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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  Very Impressed - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By kdevivo - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 6i after looking at Accord, Camry, Altima and Passat. Passat too expensive, Altima has cheap interior, Camry boring and new Accord has too many complaints. Mazda6 is nice all around package. Surprisingly smooth and quiet on highway. 30mpg at 75mph. 3100miles-no problems. Paid 17500+tax. 4-sp auto smooth. Lot of fun to drive.

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  Family Sedan with a Soul.... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By psailing - October 31 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda 6 replaced a Volvo S60 which was stolen after less than two years of ownership (Took a big hit on depreciation and wasnt looking to pay that much again). Despite the $12K price difference, the Mazda compares quite favorably with the fancy European car and out performs it in the fun-to- drive department. If you enjoy driving and have been shopping Accords & Camrys, do yourself a favor and head to your Mazda dealer. Hondas and Toyotas are appliances...boring and souless!

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  Sticking with Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By SisuGirl - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Having owned (and still do) an 85 RX-7, I couldnt wait until I got this car, and I love it. The red lights, the seats, all the features are wonderful. The 5 speed manual is a must in this car if youre used to driving sporty manual cars. Its not too big for someone used to the RX-7 size. The handling is awesome and pickup at higher gears is pretty impressive as well. Mazda has done good.

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  I love my car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By maji96 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is an overall good car. I am very pleased with the performance.

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  Tribute O.K. - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Rdock - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Nice and peppy. Handles well. Interior design is a little cheap. Ignition is in a terrible place. Radio could be better or speakers. But the price was fair, and my wife enjoys driving it. I havent had a chance to try the four wheel drive yet. But Im sure old man winter will change that.

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  good-looking, nice-handling, my baby! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Whitney Ru - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I am a female driver and I look at cars in parking lots. I cant figure out that I drive any cars too big (like Expedition) or too small (like Honda Civic). I love the size, cute look, features, power and handling of the MPV of Mazda. I got it at very good deal with zero percent financing.

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  Excellent engineering work - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gabor - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Be sure to know what you want. Make no mistakes: the RX-8 is not a drag racing car. The engine has poor performance below 3000 rpm so your red-light take- off will not be spectacular. Probably a mediocre sport car will outperform in the 0-60 non-professional race. However, this is balanced by an unbelievable high-rev performance. You feel the car coming to life at 5000 and keep improving to the red line. The high-speed power and control is outstanding. Cornering is excellent and the response is very, very good. The run is much smoother than a V6 and the 1.3 liter Wankel is an engineering marvel. Interior is nice but you can get better in a G35.

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  hard on old bodies - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By trolkeeper - October 31 - 4:46 am

  It is a little too low to the ground for this old body. I would not buy it again only for this reason. Otherwise it is a great car. Beautiful to look at and every one comments on it.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Loretta Stockton - October 30 - 8:46 pm

  Got this vehicle one week ago and it is absolutely awesome. I love how it handles and the power of the engine. The body is definitely sleek and sexy and i have the black with tinted windows which makes it even more so.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Like the Mazda - October 30 - 1:10 pm

  Have 88000 miles on the Tribute and really like it. Have new front brakes and new tires. However, had to have front left and right axles replaced -- which was a shock as the car handles so well. I do like driving the car and it has held up well. I have leather seats and the leather is still like new. Would definitely buy another one.