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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  X12-FLY - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By POOLEMAN - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car,this is my first car and i enjoy it alot and my friends.I give two thumbs up for this car.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By PI - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Im not going to repeat everything else that has been stated. Simply, Ive been looking to replace my 96 Probe GT for a few years now and nothing else pushed my buttons. Ive tested a number of cars including the Altima, Celica, Solara, TSX Scion tc, and even the 325ci, anything that was semi sporty and had a little room. I first tested the 6 when it came out, (93) and was impressed, just felt the need to explore more. I bought my 94 with luxury/sport package/mp3 and a few other features for 24k before rebates. There wasnt another car with similar options even close to what I got for the $. Its solid, tight and pretty quiet. Ride was as good or better than the 325ci sport(s) I test drove

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  best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By old guy - July 29 - 10:06 pm

  I knew this was a sports car when I bought it and was willing to put up with a few rough edges. About the only concern Ive had is the high performance SUMMER tires it comes with - they are totally worthless in the winter! Mileage is a bit lower than we get with our Mazda 3 but performance is awesome. No quality or engine problems and the dealer has even been a pleasant surprise.

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  my new car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By shantelly - July 25 - 7:53 am

  it is a great driving experience and the style is nice and sleek. otherwise, the car is great except the fuel intake. i seem to have to fill my tank three through seven days. this car burns alot of gas.

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  Good car for the price - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott - July 20 - 4:03 pm

  Traded into the 6 out of a Saturn Aura XE coming off lease. The Mazda6 is my favorite in class this year due to its styling, interior space and price. It drives very well. I like a sportier feel than the cushiness of the Camry, and I hate CVTs (Altima and Legacy). The 4cyl engine does better than I thought it would, but you definitely notice the step down if coming from a V6, like me. My black cloth interior is kind of a lint trap, it seems -- the velour really shows anything that sticks to it. Comfortable, though. I am noticing a handful of little touches that the Mazda does not have, compared to the base Saturn that I leased in 2007. For the price, though, I am happy with the car.

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  Mazda Tribute A Womens perfect car. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By school teacher - July 20 - 1:43 am

  I bought the ES V6 2wheel drive. I compared it to other mini SUVs and liked the ride, leather seats, power drivers seat and power to get on the freeway. Plenty of room for bringing home stuff from the nursery. I love sitting up high and seeing more of the road. Im barely 5 tall and need the optional step tubes. Its a great option, particularily for women.

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  It is almost perfect BUT.... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Liam - July 19 - 5:46 pm

  I love this car, but would strongly recommend you get the manual transmission if you are after max fun. The automatic shift function is a joke. Off of the highway the 2.0L engine is almost just as fun and much better on gas, plus you can avoid those terrible 17" tires. 33K so far and nothing except basic maintainace and having to buy snow tires on steel rims and new street tires on the 17" rims.

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  Disappointing Mazda - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Donna Roque - July 17 - 5:30 am

  My husband and I purchased this minivan used with 40,000 miles on it. It was our first mini van. It is fully loaded with all the features we wanted. The first year was fine with no problems. Since the summer of 2007 we have been to the dealership (not where we purchased it) at least 6 times or more for repairs. We have 2 kids and having to go back and forth for repairs is a real inconvenience. Our main problems have been faulty ignition coils, idle control valve and an oil pan seal gasket. Lucky for us we purchased an extended warranty which has covered about two thirds of our costs thus far. This is the first vehicle that we have ever owned that has given us this much trouble.

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  Great Sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By newRX-8 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is a delight to drive. The steering feel is very good. The brakes allow you to break late in a corner. I find the seats supportive and comfortable. The six speed manual is easy to shift.

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  I love this car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Opus37 - July 14 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased an RX8 after driving a lot of similar sports cars. This one just feels right. The rotory engine sounds wonderful and has plenty of power. This handles like a dream even at over 150 mph. (it goes faster than that). I smile every time Im driving it. I can get up to 25 mpg on the road or down to 16 mpg if I drive agressively. The ride is a little softer than other sports cars but that does not affect handling. It improves the ride.