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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  Love it, so far - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Andrew - May 1 - 12:33 am

  Just bought a used S Grand touring Wagon and love it so far. Got almost 28 mpg on a short 400 mile road trip. Tons of cargo space and configurations. The cargo cover doubles as a doggie cage and can also be moved just behind the front seat when the rear seats are folded down. The bottom portion of the drivers seat seem a little short on leg support, could be longer, but otherwise it is a comfortable ride for a big guy.

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  Almost like an Audi - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By newmazdaowne5 - April 30 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my hatchback for a month and am very happy with it. I am getting 34 mpg in mixed driving. The 2.0 has adequate power with the 6spd. A little more power on the freeway is nice, but 3rd gear does the job. The ride is very smooth and interior noise is less than my old GLI. Overall this car feels like the old generation audi A3 but with more features. This quality and interior feel is very good for the class. Handling is good with a compliant enough ride. The technology including blind spot monitoring and navigation is absolutely worth it on the GT trim. I dont know why anyone would not get the hatchback version.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By DeSorbo24 - April 30 - 12:43 pm

  I just bought the car about three months ago with 55k on it. I drive over 300 mi three times a week on the highway. I opted for the 6 cyl with the 5 spd manual. Best decision ever the car is awesome to drive, great gas mileage out of a 6 cyl. Only thing wrong was a cam shaft bolt that was improperly installed from the manufacturer and Mazda replaced no problem no big deal at all. Car is fast, smooth, handling is crisp and tight just like a sports car. And the exterior with the Mazdaspeed rims couldnt ask for better car

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  Adorable, sport, fun - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda owner - April 30 - 5:10 am

  I was looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle than my Toyota Sequoia. Ive always owned Toyotas and test drove the new 09 Matrix. I wasnt impressed with the responsiveness or the overall looks. I test drove the Mazda 3 and was immediately impressed. The 3 has a very sporty look, its comfortable, responsive, handles well, holds the road well in curves and has lots of features standard safety and otherwise. This car has more standard features than the Matrix such as stereo & cruise control on the steering wheel, and 17" alloy wheels. I sacrificed a little gas mileage between the Matrix 1.8L 4 speed and the Mazda 2.3L 5 speed but I ended up with a car thats a lot more fun to drive.

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  Really enjoying - except.... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazada609 - April 29 - 10:26 pm

  Drove all the "Camcordias" - new 6 as comfortable as they are -you dont see it "coming and going" - to me thats one of the best features. I got the 4 cyl - my first 4 banger - engine in smooth - but I miss the power and pickup of a 6 cyl. Gas mileage is about 25mpg around town - have 800 miles on the car (10 days driving). Automatic 5 speed is good on upshifts - downshifts are rough when coming around a turn and stepping on gas - it waits too long to shift and kind of bangs into lower gear. The "tiptronic" is lots of fun and works really well (though I find the "pushing forward" for downshift and pulling back for upshift to be backwards) Next time - 6 cyl with manual trans!

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  Had a Mazda 3 sedan 2008 for 9 months in Upstate NY - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By regraphic - April 29 - 6:59 pm

  It was a great car at first and its lasted throughout all of this crazy weather weve been having in the northeast with the hurricane and rain. I purchased the car used at 36,000 miles or so and now has about 44,000. On one occasion I left for a trip over a weekend and the car seemed to be hesitant to start. Again, this past weekend I left it over the weekend, which wasnt especially a record cold temp. weekend and came back to a non-starting vehicle. It sounds like it might be the battery, but I left the car a night and if the lights had been on this annoying buzzer goes on in my car before I remove the keys. Im not sure what it is that is wrong, but I will be bringing it in to find out.

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  Truly unique Vehicle - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Brook Landon - April 29 - 3:36 pm

  Ive owned my Mazda Millenia for about 5 years now. I bought it almost new with 11K miles. Now with 107K miles, my Milly is still going strong with only routine checkups, and the occasionally wear and tear maintenance that needed to be tended to. I love the color of my car, Sand mica with Oak interior, beautiful faux wood in-lay on center console. Up too this day I still get compliments on my vehicle. I also love the fact that you barely see them on the highway, so when people do see them, its sort of an exclusive feeling of reaction. Mazda did an fantastic job on this exterior; fit and finish superb, oozes quality, too perfect detail.

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  The new love of my life - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rhodes44 - April 29 - 10:36 am

  I had a chevy blazer, 1999 that i traded in. I had way to many problems with it. The first and only car i looked at was a SILVER MAZDA 6. I loved how spacious this car is and all of the room in the trunk. I took that baby for a test drive and truly felt how clean she was. this car hugs corners and is such a blast to drive. Best way to describe it would be clean all around. My car was owned by one person, previously and had 52,000 miles. I would be using my car for work and also pleasure. My daughter and I drive to va beach alot, close to once amonth and have not had any type of issues so far. Even my boyfriend loves the way this mazda drives and cuts around corners. Very clean and sharp.

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  My new Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Chris Wood - April 29 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the vehicle about two weeks ago (6/2002). This is our third Mazda and the best yet. The new styling is very attractive. The fit, feel, and finish of the whole car resembles that of many other more expensive cars. The $5,000 rebate made this car deal extraordinary. Where else can you get all of this for $21,500?

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By I love my Mazda - April 29 - 7:33 am

  I love this vehicle and we have put lots of mileage on it, lots of room and very comfortable, handles very nicely on highway with little noise. We drive all over on ATV trails in the bush, on the highway and around town and are extremely happy with out Mazda Tribute. When I decide to trade in I am almost certain to get another Tribute. My only complaint with it is the gas mileage considering the size of this SUV.