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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  Cheap tires. Cheap Bose speakers. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By fayetteal - February 26 - 10:34 am

  Yokohama tires at 27,000 miles are cupping and need new set. Bose speakers are not a true Bose. No pick up and go. Navigator update is not Mac Compatible.

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  Best Car I ever bought - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sam Bennett - February 26 - 10:00 am

  The 3 exceeded my expectations in every way. I am thrilled! Fast quiet exceptional build quality...I am buying a second one for my daughter!!! Gunther Mazda & Hugh Nemets the sales rep are the best!

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  I love driving this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dvdgrog - February 26 - 10:00 am

  You actually have to pull out to know that the engine is running, because you wont hear a thing. A virtually silent drive. It hugs the road like no other vehicle Ive driven, and with all the power you could possibly want. And comfort! More support and comfort in the seat than in the former Mazda 626, which I found lacking in that department. Extremely comfortable. No complaints.

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  Mazda 6 is for drivers who enjoy driving - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nicolo1 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I was thrilled when I first laid eyes on the Mazda 6 in person, it looked even better than it did on paper. It had the sporty aimage I was looking for. The 6s interior is attractive and ergonomically sound. Both stereo and climate controls are easy to use. This isnt a pretender it is fast and handles great, with little cabin noise. Acceleration is responsive and the clutch and shifter are smooth. This car is quick 0-60 in 6.8 sec with a manual transmission, its .6 seconds faster than a V6 Accord. I know its not fair to compare manual to automatic, but you cant get a Manual V6 Accord sedan. At least someone is looking out for true drivers.

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  Why Pay More for Honda and Toyota - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Justin Owens - February 26 - 7:53 am

  I have only had this van for a month, but with all the features the MPV has, why pay more for the Honda or Toyota? We purchased the ES, with everything on it. It has leather, DVD, moonroof, power doors -- its loaded. Sticker on this MPV was $32,190, but after using S-plan and rebates we only paid $26,718. This saved me almost $10,000 compared to the Honda and Toyota equipped the same. The only thing you lose with the MPV is the room. It is smaller than the others, but it feels more like a car than a van. I have not had any of the issues stated by the editors review. The MPV is a great value and fun to drive, plus you dont see these at every stop light like you do the Honda and Toyota.

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  I love my Mazdaspeed3! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Katelyn66 - February 26 - 7:30 am

  If I could go back I would buy it all over again. This is a very responsive & quick car with lots of features to make your ride & needs feel beyond met. I am still finding new features that make my ride exciting, I enjoy the blue tooth I can listen to my Iphone wireless & answer calls while shifting hands free. The Bose system is awesome, my previous car had subs & I dont miss them at all. The blue lights underneath the dash and on the stick are a fun feature for a night drive out on the town. I feel safe in this car without the feel of being in a mini van. The stock dual exhaust sounds great, like a race car. This is definitely a luxury car that is affordable and fun to drive. Zoom zoom!

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  96 Montego blue, PEP + leather - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By toyluvr - February 25 - 7:20 am

  Bought car w/38,150 miles. Fix brokes are a clutch slave & inner shift boot, total of ~$56. Routine maint. includes wiper blades, plugs & wires, 2 oil changes, diff and trans fluid changes, total of ~$134 Total fuel consumption averaged 26.52 MPG, high tank of 32.87, low tank of 22.88 Fuel cost/mile = .04262 repair/maint. cost/mile = .019 total = .061 per mile I will have to admit it has offered about the least expensive smile per mile of anything I have ever owned.

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  2 years review - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By robrc51 - February 24 - 7:23 pm

  I have owned my RX8 now for 2 years. Overall the car is not a bad car. As a sports car I would rate the car, average. It does handle great on curvy roads but the rotary engine lacks torque. In order to accelerate you really have to rev the engine into high RPMs. The rotary engine also is terrible in gas mileage. It get between 15-19mpg….even my old V8 Corvette and Mustang got better gas mileage then the Rotary engine. In addition the rotary engine burns lots of oil. I generally fill between ½ to 1 quart each tank fill. The interior is outdated and could use a face lift.

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  Mazda Cozma - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Cozma - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Needs a much faster engine. And maybe a little better tire selection.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jeff123456 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  The funnest car to drive. I wish it had more HP, and AWD. Only two complaints