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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  My fourth RX - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JamesBaud - February 23 - 5:50 am

  This is the fourth rotary Ive owned (82, 85, 91 RX-7s) and Im pleased. The car looks awesome, has exciting acceleration, sounds cool, is surprisingly roomy, has a neat dash, and handles very well. Like my other RX-7s, cons include an interior that doesnt wear well (easy to scuff up--especially the leather, center console/cover tends to come loose, leather shift cover likely to crack), and poor gas mileage (no surprise). Also, the A/C in the RX-8 seems underpowered. A big pro is that these vehicles typically require little maintenance (no timing belt replacements, valve adjustments, etc.) so long as you keep the fluid levels topped off.

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  One of the Best Buy - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By soon2familyof4 - February 23 - 2:46 am

  This is a smart vehicle and one of the best buy in current auto market. I got the sport (A) at a price 2K lower than many midsize sedan sold in my area, like camry, accord, and altima! The 5 is very functional with a combination of minivan and samll SUV. However, I have to admit that some stuff needs to be improved. For example, the front AC wind direction is hard to adjust (I prefer the design of camry in this case).

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  Great MiniVan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Walker Family - February 19 - 10:00 am

  We are young Parents and the Mpv has the sporty looks with the family Features

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  Perfection - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Matt C - February 19 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion, Mazda has reached perfection in engineering with the RX- 8. The options available, on top of the standard features, make the car one of the best out on the market today (in its price range). One of the things that most impressed me was how roomy the back seats are. While researching which cars to buy, I sat in the back of both the RX-8 and the Infiniti G-35. Now, no one has ever mistaken me for being tall, but I felt cramped in the back of the G-35, and my head hit the rear windshield. There was no such problem with the Mazda.

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  Best small car by far! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lmp180psu - February 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my first "new" car, and it has been very fun to drive. The Mazda3 has the best combination of interior and exterior style around, and I love just looking at it. Aside from very marginal A/C, and excessive rear brake dust, this car have been trouble free (4000 miles so far). The acceleration from the 2.3 engine is smooth and the auto trans shifts very smoothly, and I love the manumatic function. Also the ride is comfortable / sporty without being harsh.

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  Mazda 3i Touring - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By bfalck - February 18 - 11:28 pm

  One of the main reasons I choose the Mazda is the way it handles. Good highway acceleration, holds the corners very well with very little sway. The ride is fairly quiet. Six speed AT (with manual option) shifts very smooth. Four wheel disk brakes make stopping very even and sure. Rear trunk has a removable attached cover that conveniently rises when the rear lift gate is opened and conceals everything when closed. Black cloth seats are comfortable and nicely contoured. Owner’s manual is very complete and easy to understand. Cruise control buttons have raised centers which allow me to keep my eye on the road. Im getting about 30 MPG overall. Good safety features, insurance cost reasonable.

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  Most Fun for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rogracin - February 18 - 9:06 pm

  This is only the second new car we ever bought. The first was a 1988 Mazda MX6 GT and that car is still my daily driver (230K) so yes I am partial to Mazda. It was a little sluggish off the line until I installed a K&N air filter. Not sure what people are talking about saying they have poor MPG but dont forget the K&N filter! I would buy this car all over again!The original Eagle GT RSA tires were super hard and undriveable in any type snow. The replacement ContiPros ride and look much better but there is a slight roll over the sidewalls on very aggressive cornering. The interior is a little cheap like the sun visors and I gave a 8 on the build quality because I have a weird quirk where the radio does not always turn off with the car. Mazda has not traced down. Great car for the money!

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  not the best car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By blaze h - February 18 - 12:03 pm

  I bought my 6s as a repo from a bank. And ever since the brakes are shaky and theres a strange clicking sound coming from the motor that I have been told was a tension pulley and some grease will fix it. But it has 160k miles and its burning oil and I dont know why. Im thinking its the pcv valve but Im not sure. But Im constantly putting oil in it. Oh and my air intake tube is broken in half. And my mechanic duck taped it. So I need a new one soon.

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  MAZDA IS BACK!! - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By Bill Tolles - February 17 - 2:50 pm

  This rotary demon is impressive and fun to drive. Too many people (piston people) DO NOT understand the ROTARY engine. It is powerful, quick, and its super sporty (R3) suspension make it a demon on the roads. Horsepower is NOT a problem IF you know how to drive the RX-8. Not everyone is meant to drive the RX-8. The RX-8 must first pick you and then you and the RX-8 will bond and become one, only then will you truly appreciate the power, handling and excitement of Zoom-Zoom!! Once the union of car & RX-8 have commenced, then you two will be inseparable, and the road your friend. You will fear no curve, nor any Z monster encountered on the highways & biways of your travels. ROTARY forever!

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  Smooth and agile - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By koocct - February 17 - 1:23 am

  Purchased a 2003 Mazda6 s Sport with roughly 40k on the clock, onyx black. Exterior design still excites; truly a great-looking car. Interior design is good, but has a lot of cheap touches that scratch and wear out. 5-speed manual gearbox is a bit notchy and could have shorter throws, but a lot of fun overall. Suspension is nice and firm without being painful, but those looking for a Camry-like soft ride should look elsewhere. Steering is too light at low-speeds, but tightens up nicely as the car picks up speed. V6 lacks low-end power, but once the tach hits 5k the exhaust and the engine open up for some good force. Car understeers predictably; easy to control.