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 sporty, versatile subcompact - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Toivo - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Mazda wasnt even on my list of cars I considered when I was shopping for one. However, the Mazda dealership was next to the Mitsubishi one, so I stopped there... I test drove the Civic, Focus, Eclipse, Tiburon et al., but there was no contest. The handling of the vehicle is in a class of its own. The ride is firm, precise, sporty. The interior is very attractive, all the materials look and feel very high-class, no cheap plastic. Nice versatility with the form factor. Has needed nothing except for regular oil changes. Standard maintenance very cheap. Seats four adults comfortably.

• 

  Fun - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lee in Canada - December 9 - 2:00 am

  We needed a replacement for our minivan. This had the good visibility and enough power to pull a tent trailer. Were thinking about the MPV but its interior was boring. Miss the room of a minivan.

• 

  Fun Daily Driver. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Luv2drive - December 8 - 7:26 am

  I have an 06 with a 2.3L engine and manual transmission, and it is one solid, sporty little car. Its interior and exterior styling are, without a doubt, the best in its class. Everyone who rides in it comments about the cool interior. Its way more fun to drive than its price tag might suggest, especially with the manual transmission. The engine is responsive and rev-happy, the steering is precise, and the suspension tears up corners like a sports car. The only reliability issues Ive had were minor annoyances related to my own modifications. This is probably the most exciting car you can buy for under $20,000... and it still gets 26/31 mpg!

• 

  Completely Happy - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Alvin - December 8 - 6:00 am

  My wife and I wanted a minivan that wasnt so bulky, with 3RD row stow away seats, and something with decent power under the hood. The 3.0L motor is both powerful and smooth. You forget its a minivan youre driving. The 5 speed automatic makes a world of difference on the freeway and weve found it to be smooth on shifts. We have 118,000 miles, and so far so good. We were going to buy a Honda, but after research, they had just as many complaints from its customers and was bigger than we liked

• 

  First SUV - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoner - December 7 - 5:43 am

  Test drove 5 other brands and liked the Tribute right away.The contrasting interior color was a plus and the "classy" touch is nice.It handles great and feels positive.I drove a 04 Duramax for 5 yrs. so this feels much better but similar.If you want a softer ride then buy something else.SUV says it all. The performance is outstanding with the new v6 and the fuel mileage is great.I tow a pop-up camper and a small 14 aluminum boat with it and with the 3500 lb rating its perfect and tows great. I read the early year reviews but this engine and tranny should upgrade them considerably.Overall Im very happy with it.

• 

  Solid Vehicle - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By m - December 6 - 9:30 am

  After 112,000 miles only a few major repairs - one door actuator and cracked exhaust manifold. Lots of great features in the van, especially for the time. Really like the fold flat rear seat. No problems with CD or moonroof. Great stereo. Biggest disappointment is the lack of power. The transmission kicks and the whole car jumps (not to move fast, just jumps). Its been a good dependable car and with 23/24 mpg on the highway not bad for a van.

• 

  Very solid first car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By D.A. - December 6 - 12:43 am

  I recently got this as my first "own" car, Im graduating from college soon, and decided to invest in good, newer car that would last me a while. Bought this one with 11k miles. I was attracted by the styling, and after the test drive, I was hooked. The dual exhaust, rear lights, low-profile tires all look awesome for a car at this price. It drives great on the highway and in the city. The handling is very very good, acceleration smooth, and I havent had any mechanical issues with it so far. I liked it a lot better than the other cars I tried: Toyota Camry, Suzuki Verona, Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac GT. Hondas were all too expensive, so I didnt get to try them. Mazda6 is simply great!

• 

  You have to love the Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aaron - December 5 - 6:53 pm

  Amazing car. Responsive, agile, and fun to drive - stock. I have gotten numerous comments on the car, at the bank, grocery store, etc. Its distinctive styling and acceleration make this a car to be proud of wherever you go. You really have to watch your speed in this car. I have found myself creep up to 90+ on the freeway without noticing it. After owning my Mazda6 only 18 days, I was struck from behind while sitting at a stoplight. The other driver hit us at 50 mph. Our Mazda held up amazingly well with relatively minor damage considering the impact - and no frame damage!

• 

  ZOOMIN - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Larry Smyth - December 5 - 1:33 am

  A tight, down to earth car with great road handling capabilities. The transmission is smooth, plenty of power under the hood and I love the 18 inch wheels and low profile Pirellis. What a great bang for the buck!

• 

  Light and Fast - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Beverly M - December 4 - 11:43 pm

  Gas Mileage is not great