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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  Still happy owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bowldog - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is impressive to drive, with the responsive 160 hp and the braking/handling this is a little go- kart. Had problems with the trans. nec to replace both front axles at 10,000 miles this was the third time in the shop for same repair, p/s front door panel noisey third time also and still not fixed. Do wish the fuel economy was a little better best yet is 26.3 on the auto side of the sport auto trans. Dealer installed larger 18" wheels with 225-40 Z rated tires not that it needed the speed as it cuts out at 118. Overall this car is still the best value for the money in the class. Lots of looks from every type of car and driver. Mazda ZOOM - ZOOM !!

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  Uber good mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By randy - July 3 - 9:33 am

  I got this car to replace my mazda b- 2500 after it was rear ended at 70 mph by a much larger truck, its very roomy, comfortable, controls are easy but the gearbox is a bit notchy. car goes 0-60 in under 5 seconds with after market intake, the red display is cool, I am a VERY aggressive driver and this mazda seems to fulfill my needs. this is an easy car to work on if it develops any problems. the car i have is rock bottom of the 04 mazda6 line but im still pleased. zoom! zoom!

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  Unbelievably poor performance in snow. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By thebigbw - July 3 - 8:12 am

  This is a nice car for warm months of the year, but if you live any place that it snows STAY AWAY. I live in Minnesota and the performance on snow is terrible. The biggest issue is inability to accelerate. Level ground or an incline, it doesnt matter - you will spin and spin and spin. Its a reliable starter in cold weather, and heats up pretty quick. Stylish too. Im also having issues with my stereo and CD player. This car is so close to having it all....maybe if I lived in southern California Id be all right.

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  Zombie car that I love. - 2001 Mazda 626
  By hassef - July 2 - 9:17 pm

  Owned this car for 11 years. I purchased car used as a dealer demo with 7K on it. At first thought I had a lemon, door trim peeled off, radio broke, O2 sensor went and a sway bar linkage broke, thankfully all under warranty. Now in its 12th year the car has given up the ghost and is a rolling zombie that refuses to die! This year had to replace the CV boot and axle (my fault regular maintenance would have spotted cracked boot and saved me $), the oil pan rusted out, front struts gone, check engine light is on, exhaust almost rusted out and engine leaking oil from a gasket. Saying all this I still loved it. Has out lived all my other cars and cost the least in maintenance.

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  "Instant vacation!" - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mimazdaman - July 2 - 4:45 am

  Get off work; throw the top down; let the sunshine; find a winding road and say "aaahhh". Having owned a Miata/MX-5 continuously since 1992 I can honestly say there is no better stress reliever. Although my new one cost twice as much as my 92 it is still an incredible bargain. The new Vette was tempting, but glad I waited. The new Miata/MX-5 gets back to its gen 1 roots (smaller, lighter, better looking) just beautifully updated for 2016.

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  A Mom Who Wanted Style with Room - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Laura - July 2 - 1:50 am

  The process of finding the perfect vehicle was exhausting! We needed room for our family of 5, wanted better gas mileage than our Tahoe was giving us but did not want a minivan. We looked at the Lincoln MKX, BMW X-5, Volvo XC90, Acura MDX, none seemed worth the price. Then we test drove the CX-9 and fell in love with it. At nearly $6000 less and with nearly all the same options and even more exterior style, the Mazda was clearly the better choice. We love it.

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  Most Bang for the buck! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By outbreak - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 yrs now and I can tell anyone whos looking for a new or used car that it is extremely reliable. Ive done my oil changes every 6000 - 7000 miles and the car has always run flawlessly. The car is very clean and basic, not too much junk that will break that many cars tend to have. The interior ergonomics are perfect.

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  Worst in Category - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By vbilodeau - July 1 - 5:45 am

  I drove over 800 miles on a weekend getaway with a rental CX-7 AWD and the least that I can say is that this car is a disappointment. I spent a fortune on gas, the car was averaging a bit less than 18 mpg on the highway and about 12 in city driving. There was no fun to drive, the turbo has almost no kick. I was shocked to see that the car didnt have electronic temperature control, a feature that 15,000$ car now have. For that price range, I would without a doubt buy a Ford Edge that looks way better and that is tens time more fun to drive and has 20x more features than the CX-7. Shame on you Mazda.

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  Great Buy - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By DJayhawk - June 30 - 5:53 pm

  Traded in my 2008 Mazda 3 for the New Mazda 6. Great sedan. Powerful V6 Engine. Lots of features. Love the Sat Radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry and push button start. This car has it all. Huge trunk and lots of room for rear seat passengers.

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  Still love it, but a big baby! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JodyLa - June 29 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this car new in 05 and have put 20,000 miles on it so far. I love this car! My only negatives are constantly having to check the oil and if you shut the car off and it didnt warm up, you are in big trouble! Ive have to have it towed to the dealership because of this! Always let the car warm up before shutting it off!