package. Interior quality and design is comparable to much more luxurious (ie $$$) cars. The exterior with the aero package and the 17" wheels manages to be classy and racy from all angles. The 2.3L feels strong and relaxed if not racy. Leather seats are comfortable but dont have a seat warmer option. The dash looks great at night even though the instrument cluster is a little busy. Handling is top notch with the ride never being harsh. Highly recommended. The Mazda 3 is by a landslide the best in class.

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  What more could you ask for. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By deeceeuci - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased the 5-speed 4s with the sports package about 48 hours ago. Purchase price $16,300 -- What more can you ask for from an entry level car as far as performance, style, and functionality are concerned. This car looks like a bigger souped up jetta, performs like the matrix Xrs, feels like an eclipse spyder on the turns, but costs a few thousands less! All my assessment for the vehicle is based on the buying price and the fact that this car is an entry level model.

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  My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevieD - July 11 - 2:00 am

  It not only looks great driving down the road, but it drives great down the road.

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  Runs Well - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Sixers rule - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Had this vehicle for over a year now and have had no major problems. Drives smoothly, and after reading all the commnets am happy i got the manual transmission. Could use a little more power though.

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  My Second Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By MAB - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought a second Millenia for myself and a first for my wife. Great car for the price point. Was disappointed to learn that the Bose system wasnt standard in the P models as it was in the past. Cost me $500.00 to upgrade the sound system after market. Great Ride and handling. Better ride than the Infiniti I30t. Tighter car than most of its competitors.