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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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Richard - April 28 - 8:46 pm

  I never thought that a 4 door sedan could be this fun to drive. I have the 4 cyl. with 5 speed and it has plenty of power, handles excellent in corners and highway speeds. I bought this Mazda6 with the intention of giving it to my son when he turned 16 and now that the day has arrived, I hate to give it up. The a/c works great, shifting is smooth and quick with its short throw design and it comes with some special features not expected in this cars price range, like dimming lights after entering the car, auto shut off headlights, if you forgot, great bose stereo system, electronic trunk release and many other features you would not expect for the price. All and all a great car to drive

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  I love this car!! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BOBBYBOB - April 28 - 2:20 pm

  it is fun, fun fun! Also 28MPG

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  Versatile and fun Mazda 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - April 27 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had my 2007 GT for almost a year. It has been a fun car to drive and easy to live with. The versatile hatchback converts to a mini-SUV when you remove the cargo cover and fold the seats - Ive had 14 bags of mulch back there! The 2.3 with automatic is peppy enough, however on hills with the AC running it can get a little strained. GT standard equipment is generous. Annoyances: over time some of the interior plastic panels have developed rattles, and the auto trans sometimes hesitates between 1st and 2nd gears. I would buy this car again but would go for the MazdaSpeed 3 with the manual tranny. Overall a great car which you can get loaded for low $20s.

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  Wow Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jo Bhiho - April 27 - 1:10 am

  Comfort, butter like smoothness, agile, modern looks, true to fun-to-drive philosophy, good mileage. Have this car since Feb. and is really a pleasure to drive. Suddenly those long boring trips have become something that I look forward to. It is a van but not exactly, drives like a sports car. I initially drove the MPV but after getting behind the steering of this one, made an instant decision. I found what one normally would expect from Honda/Toyota. This is a very practical car and the. I have the Sport with A/T, 6 CD and nothing else - dont need anything.

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  Fun SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By AJM - April 26 - 4:00 pm

  Excellent quality for the price. Fun to drive and handles great. Stiff and firm ride, corners great, good acceleration, and good design overall. Gas mileage is average considering its a 6 cylinder. First Mazda I have owned and will probably buy another.

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  Love my Mazda 6 (5-Door Hatchback) - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By sdanthny - April 26 - 1:51 pm

  I bought my 2005 in early 2006 and still own it. Its paid off, has been without warranty for 2 years and I have not had any problems with the car warranting me to shell out money to get it fixed (besides regular maintenance of course). Luckily for me, any of the problems I have had with the car were rectified when I still had a warranty. Needless to say, I have 60k miles, 80% life on my brakes left (changed in 08 due to a caliper flaw) and the car purrs like it did brand new. I must say the car does NOT sound like a 6 yr old car. It still is flashy on the road (bright red) and is a blast to drive on the freeway flying by everyone else in their mundane vehicles. Hell yeah to Mazda!

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mrvic - April 26 - 7:10 am

  Have had the CX-7 for about a little over a week now. The gas mileage is still to be determined. The transmission has a mind of its own sometimes and gets a little confused what gear it should be in. I have FWD, and driving in heavy rain with water ponding on the roadway is a little challenging, the front tires seem to have a mind of their own at times.

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  Couldnt Ask For More - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Steve - April 25 - 6:50 pm

  Had it a little over 2 weeks now. It is my daily driver and I couldnt ask for more. Im a pilot so the interior is well suited for me. Just a short reach for everything I need and the seats are very comfortable. BTW, Im 6"1. Yes, driving it is a pure joy. For a short time I drove it on an interstate and keeping up with everyone at 80 then 100 it was rock solid. I thought it was be shaking and moving all over the place. Mine is a 6 speed and I dont rev the engine much past 4,000 between shifts yet get 25 MPG. Kinda surprised at it being that low but its a small price to pay for this much fun. It still looks brand new and I catch people looking at it all time. Very cool.

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  Just Perfect!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Richard - April 25 - 3:20 pm

  This car suits us nicely. Excellent handling & braking, fun to drive, Sleek design inside out. One of my friends thought this was a hybrid car. Very flexible seating configurations and tons of standard equipments which are found on much more expensive cars.

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  A great car for the young family. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dejan - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this car for a month now but its definitely the best for our current needs. It looks and handles like a BMW or a Mercedes. The power is there when you need it although there are moments when I could use some more. A great car!