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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  THE ZOOMSTER HAS SPOKEN - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ZOOMSTER - June 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A REAL SPORTS UV!!! AND WHEN I SAY SPORTS I MEAN ITS A REAL MAZDA. EVERY THING THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN THAT MAZDA BUILDS HAS SUPERIOR HANDLING OVER THE COMPETITION. THIS ONE IS NO EXEPTION. THIS IS THE FUNNEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT EVEN HAS A SPORTS TUNED EXHAUST FROM THE FACTORY. MOST PEOPLE THINK IT IS ENGINE NOISE BUT TO ANY ONE WHO OWNS A MAZDA ITS MUSIC TO THIER EARS. MOST OF THE 200 H.P. KICKS IN @ HIGHER RPMS BUT DONT THINK IT IS ONE BIT GUTLESS. ZOOM-ZOOM

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  The BMW from Hiroshima - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By teamsc10190 - June 20 - 10:40 pm

  This car is so dialed-in and direct it is a sheer pleasure to drive. I cant wait to get behind the wheel at every opportunity I get. If youre undecided which compact car to buy, drive this one and your decision will be made. I love this thing! This is really a great piece of work. I want to run out buy another one.

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  CX-5 PROBLEMS - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By ubaldovarela - June 20 - 11:06 am

  I had this car for 3 month 10,000 miles So far many problems showing up Excessive gas consumption is not as dealers told me from 11.0l/km to 11.0km/h in the city without AC an only driver In emergency situation you can go over 160km/h only down hill you can get 180km/h although limit in the car is 190km/h The battery will discharge after couple hrs. when youre in music and you will need AAA to restart your car A lot of noises inside of the car seems like old car and the noise of the engine is like a oil issue The blind spot monitor is not good to trust because sometimes can not detect a big truck in one side of you or sometimes stay active all time without cars in the sides & more.

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  Blown Away - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By LexES300 - June 20 - 10:26 am

  I had a 93 Lexus ES300. I loved that thing to death but the tranny started slipping; you know the repair on that wouldnt be cheap. Anywho, I went into the dealer thinking Id get a 3. Well, rebates and a heck of a deal later I drove away in a Lapis Blue 6s Grand Touring PKG. I love it. Still not up to Lexus refinement, but everything about the car I love. I get looks and compliments all the time. Everyone wants to take my car everywhere! The 6 is really almost in a class or its own. My sister got an Altima a week before I got the 6 and Im convinced, no matter how much smaller the 6 is, its better than most in its category.

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  Move over Maxima - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By FT - June 19 - 10:33 am

  Car is a lot of fun to drive. In sales, my car is my desk and this car fits the bill. Map lights (front and back). My kids love to read and the lights dont interfere with my vision. Storage compartment in front dash is very convenient. Car has plenty of pep and the manual shifting is slick when you want to play. I had two Maximas before this and this car is in the same league.

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  best vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By freespirit - June 18 - 4:43 pm

  My Mazda tribute is is my baby, Handling is the best engine performance is great power right when you need it . You dont have to worry about handling curves because it is very smooth . Gas mileage on the highway is about 25-27 mpg. City mileage is poor 14-17 mpg.. All in all I love my Tribute

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  No more Toyotas - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By sabres fan - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had Toyotas my whole life and that is over. Having traded in my Tacoma (loved it) so my wife could have an SUV (Ford Escape) I was stuck in a Camry. BORING. Did some research and read reviews. Test drove Corolla Sport, Civic and Nissan Sentra. Never would have considered Mazda but I was looking for something sporty but not a "sports" car and I knew it as soon as I drove it that I found what I was looking for. Dumped my boring Camry and LOVE the Mazda 3. More room then any of the others and WAY sportier inside and out. Handles real nice and solid on the gas mileage. Pick-up could be better but once it is going everything is smooth.

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  Great Little Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By MikeyCinciC - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Its been a great car to own and its totally reliable. Weve got 69K miles on it and it drives like it did the day we bought it. No noises, no rattling, no nothing. We liked this one so much that we bought a second one in 2001 and thats an even nicer model!! If youre looking at this for a used car, I would highly recommend it.

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  Disappointed in 626 transmission issues - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Disappointed 626er - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 626 new and had no problems until recently. I only have 42,000 miles on a 4 year car and the dealership says I have to pay for an external cooler for my transmission to "preserve" the transmission because it WILL go out early.

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  4Bangin - 2001 Mazda 626
  By lx man - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Just got the 2001 mazda 626 with 37000 miles. I think this car is impressive for the price and I get a lot of compliments (especially the interior).On the freeway this car maneuver really nice.It supposed to have a sport suspension (and I believe it)Gas mileage is acceptable 26 mpg all around driving. Cant complain. Im happy with it and glad I didnt get a civic or elantra.This car is worth checking out if youre in the market for a good used car 10-13 gran.