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:

• 

  95 Miata - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nburford - January 29 - 4:46 am

  This has been one of the most reliable and fun to drive cars that Ive ever owned. It is extremely easy to work on and it begs to be driven. Good on gas, oil and the other automotive life bloods.

• 

  Zoom Zoom #1 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mugwamp - January 28 - 9:16 pm

  This is the most fun I have had in a car in years. It is compact but still has head and shoulder room for my husband and myself, and we are not small people. With gas prices going up, it is terrific. My son did not want to learn how to drive a manual until he drove mine a few times. Now that is what he wants for his own car.

• 

  Great Economy Car - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ingersom - January 28 - 12:33 pm

  the exterior of the car for this price range is fantastic! the subtle lines the beautiful headlights are a total turn on, however the interior is bland using black cloth and some silver trim throughout the whole car. you can be sure its not luxury. the features of the car are pretty limited but it does have bluetooth which is now a must have and pretty much all i needed... the ride is very stiff so if u frequent crappy roads u will feel every bump but when u get it out on a smooth fresh paved road with plenty of curves well... theres a reason why i have 4 tickets. road noise is pretty high especially in the backseat but at least while your back there you will have plenty of leg room

• 

  This car is GREAT! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ron L - January 27 - 12:36 pm

  I have a 60 mile round-trip daily commute, and a family with 2 small children; This is the ideal cross-over between an economical commuter car and a mini-van! And, while it would be nice if Mazda would tweak the motor to get another 15 hp, it performs just fine. It handles and brakes extremely well... Zoom-zoom! The interior is well planned, and the materials, fit and finish are excellent! It has a great ride, is reasonably quiet, and it even looks pretty good for a "minivan"! The touring model is also well equiped with cruise control, sunroof, side-skirts, 17" alloy wheels, 6CD changer, climate control, etc. The only "option" we added was the rear bumper step guard.

• 

  Exquisite!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By vkr - January 25 - 7:16 pm

  This car has state-of-the-art features seen only in luxury cars. And its not cheap/unreliable, everything has worked flawless (rainsense wipers with sensitivity setting, keyless entry, bluetooth, blind-spotmonitor, driver+passenger side temp ctrl, driver seat that memorizes each drivers setting based on key, ability to roll windows using remote fob, ability to close windows/sunroof from outside, awesome bose speakers, audio with DVR like rew/fwd to a previously played track (it has memory!), ability to fold rear seat with 60/40 split, fuel consumption monitor. mpg: The consumption monitor is great driving aid. Without it I avg 21, but after using it I avg 23 (becoming a better mpg driver!)

• 

  Newt - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Newt - January 25 - 6:16 pm

  A great car. Everyone should own one sometime during their life.

• 

  As fun as a go-cart! - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By sentinel106 - January 25 - 8:42 am

  The small car segment in America is finally getting competitive, and Mazda does a great job of building a car that is comfortable, efficient, good looking, and (true to the Mazda heritage) fun to drive. I test drove the automatic, and while it is very good as far as four-speeds go, it is still a four speed, so I can only recommend the manual. While on paper the car may seem to weak, get behind the wheel (of the manual) and youll experience a go-cart like driving sensation that can only be defined as pure bliss. The car is very efficient, and the engaging drive keeps giving me reasons to head out to the store or just to hit the road. Do yourself a favor, buy this car. You wont regret it.

• 

  New computer after 300 miles! - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Michelle - January 25 - 3:36 am

  Purchased car this month and after 300 miles, the computer went out and left us stranded in the middle of 5 lanes of traffic...sideways! Dealer very helpful and gave us a loaner car and replaced computer in less than a week. Very happy customer with this dealership. When accelerating from a stop, sometimes...sometimes...it feels like power is not constant. Almost like driving a turbo with turbo lag.

• 

  Happy New Owner - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By kmaurer - January 23 - 9:40 pm

  Just purchased a Mazda6 i AT. There is plenty of power with the 4 cylinder (dont believe all the reviews), the engine is willing to "rev." Like the smaller size of the car (not as big as a CamCord). The new fabric in 06 is definitely much better than previous models, the 5-speed auto works well with the engine. Buying experience was OK, Mazdas are in hot demand in my area (UT). Overall, a satisfied Mazda owner!

• 

  Great Car! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Shannon - January 22 - 8:53 pm

  Ive had my Tribute for 14 months and I still love it the same as I did a year ago. Its very reliable, good gas mileage and was a good choice for me and my family. I have a 6yr and a 1year old, even on long trips, its a little small.. but good on gas (which is most important to us) I would buy from this Mazda again because my buying AND service experience has been great!!! I would recommend this car to anyone that wants a economical small SUV!