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 Car on the Road - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AmberB - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mazda 3! Its the best car Ive ever owned. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.......if that will ever happen!?

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  Superb for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By chinds - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great. I have the sports package with 17" wheels. It kicks the crud out of my 2001 Jetta Wolfberg Edition in terms of handling. Though 160 hp is adequate, the Mazda3 S would be an absolute kick in the pants if you could squeeze another 20hp out of it. Im sure the aftermarket will make that possible within the next year. Over all, this car is a great value for what you get, and real fun to drive.

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  best car ever! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ex-hondagurl - August 12 - 2:00 am

  think about everything you would want in a car based on the car ur currently driving.....CK out the Mazda3s-it has it!

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  Love my 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mv0093 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Mazda and they just keep getting better and better. The handling and control are precise. It is also a blast to drive.

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  beast - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By michigan_maca - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Execelent car... the beast:)

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  zoom zoom!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Enis Thomas - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My 6s is a great looking fun to drive vehicle. Mazda has hit the nail on the head with their zoom zoom saying. This car not only has great looks, it comes nicely set up, especially with the sport package. I highly recomend this vehicle to anybody, especially those who want a hot looking car with reliability.

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matts 6s - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a new car with all the features it had to offer and the Mazda6 was definitely the best choice. Its not the best in any one category, but its very good in everything. Paid $24,200 for the S 5spd w/appearance/bose/leather. Defintely consider this car if your looking for something under 30k with lots of features good speed and great style.

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  Mazda6 Sportswagon - Value & Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dave Miller - August 11 - 10:56 am

  The Mazda comes with leather, manumatic 6 speed and comfortable seats that compare with any German make. The fit and finish at delivery was flawless and much to my surprise, the first 2500 miles have given me an average of 28.35 MPG with 80% highway driving at 75 MPH. The Bose audio system is outstanding for the jazz and big band sounds I like. On the winding roads of Kentucky and Wisconsin the wagon handles as well as most "sports" cars.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brad - August 10 - 11:20 pm

  I recently purchased an 09 6i Touring with the 6 CD changer & moonroof, along with a rear spoiler. My 2004 Mazda 3i was totaled so I wasnt in "car buying" mode, but Im glad I stayed with Mazda. I went with the 4-cyl, which is starkly different than Edmunds review of the V6. The ride is very quiet, and I get good gas mileage (1600 mi, ~24mpg combined.) The acceleration is great, most noticeably between 50mph - 75mph, even in auto. The braking is excellent too. As nimble as my 3i was, I feel like the 6i has excellent handling for its larger size. Ive also fit 4 grown adults in the car, and theyve all commented how much legroom they have. Mazda got it right again!

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  great suv - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By phil - August 10 - 5:43 am

  Smooth Running, never had a problem, great gas mileage. wonderful suv to own