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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  Problems Starting Vehicle - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Stranded & Mad - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle wont start. It takes about 4 tries before the car finally starts. This has happened countless times. The service person cant find the problem. Previously had the stalling problem twice. Had the door molding start coming down. Headlight has condensation in it. Hear squeking noise on the passenger door panel. Accelerator gets stuck & suddenly accelerates. To much brake dust.

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  Cooks RX 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jim Cook - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I had an 1978 RX-7. This car shares only the RX. Its an awesome vehicle.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NEWireless - December 19 - 2:00 am

  After 10 years of driving "sport sedans" (BMW 533i, Audi 100, Audi A6) this car is a remarkable improvement in fun and handling while maintaining the ability to travel comfortably and conveniently with my children. Love the look, feel, and driving experience. Car pulls strong and smooth right up to the red-line. The Renesis engine is amazing. With the right snow tires, this car is proving to be a great year-round driver here in Boston, MA

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  I Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gypsywomen - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Dont hesitate...it is perfect! Roomy for it size, handles fabulous, great on gas, nice sounds, fast! and all this and not a bad price either.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By alecdean - December 19 - 12:03 am

  I love this car. I got the Black Cherry with upgraded Sand Leather - WOW! Everyone loves it. I love the fact theyre hard to find on the road - not everyone has figured out the new secret. I debated between this and the new Acura RDX, but for the money - this was a steal. Must haves: Navigation Package - it is awesome!

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  This is an upgrade for me - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By faust3 - December 18 - 10:38 am

  great mpg but i am not a floor it driver. gives me the awesome sports car look without paying for the gas. I just wanted something more sporty and fun to drive but not have to fill the tank every week. color i got was meteor gray mica and looks sharp. it is a head turner at a lower end cost level. i had a basic nissan versa ( crank windows ) which i just wasnt thrilled with. wanted some up to date inside car features with a sporty looking car on the outside at a low 200 payment. i call this the lexus i can afford. I also purchased the hatchback because I just wanted a car where the seats come down for more room to haul a picture or something large and long.

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  Not Happy - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Not Happy - December 17 - 5:43 am

  Tire noise is very loud! This is a 2008 that is eight months old with 24,000 miles on it. This is my work car and is driven quite a few miles a day. I was very happy with mine, until the miles started adding up. Besides the tire noise, there is a loud noise coming from the right front fender area. The Mazda mechanic at the shop said he couldnt here it because of the tire noise. They contacted the Mazda rep, and he came to the dealer in Ottawa IL., but they didnt even show him my car, and I was told Mazda would pay one third of the cost to replace the tires, if they were replaced at the dealer. Dealer wants to put a different brand of tire on it so it will solve the problem.

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  awsome car all around!!! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By madmiatablue - December 17 - 2:56 am

  This is just one amazing car!! stock it is totally drivable without any complaints but throw on the jackson racing supercharger, lightweight flighwheel, 16" rims with some moderate chassy stiffeners, roll bar, and the 6 speed from the 10th ann. ed. (plus some other little nik nacs) and you have one sweet ride, no firebird in the land will give you much challenge! and it is still very streetable!! i have two and the one i told you about is the onee i drive, the other is race only in scca miata spec showroom stock B. i recomend these to anyone under 62"

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  Good overall - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By bricknord - December 16 - 10:03 pm

  Pros: Body style is distinctive. Standard DSC. Roomy. Quiet at highway speed. Uncluttered dash controls. Huge trunk. Nice firm suspension. You dont blend into the sea of Camcords in a parking lot. Good combination of fuel efficiency, size, handling, and looks. Base stereo far better than our Civic EX-L. Cons: Front seats shaped weirdly, not the best comfort. Steering wheel obscures top of gauges when adjusted properly. Stupid red gauge lighting reminds me of wifes old junky pontiac grand-am. Auto trans shifts in and out of overdrive too often. Clear shifter surround panel scratches easily. Little support from online forums, not nearly as much as VW or Honda message boards.

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  Very funny to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By yleclerc - December 15 - 11:21 pm

  I love this car and maybe its the best one I drove in my life. Very powerful for a little sport car but need a better conception for excessif user like me. Very safe to drive, I didnt an non-responsible accident who someone has crashed into me at 50km/h and felt nothing with those airbags.