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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  Get one - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By willsing4gumbo - March 1 - 4:00 am

  I bought this car to replace a Miata lost to Katrina. I absolutely love it! This is my 11th Mazda. Have only had to do oil and other fluid changes, and put a set of tires on it at 50K. I swapped the noisy Michelins for Riken Raptors and it handles as if on rails. I use it to haul my kayaks, and it performs well loaded down with two 14 foot ocean kayaks

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  Mazda 3s a great compact car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - February 28 - 7:36 pm

  I was sold the moment I sat in the new 2007 Mazda 3. I had done a lot of reading and really like the looks of the car. But the moment I got in and started the engine I felt a connection I hadnt with any of the other cars. It just felt...good. Taking it for a drive confirmed that -- it runs as good as it looks. Quick and fantastic handling. The car has nearly zero body roll around corners. The steering is extremely tight and responsive. The five-speed manual shifts smoothly (minus reverse which needs to be coerced.)

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  Overlooked Gem - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dsirias - February 28 - 8:06 am

  I have the only GT manual 6i hatchback that I know of in CA. After waiting months after my factory order it arrived just as requested - violet gray, black leather, iPod integration module. People are blown away when they see it, since there are so few of them in this configuration. Its not the fastest car, but it handles very well. The MPG is spectacular. Im not even at half a tank and Ive already driven almost 300 miles. (I admit that I dont drive real fast, but oh lord, I am loving the MPG thus far.) The Mazda6 is a car underserved by the base model and sport value configurations. Thats why there are so many unsold. To really see the beauty of this car, see it decked out!

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  satisfied!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By revenuer1 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  We just bought an MPV and are quite pleased with it. We traded in our Windstar for it and think that the handling on the road is as good if not better. Instruments/controls are not difficult to use or see. For some reason remote is not always working on front passenger door but should be easily fixed by the dealer. Salepeople/finance people were very helpful and informative.

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  Excellant Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By renabg - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I gave my wife a choice of new cars. I actually had a Mercedes C320 set aside at the dealership for her. She being a "High Maintenance Girl", I thought that shed bite on that in a New York minute. However, she held firm on the Tribute and it was a great decision. In fact, since it is my turn to get a new car, I opted for a Mazda6 instead of a Mercedes, BMW or Lexus. I still think that they are superior cars, but the Mazda6 at half (or less) their price is irresistable.

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  I love my car but - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MERCAT - February 27 - 11:50 pm

  After several years of owning it the hard top wont retract. I think its an electrical problem and I will be taking it in but wondered if anyone here had the same experience. I pop open the dealie between the shades, put it in neutral and push the button. It just beeps at me. Nothing happens.

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  MP5 Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By YellowPro5 - February 26 - 8:20 am

  Great car for little money. You will have fun in it.

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  Something different in this segment - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By byronape - February 25 - 11:25 pm

  I was searching for a mid-size car with decent power, nice looking, and a V6-MTX combo to replace my aged Maxima. The 6 fit the bill, and since its made in Michigan, I could keep my Ford retiree FIL happy. It had a little over 80k when it bought it, and had a few minor issues that I have yet to deal with. Almost a year after buying it, Im still pleased with the way the car drives and handles. The factory Bose system was terrible, so I swapped the speakers for aftermarket... fyi you need to swap the amp too or it will sound worse. Power isnt fantastic, but sufficient for keeping things interesting. Looks nice and with the leather and sunroof, it feels like a more expensive car.

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  Luv R Mazda 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By luvmazda6 - February 25 - 5:23 pm

  We love our new 2009 Mazda 6. We picked it up in February after driving the Accord, Camry, Nissan, Passat and Malibu. We like it much better than the competitors. We have recently taken it on a 500 mile trip to Wyoming. It was quite comfortable and we had to actually put the car into cruise control so we wouldnt exceed 100 mph (it drives sooo smoothly).

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  A must look in the small car class - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikeman075 - February 24 - 9:56 pm

  After years of driving a thirsty pig of a Nissan Maxima, I decided I wanted something smaller and more economical. The thing is I was not willing to give up the fun to drive factor. After looking at many different cars, I always came back to the Mazda 3. It provides by far the most fun in its price class. In the nearly three years Ive owned this car, Ive been very impressed with the overall performance and quality. The steering and handling in particular are outstanding providing nearly BMW style feedback. I love this car as you could probably tell by now. Id highly recommend it to anyone whos looking for a economical car but cant stand boring cars like the Toyota Corolla.