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:

• 

  We love our MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By lazyfox - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We wanted first to get a used Odyssey, but discovered MPV. We did the research and decided to get it. Drives like a normal car (actually words of our friend who had driven it, she drives VW Golf ; -) ). Enough power, it might downshift more often when going uphill vhen loaded, but it still has enough power not to lag behiond traffic. Easy parking with its smaller size. Have a 8k on the van now and except for that fog light recall we had no problems.

• 

  All in all, a great car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By kyjd75 - June 24 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this car shortly after it was introduced in its first model year. I expected some problems, and I was not disappointed. However, Mazda USA took care of all of them at no cost to me. The car has since proven to be a reliable performer with great handling, smooth ride, and good looks. Its fuel economy is only fair, and the road noise at speed is noticeable, but the car drives so well, you dont mind. With Michelin tires, it is smooth as silk, and is extremely stable at triple digit speeds. It is definitely a drivers car. We have the leather interior, and it is holding up well. If handling and overall good driving experience is important to you, then this is a car to consider.

• 

  Fun to drive, but not fun to fix - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By aperion05 - June 24 - 10:13 pm

  I got my Mazda 6 brand new a little over 2 years ago. I love this car. Its fast, handles great, comfortable, looks great, and I love the Bose stereo. Mazda has, however, really let me down. This car has been in the shop for warranty repairs six times! Ive had problems with the fuel pump, transmission, A/C and even the key fob. Im so torn. I love the car, and have unfortunately gotten to try others as rentals, but it is a huge hassle to keep getting repairs. When the warranty expires I dont know if Ill be able to afford such big repairs. Ive even met other people that had the same car and had the same problems. Overall, dont buy this year, and beware of other years.

• 

  Practical with style and handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By emRaleigh - June 24 - 5:30 am

  Its so easy to get in and drive. Mine has the Bose/tech package with moonroof. I didnt need the nav so the smallish screen doesnt bother me. Bluetooth hands free operation is easy and the media console is well laid out for use. The stereo beats that of my former 2007 G35. Im averaging 26.8 in mixed driving with high-octane gas. Rear seats fold flat and hatch hide cover removes easily to really load it up when you need to. I hauled a full sized mountain bike in their and only had to move the passenger seat forward a bit. Everything works. It brakes effectively and its generally a quiet ride at any speed. My 510" son fits in back with a couple inches to spare. Hard to beat the value.

• 

  Fun with a few flaws - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By dp1 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought this to replace a 12 year old clunker. I love driving the car. The engine does feel peppy. The lower horse power forces you work the gears. The shifter and gear box are great -- exactly what I expect from Mazda. It is always fun to drive a slow car fast. I bought the base Touring model. It had all the features I wanted; cruise, upgraded stereo, trip computer, etc. I would love to see a center console. I have no where to put my right arm on longer freeway drives.

• 

  How is a car this cheap this good - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Will W - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had six - yes, six - Mazda 3s. All were manuals. Four were 3i and two 3s. 5 sedans and now this 2010 3s hatchback. There are not enough superlatives to describe how this car drives. Not a better manual tranny/clutch combo on the planet for cars under 40 grand. Definitely, the best car for the buck Ive run into in my lifetime and Im 62. One can only remark: "How can a car this good be so cheap." Buy this car for the suspension, the tranny, the clutch, the brakes, the steering, the handling, the cornering and to heck with everything else - it doesnt matter. thats enough! All one need do is upgrade the tires and you have an econo-box supercar.

• 

  Zoom Zoom 2.5L Style - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Evans Zoom Zoom - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a mid-size V-6 sedan I was concerned if I would be able to adjust to a smaller car w/ 4-cyl engine. After 7 weeks and 1500 miles I have no more worries about this. The front seats are comfortable and will be fine for most people as long as youre not too tall or heavy. The rear seats are only good for SMALL people or pets. This car has a lot of bang for the buck--tight build quality, well balanced ride, lots of features and good quality materials throughout the vehicle. It looks more expensive than it is--especially the "s" models with the 2.5L engine which have upgraded interior and exterior materials and features.

• 

  Not bad - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike - June 22 - 11:03 pm

  Handling is good on this car. Ive had it for about 3000 miles nows and am very impressed with cornering and acceleration. Had to go to dealer to get engine light checked out once.

• 

  A cure for the common Camry - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brad - June 22 - 6:43 am

  This car is a first class ride! Of all the family sedans available, only the Nissan rivals it for good looks and no other brand comes close to Mazdas excellent sports tuned suspension. Add a well-designed interior, supremely comfortable seats, and you have a car that rises above the ordinary. My wife and I test drove a Camry and found it to be a quiet car with neutral handling characteristics. When we took the Mazda out for a spin, we found that the Mazda 6 not only accommodates small families but does it with a good dose of fun. The 4-cylinder engine is adequate with the strong acceleration above 3 thousand RPM. The mileage is acceptable if not the best in its class.

• 

  Meant to Be - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By rdouble - June 21 - 8:02 pm

  I bought a 2014 Mazda 6 in Jan 2014. Unfortunately, I was hit by a van which slid and hit me on my door. Safe Car! but damaged beyond repair. I decided, in its replacement to get a 2014 Mazda 3 4 door sedan Touring; . I have to say it was meant to be. This car practically drives itself; I feel the road, I feel safe and I enjoy driving again!. Its beyond perfect for me and I am so thankful to Mazda for producing such a gem of a vehicle!