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! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By may31 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It was a toss up between the TSX and the 6. I couldnt take the hassle with the hard to come by TSX and the 6 was more bang for the buck. It has a lot more room, especially in the trunk. Perfect for the family I hope to have soon.

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  great price, great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jethro2004 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with the car, though the gas mileage has been far less than the epa tested (the only major issue with the car, probably would not be an issue to me without the high gas prices). The only quality issue so far is a rattle in the rear hatch which the dealer promptly fixed.

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  Nice, Very Nice - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Family Guy - December 13 - 4:33 am

  To me this vehicle represented a great deal. I wanted a Japanese made minivan since they last longer than other brands. I shopped price and options. Honda, Toyota, and Nissan, all had nice vans, but they would not move on price. Well Honda and Toyota were pretty much firm, Nissan came down a bit, but Mazda will give the best deal. My guess is the other vans are a bit larger so they are in more demand. Heck, this vehicle is loaded and I saved at least $10K as compared to the other brands. My 4 year old loves it.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Storman - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I look at the BMW and Mercedes i was so disappointed that these to cars did not come with all the bells The new mazda6 is great bigger,faster. I live in the hills and it handles well the engine is so quiet.

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  Very fun and never has a problem! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Louis - December 12 - 11:26 pm

  Love the car, very fun to drive. Little kids on the side of the street get excited and people turn heads. Has a unique and fun sound, supreme handling, and I love sitting low in a car. It could use more initial torque, and wish they would finally come out with the Mazda Speed version (not likely). Of course as in with all Wankel Rotary engines.......fuel consumption. :(

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  This car amazes me! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gina - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  Having owned Mazdas for years, I would not have dreamed of buying anything else. Had a 626 for 16 years and just purchased a 2004 one owner 3s in Strato Blue. I love this car! It is much more fun to drive than anything Ive owned previously. It hugs corners and glides over bumps and for a 4 cylinder 2.3 engine it really has some power. The seats are beyond comfortable and with the sports and power package it turns heads everywhere I go. Although I have not yet needed an oil change (only had the car 3 weeks now), I am concerned with the thread I just read about poor design in the cartridge oil filter. Waiting to see if anyone else has similar problems with that.

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  GREATEST MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ruben - December 11 - 2:33 pm

  handling, speed, braking, the best

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  Best luxury family SUV for your $$ - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Doug - December 11 - 9:30 am

  Fully loaded Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. We agonized over which family SUV we would buy. Looked at Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, Acura MDX, Lexus RX350/400, BMW X3, Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, Volvo XC60/90, and a few others. If buying a car is a multi- variable decision (price, comfort, quality, reliability, luxury / convenience options, aesthetics), you absolutely have to check out the CX-9. Mazda has built the best car for your money, bar none, in the family SUV with 3 row class. Its a hidden gem. You will pay $5-10k more easily for a comparably equipped Toyota / Lexus, Honda / Acura. Its a great fit for anyone who wants a big car for the family but not as big as a Suburban.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Roxanne - December 10 - 2:00 am

  The only part of the design I do not like is the shift -- hard to see dials on the dashboard--a stick shift would have been better.

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  Defects Make Buying Pointless - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By kmkeuch12 - December 9 - 4:15 pm

  This car is stylish, great to drive, and the extra perks make it comparable to other luxury cars. The problem? I bought my 2015 MAZDA6 Grand Touring (with Technology Package, low profile tires, and remote start engine) in November of 2014. One month later the car died on me. What happened? The TPMS was constantly misinforming me of low tire pressure, but that wasnt the biggest issue. The big problem was the power control module dying. After a month of waiting for the part to come in I was finally given a substitution vehicle identical to my original car. This car, after 5 days of ownership, is also having the Tire Pressure Warning come on unnecessarily. Mazda has not been helpful.