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:

• 

  Truth - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By chad - November 4 - 2:26 pm

  Here is the truth about the 2009 rx8. Fun to drive if you can afford to drive it how its meant to be driven all the time. The heavier your foot is the more oil it consumes, gas mileage is way down there, and if you dont drive it hard you risk flooding, fouling and carbon build up. Run mine hard all the time and still need to clean the spark plugs every 6,000. Trust me it helps! As far as drivabilty goes best piece of machinery I have ever driven! Handling and forgiveness is great, top end is good too, there is an extreme lack of torque though. As far as comfort, seats hold you in, but they are a little hard. This car offers the most fun for your dollar, unless you are a straight line driver.

• 

  Mazda 6 at 12k miles - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By btuthill - November 2 - 3:45 am

  Overall this is a great car. Its fun to drive, and it has a lot of features that come with a low price tag. I bought the package that gave me the 6-speed manual with leather, and the entertainment package. While it has a lot of great things to it, the entertainment system still seems to be a major point where Mazda saved money. There is a decent amount of lag between the use of the center console or steering wheel controls to the actual response on the unit. The leather also feels very thin. I dont think its real leather, and I worry Ill puncture it. It still looks good though and a lot of people comment on how nice looking the car is. Transmission is superb.. shifting is smooth.

• 

  4 Years of Driving - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By kantankerous - October 30 - 9:11 am

  After 4 years of driving this car, the car runs smooth and have not had any serious issues with the car. Everything functions well. I did have to bring the car in for warranty repair because of an oil leak coming from the oil pan but I think my local dealer messed up repairing it and had to replace one of the cylinder head and that took about two weeks. The tires are just about wear out after 45,000 miles and I didnt experience any issues with tires wearing out fast. I averaged about 30 MPG on a 2.3 engine but my driving style usually gives me higher MPG than manufacturers MPG rating. I couldnt find a vehicle with more features than this car for the price I paid.

• 

  My6... - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By seba1 - October 28 - 2:59 am

  Bought it brand new in Sept. 2010. I drive this car on daily basis to work and around town. Made 35K and no issues so far. Oil changes on time and just keeping it clean. Brakes still in great condition as well as tires.Nothing to complain about.I wish I bought a 6 cylinder version to get more kick from it , but 4 cylinder motor still will get the job done.Im getting 25.3 mpg driving in both conditions ( highway and streets). At some points ,on a highway driving at 65 mph , it gives me close to 40mpg.Car still loks great. I wash it myself , trying to avoid car washes , first , too expensive , secondly , hand washing doest destroy your paint.

• 

  More Mazda Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By steve silverman - October 25 - 6:06 pm

  I have found this vehicle to be neither too large nor too small. Its performance and fuel efficiency are completely acceptable and adequate for a vehicle of this price. It is fun to drive and Im sure it will be as reliable as all the other Mazdas I have owned in the past. It handles very well and has the needed power when necessary. I was able to find a very satisfying color that was not the same as most other cars on the road. The appointments are very rich in appearance. The sound system is very good and the in dash holding of 6 CD discs is a plus. Adding a Sirius radio adds all the entertainment needed for a trip.

• 

  Great Value - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Victoria - October 24 - 12:56 pm

  I am just about to finalize the purchase my second Millenia today. My first was a 1999 (2.5 L, not the S) which had 30k miles when purchased, used as a daily driver and sold with approx 130k miles, still strong expect for bad rear mail seal. Wonderful car aside from eventually developing the leaking rear main seal which these cars are notorious for. Luxury at a fraction of the cost and very dependable for the most part. If you can find one with low miles that hasnt been abused BUY IT.

• 

  Easilly Comfortable - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Angie Koenig - October 24 - 11:18 am

  I like it , it is very nice handles very well so far only owned for a couple weeks. Only thing I wish is for better gas MPG but thats to be expected as it is a fairly large size SUV. Love it so far.

• 

  Fun for Trips - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By LHaas - October 24 - 4:40 am

  I have had good luck with this vehicle. No service issues at all. I had a class 3 hitch installed and a transmission cooler and have towed my camping trailer all over the Rockies. It should be considered for towing small-medium loads. I threw away roof rack and installed tracks to accept Thule sliding bars. I can carry two 16canoes with the 78" bars!

• 

  Perfect Size - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By kb - October 23 - 6:40 pm

  My wife and I bought a Copper Red Touring model just two weeks ago, after I spent almost a full year researching the 5. We have two young boys and only occasionally need to carry extra passengers, so this vehicle will be perfect for us. We leave the third-row seats folded flat, and it provides more cargo area (and more versatile use of that area) than a typical sedan. I find the ride rather comfortable -- a little stiff on pavement seams, but I think thats a deliberate trade-off Mazda made to achieve the sportier handling in line with its corporate image. And it does handle very nicely. This is our first Mazda, so were hoping it will be as reliable as the Hondas weve had. So far so good.

• 

  MAZDA SHOULD DEEP SIX FORD! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By GALLOWAY, NJ - October 19 - 3:43 pm

  AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 50K, SINCE I BOUGHT IT AS A PROGRAM CAR, I HAD THE 100K 7 YR WARRANTY. REBUILT TRANNY WORKS VERY WELL THOUGH A BIT CRUDE COMPARED WITH TOYOTA. CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE, PRETTY QUICK FOR A FOUR. HEADLIGHTS ARE A FAVORITE; THEY REALLY LIGHT UP THE ROADSIDE (GREAT FOR DEER AREAS). INTERIOR COMFORTABLE; CONTROLS INTUITIVE, GOOD BUILD QUALITY, FEELS HEAVY AND SOLID.