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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  So many problems.... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By NoL - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda6 for 10 months and have had numerous problems with it. The first week I had it my drivers side tire went flat from a faulty valve. Later that week my headlight blew out. I had to have my front speakers replaced because they blew out. I am currently experiencing a sqealing noise when I turn left at low speeds or turning into a parking spot. I am also experiencing my transmission slipping in 3rd gear and I only have 12,000 miles on my car! This will be the fifth time I am bringing my car back to the dealership. Buyers beware!

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  I Love this car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lost in Utah - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I went from a SUV to the Mazda. Living in Utah I have come to rely on the SUV during winter months. I really liked the look of the 6 and decided to test drive one just for fun. Well that was all it took. I love this car !!! It is sporty and reliable. And has enough room for 2 car seats and one passanger in the back. The features in this car are very comfortable. This week we got a large snow storm (24 inches) and it handled like a dream. I love the option of the standard transmission for slick roads. I havent regreated my decision to let the SUV go. In fact I talked one of my friends into buying the same car. And she loves it just as much.

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  Bad Rotors from Ford - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By darbow - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Here i thought i was getting Mazda reliability but all we have is a glorified Taurus! The rotors needed replaced under 40k (out of warr of course) and some sensors had to be replaced earlier on. I will keep it until Spring and then im getting a 4Runner or Pathfinder to replace it. Sorry Mazda you should have kept Ford parts out of the vehicle (engine/brakes etc....) back in 01 it was the fastest,cheapest and best looking, now its run of the mill and being underrated by Minivans.

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  PUPPIES HUMAN DRIVER REVIEW - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By PUPPIES HUMAN - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY NEW VAN FOR MY "PUPPIES". IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND HAS MORE SPEED THAN I THOUGHT. THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE WITH THIS ONE AND THE TOYOTA OR NISSAN IS UNBELIEVABLE, AND THIS VAN IS M U C H NICER.

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  Zoom, zoom, OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Fyerstrtr - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Did alot of test driving and research in the SUV area, and I can honestly say that this is THE SUV to have for every reason! The reliability, handling, comfort, and design are impeccable! Arguably the best ever built!

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  Great car!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By csonon - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Accord EX-V6 for a Mazda 3. I love this car. It is very fun to drive because it can handle excellent in the turns and it has some power.

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  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AaronStone - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car at a great price. When i saw the features and the styling of this car i almost over looked it thinking it whould be in the mid to high 20s i took a look at the sticker price, drove it, bought all in one night... AWESOME VEHICLE.....

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  My 6 - Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ogreen32 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 7 months and I have loved every minute of it. It was a true head turner. Outstide of the looks, the performance is top notch. I have the 4-cylinder manual transmission and it is just a fun car to drive. The cornering is tremendous, the kick at 3000 rpms is a true crowd pleaser, and the overall responsiveness of the car is great. Anybody that wants to know about this car should check that out and most of youre questions will be answered. Well Ive gone on long enough about the car, but there is just so much to say. If you have any further quesitons feel free to go to the forum (www.mazda6club.com).

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  Amazing - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By newmz6owner - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I test drove three other midsize cars the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Subaru Legacy. Since I wanted a manual transmission and a V6 engine the three didnt compare to the 6s. I even drove all three with auto trans the V6 engines and I still wasnt as impressed than when I drove the 6s. Im very, very happy with my purchase, and I really look forward to my drive to work now.

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  Mazda 6 i (4 dr sedan) - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jen - October 6 - 4:50 pm

  I love my car! It is the perfect mix of classy and sporty! I used to have a 2 door car, but I really wanted a sedan after a while because I wanted easier access to my backseat, where I keep my school books... Also, I knew that I would keep the backseat neater if I had easier access to it! (I do!) However, Im only 20 years old and I wasnt really looking foward to giving up the sportiness of my coupe! I am so glad I found the 6, with its four doors and metal detailing in front I feel like I own a very classy car, however with its rear spoiler and trendy lights my car satisfy my desire for sportiness too! I get lots of compliments on my sharp ride!