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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  Just bought it, but so far impressed. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Greg - June 2 - 11:40 am

  So, I just traded in a 99 Chevy Cavalier for this car, so Im sure my review will be a bit inflated. I absolutely love the style, and the drive quality is such an improvement over my Chevy its hard to describe. Ive yet to configure the BOSE stereo and bluetooth and whatnot, but Im sure it wont be difficult. Ill update my review after Ive driven it around for a few months.

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  Love my Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Equall - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Its not the fastest car on the street. But, I didnt buy it to be fast. I bought it because it looked good and it never stops giving me pleasure. Everytime I get behind the wheel, Its still feels like the very first time...

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  I Like This SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jerseypaws - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This Tribby replaced a Ford Explorer Sport. What a difference! Handling, ride, comfort, performance, gas mileage, even radio reception are all much better than the Explorer. Has the feel of a much bigger SUV inside than the Liberty and RAV4 which I also tested. This Tribby came with Continental tires which I chose to upgrade to Michelin Cross Terrains for an additional $240.

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  Raises the bar for Compact Cars! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 04accent4drGL - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Since owning this vehicle i have experienced no problems at all. The engine is great and has excellent gas mileage. The car is refined, and compared to toyota, honda and nissan compacts, this one sets the bar high. It feels to me that Mazda has set the new standard for compact cars, and toyota, honda and nissan better watch out. This car is fun to drive and has a good look to it. I got my 3 in velocity red, with a manual, power package (which included 16" rims, ac, power windows and doorlocks, radio controls on the steering and cruise control), and tilting and telescoping (for this price you dont get that!). good thing i traded my 04 accent in for this car!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dizg8r - June 2 - 10:00 am

  What a wonderful car! I have enjoyed every minute driving it. The handling is spectacular and I love the tight shifting of the 5-speed manual transmission. The salesman at the dealership here in Orlando, Florida, Cory Fairbanks Mazda, was great. I will forewarn ANYONE trying to finance through Cory Fairbanks though, DO NOT!!! Their finance staff was beyond rude, including name calling, ignorant about the product as well as the federal regulations pertaining to financing a vehicle and lied about several details.

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  Poor Factory Workmanship, Fit & Finish - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6S Buyer - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Poor fit & finish, hood, bumper cover, fenders & front end accessories are out of alignment & a bent door. A loose windshield gasket and a rattle in the dash. I looked at Mazda6 cars on 3 dealer lots, each exhibiting similar poor exterior workmanship. I complained to both the dealer and Mazda corporate, all to no avail. Ignored for nearly 120 days, the Mazda factory rep finally told me that the poor workmanship "meets the factory standard." & that the bent door "may be" my fault. Examine your Mazda6, & note the hood & bumper cover alignment & the hoods over hang. I expected acknowledgement & timely service. I should have bought the Altima!

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  Awesome so far... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dechy - May 31 - 9:10 pm

  Ive had my Mazda3 for about a year and a half and have not had any problems as at all. The ride and handling are awesome. I test drove the Civic, Corolla, Ion and Focus and hands down, the Mazda 3 was an easy winner.

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  Great Outside, Cheap Inside - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Good but Cheap - May 31 - 5:16 am

  I have owned this Mazda for 3 years. Its a good car. Engine is quite and peppy. Very reliable. Just add gas, change to oil regulary and go. The thing that gets me about it the cheap and tough to clean interrior. In typical Japanese automotive fashion, its cheap and plastic. The cloth on the sests attract any dirt and I always have to use a sweater shaver on them to get rid of the fuzzballs the fabric makes. The fabric trim on the door came loose. (Repaired under warranty) The carpet is difficult to vacuum, hold objects like velcro. The air conditioning could use more power. The horn needs a boost too. The windshield wipers need a intermittent adj. The tires wore out at 30,000 miles.

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  Happy Im Driving A Protege5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ljr - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am very satified with my 2002 Mazda Protege5. It is extremely fun to drive. Looks great. I have 3 complaints about the car and they are: 1. Moonroof very noisy. Can not drive with it open. 2. Cup holders not deep enough, bottled water tips if full. 3. Difficult to drive on roads with water. In FL we have heavy downfalls of rain..when roads are wet with still water, vehicle is difficult to handle. Must travel at very low speed.

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  Looks can be decieving - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By nocode - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Looks great but its been in the shop more times than I can count. From the rear wipers, moon roof switch, air bag, seat belt, molding, visor, oxygen sensor, door jams, windshield and rear glass moldings, headlight leakage... the list goes on and on. While its a beauty to look at and even fun to drive this Tribute has been a royal pain. STEER AWAY!