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:

• 

  Excellent car, no regrets. - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cas - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive got a 95 M-edition in Merlot, purchased for a song about four months ago. Beautiful car, a joy to drive. Its flashy, zippy, handles tight and clean, and holds a lot more than it looks. It never fails to get attention and admiration. It feels utterly safe to drive, with that edge of excitement that comes with owning such a fast, sexy little machine. With only one exception, something inexpensive to fix, it has never let me down. This is my primary mode of transportation--I will never go back to more "sensible" vehicles. There isnt much Id change about this car, and I have no regrets whatsoever about buying it.

• 

  Problem-Free - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Beverly Lindholm - December 2 - 10:00 am

  No problems at all with 27,000.

• 

  My Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JamieBier - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Of all the cars I test drove this was by far the best. It handled better than the Civic, Corolla, and the Altima. The car just gets more fun each time I get in it!

• 

  My Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rkctexas - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has the best reliability of any car I have ever seen or heard of. It is fantastic, and practically repairs itself. No problems. I sometimes drive it too hard, but it takes it amazingly well. My wife and I love this car and consider it a member of our family. Lief Johnson has always been an exceptional dealer for me, always going above and beyond. For me to say that is something, because I have walked out of several places, determined never to do business with them again.

• 

  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sharon h. - December 2 - 10:00 am

  what a great car to drive! have the sports package mazda 6 and you dont drive the car, the car drives you. the handling of this car rivels anything that NASCAR has. it is just amazing. seats could be a little more comfortable for those longer trips. also the arm rest could be longer for us females that have to move the seat closer to the gas pedal.

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tribute2me - December 2 - 4:16 am

  I love my Mazda Tribute ES-V6. Its fun to drive. I can go just about anywhere and its absolutely awesome in the snow and ice. It handles wonderfully. Its nice for a change not to get stuck in my driveway. I drove it through blizzards and rainstorms and the weather hasnt scared me or it, yet. This is the most amount of fun Ive ever had driving this SUV.

• 

  Great fun for family of 4 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By oldsport - December 1 - 2:00 am

  We were looking at new 6s and Altima 3.5s, trying to keep the cost under 20k, and then we found this used one. The Altima was faster and more spacious but would take up more space in the garage. The 6 is just the right size, and it handles and stops better. This is one impressive car!

• 

  Love my MPV - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Jackson 5 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  We love our MPV! To me, the MPV is the sports car of mini vans. It looks great and is fun to drive and just gives you that feeling of zoom zoom. Sometimes when your driving and rocking out on the great sounding stereo, youve got to look back and remind yourself that your driving a mini van and have your kids in the back. Love this vehicle. So far, reliability has been great(knock on wood). Im just trying to find out now if there is a way that my MPV can accomodate 3 kids across the 2nd row seats when pushed together. If our family grows out of this van, that will be the saddest part. The MPV Rocks!

• 

  Fifis View - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Fifi - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great sports vehicle with low maintenance, great handling, priced a little high for limited options, no optional interior storage areas.

• 

  What A Great Ride and Performance! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mr M - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this car (truck) for a month and I just wished I had bought one sooner! I truly find this Mazda a Joy to drive! It handles great and has Power to keep up and run away from most cars! I love my Stereo with the 7 speakers and 6 CD player. If anyone knows about a Tribute car club in the New England area please drop me a line. Thank you and Happy Driving everyone!