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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  Everything I ever needed and more! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By NoBull6 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have the V6 with the 5-Speed manual. I really couldnt be happier with the car. The looks are amazing - everyone, male/female, old/young comment on how attractive the car is. My mom and my girlfriend both love it. The handling it outstanding, the power is ample. The interior is absolutely beautiful, with great fit and finish. Gaps between panels are practically non-existent. This car is so amazing I find myself making excuses to go driving just so I can spend more time in it.

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  My Mazda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Dskelly - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving my vechile. It gives a great ride and is easy to manuever. The gas mileages is about 23 hwy which is what I am use to

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  Just get one! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RotoZoom - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for the Zoom Zoom factor and got a bonus. Normally when taking a long drive for a couple hours I get back pain, pain in the left hip and legs. This is due to some medical conditions that I cannot change. The second day I had the car, my son and I took it for a short spin in the country. After about 6 hours and 450 miles we returned. When I got out of the car, I felt like I had just gone around the corner, no pain! Get the GT package for the seats if nothing else. Seating is not bad in the back either. I had a couple of friends that are 61" in the back the other day with no complaints. More room than my RX4.

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  Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By elijahg - October 1 - 2:00 am

  excellent car for the money. definitely worth a look

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  Tons of Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mtlaw3 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 4 cyl. mated to the manual and I love the power it has. It rides well at high speeds and the steering is tight. Tons of fun to drive, especially through canyons.

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  Not bad, but Mazda needs to improve. - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By djbilly - September 30 - 8:36 pm

  We like the 5, but dont love it due to a number of glitches and annoyances such as weak AC, wet weather belt squeal, cold weather suspension noises, a strange and occasional sudden loss of power in 2nd gear, and mild tire vibration at 70-80 MPH. If Mazda could fix these design and quality issues we would probably love it, but dealer has been little help! Mileage is reasonable with the 2.4L 4 cyclinder, and better than a V6 van. Very peppy with the Zoom, Zoom and looks pretty good with the sporty rims. We have found that we start feeling a little nauseated on long trips, but otherwise it is reasonably comfortable. With 6 people there is little space left for luggage. Fog lights dont do much.

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  So far so good! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By 97buckeye - September 30 - 11:20 am

  I have had my 6 for a month now, and have put about 1,800 miles on it. So far I am loving it. The ride is firm but smooth, steering is tight and accurate and the Bluetooth features are awesome. I almost bought a Kia Optima, but once I saw the Mazda 6, I was hooked. I have been more than pleased with my mileage. I have been tracking it with an app on my phone and I have been getting around 33 mpg +/-, with a 60/40 highway/city split. This is about the same as my old 2002 Honda Civic! I have been keeping my speed in check and havent hot-rodded it too much, but I dont drive it easy either.

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  MidLifeCrisis - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Brad Hornsby - September 30 - 1:36 am

  Great car for a mid-life crisis. Sporty, yet the children can also ride with you. And any teenagers will love to be seen with their "old man" in this car.

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  Better then a Windstar - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Joe Wierzbicki - September 29 - 3:00 pm

  It has all kind of neat features-the roll down passenger windows-the bench seats for the second roll turn into captain chairs and the 3rd seat folds down. It is quite and angile to drive and easy to park. The quality workmanship is perfect. The interior is smooth and great colors.

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  Could not have bought a better minivan. - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By love my car - September 29 - 10:23 am

  I had a Mazda 3 and I can tell you that my Mazda 5is the best car I have bought so far.. It rides so smooth and the comfort is great for my me and my family. We have 4 kids and the ride with comfort. Love it. I got it in color black beautiful.