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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  I love my new zoom-zoom ride! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ashley7801 - May 9 - 4:56 pm

  I have always wanted a Mazda 3....when the 2010s came out, I knew I had to had one and finally yesterday we bought it!!!!! So far, I LOVE it! Its cute and fun to drive! I got the sunroof and Bose package and I think it was well worth it!

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  Love it, hate it relationship! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Love it, hate it! - May 9 - 1:43 am

  I absolutely love my Mazda 5 but there are so many small things about it that drive me crazy seems though its brand new. The style of the car is awesome and it is dependable and a low cost car, the mpg wasnt as great as I thought it would be but its not awful. Overall I love the car but NO armrest, come on! The car drives awful in snow, I cant even leave the house, guess its not a good vehicle for Ohioans. The brakes squeak very loud when backing up. The back door handles freeze. The tires are new but I slide a lot on wet surfaces. The car has an awful vibration that comes and goes, it also vibrates when the windows are down and it feels like your eardrums just popped

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  So far so good - status update - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By sargon123 - May 8 - 7:31 am

  I purchased a preowned vehicle in April 2011. I have put about 14,000 miles on in to date (purchased at approx. 11,600 miles). No major repairs to date. Vehicle is reasonably comfortable, convenient controls on stirring wheel and dashboard. So far, routine maintenance has been performed, car has been reasonably comfortable with no major problems.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mel - May 8 - 4:33 am

  I just love this car! I have had it for 2 weeks now and the interior layout is well done as is the exterior. It looks like a peppy midsize car and the performance backs it up. There is a larger turning radius but that was expected with the 17" wheels vs. the 14" on my last car. The traction control and ABS perform wonderfully and those commenting about the wonderful visability through the windshield hit the nail on the head. The red dash lighting is friendly on the eyes when driving at night. Rear passenger map lights, CD changer, numerous storage spaces and comfy seats are also appreciated bonuses in this car. I suggest a test drive. It doesnt take long to get comfy in one.

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  Smooth-Riding Car for Small Families - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Renee Lichtenhan - May 7 - 4:36 am

  This is a great little van for small families. Handling is really smooth, "Zoom Zoom", as they say. Very dependable. Lots of little nooks in the drivers side to stash cell phone, sunglasses, cosmetics. Easy to reach radio and temperature controls. Handy storage under middle bucket seats. Seats very easy to fold and slide where you need them to be. Ample storage when third row is folded down. But, if youve got people in the third row, forget about putting any luggage, groceries, or even school backpacks in the back.

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  Horrible experience - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rbramble - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had a poor experience with the car for only owning it for not even 4 months. There is a strange noise in the front right wheel well, and the dealer cannot find anything wrong. I had to take the car back with only 3000 miles because the check engine light came on. They told me after fixing it that it is a recall and that I would have eventually received a notice in the mail. Today I noticed the dash illumination panel, does not display all the features it is suppose to. I was reading through the manual and noticed this. I will have to call the dealer again tomorrow and be inconvienced to take the car back once again.

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  Lovin the Zoom-Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By EASwen - May 7 - 2:00 am

  From the first drive, I knew this car was for me. Moved up from a Sentra SE-R and what a move up. People are constantly surprized at how handsome this car it and for those I have let drive it cannot believe it is a Mazda. Power and handling are superb, fuel economy is reasonable. The V6 has a nice balance of torque and horsepower that make merging to the highway a breeze. This is our second Mazda (bought the new MPV back in 2000)and I continue to be impressed with the quality. If you want a great car at a great price, I highly recommend.

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  Best in Class - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By RJBJAB - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The initial quality was flawless. It has more interior room than any other car in its price class. It handles likes your driving on rails due to the precise steering, tight suspension and 16 inch tires. The automatic/manual transmission makes it so fun to drive!! It can go from 40-70 mph faster than any small car we have ever driven. The road noise is far less than our Saturn SW2 and is more agile and the turning radius is incredible. The visibility is good because your not sitting on the floor boards like the Saturn. It also has a standard 48000 mile 5yr bumper to bumper warranty. We are VERY happy with our purchase!!

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  A Great Buy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SlakkerJJ - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Did a lot of research before purchasing this car. The only negative things people were saying was gas mileage. I work about 15 miles from my house so that doesnt bother me but I could see how people would complain about it. But it is a performance vehicle and it does kick some serious butt.I love it and thought it was a smart buy.

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  Im lovin my zoom-zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zeta - May 6 - 2:40 am

  I bought my 2004 Mazda6s from a dealership a few weeks ago. It was used, but had barely 6,000 miles and was in EXCELLENT condition. I was in love with the 6 for a very long time, and I am absolutely delighted to own one. My 6s is fully loaded, down to the leather seats, Bose Sound system and the sunroof. This car has it all, a head-turning exterior, a fun and fab interior, and the 3.0 V6 engine gives you some pep when you want it - yet still remains quiet (a lot less noisy than its competitors). I am very very happy that I purchased this car and I look forward to many great times ahead in my zoom-zoom!