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! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Billz1979 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 6 months and For the money it is bar none the best choice out there. I have all the options in a 4 Cyl. All in All nothing but good things to say about the car.

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  I recommend it to anyone who asks - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By 05Mazda3 - November 4 - 10:33 pm

  After two years and 39k miles, I still enjoy jumping in this car for a trip to the store or a 1500 mile road trip. Its comfortable, fun to drive, and packs more utility than every small SUV Ive looked at. I cant see myself trading it for anything else anytime soon. For the detail oriented: mileage: 27.4 mpg over 39k miles of Atlanta traffic. Things hauled: 1 fully assembled grill, a stack of 2"x4"x8 lumber with room for 2 passengers, two 40"x48" pallets, 1 dresser w/ 1 bookshelf, 1 cubic yard of bark mulch (in 3cu.ft. bags) and 5 adults (1 not terribly happy). All items were hauled separately, but with all doors, hatches and windows closed. Out of room, but I love this car.

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  Dead on quality, value, and luxury - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By w4vic - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Typical high quality Japanese fit and finish, powered everything, no cheap materials. Excellent safety features - 4 air bags! Long list of standard items that make this car above and beyond awesome value. The suspension is not harsh, but reacts very well on simple maneuvers. Imagine something between an Accord and a Lincoln Town Car. The Premium 170HP does what its asked - its not tuned for tearing out, so its quite competent for non-lead foot driving.

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  If only it had a better gas mileage - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By polarsand - November 4 - 10:00 am

  A great overall car to own. Beware of the gas mileage!

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  You will love it - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Howie - November 3 - 9:30 pm

  I happen to like driving. The Mazda 6 is really the most fun to drive in the sedan catergory. Reasonably priced, nice to look at - very good quality inside too. I have researched the competition and have owned Acura/Lexus/Benz and could not be happier with this decision. You will be too.

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  Our New Tribby... - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Johnny - November 3 - 6:36 pm

  My wife and I traded in a 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE for a 2006 Tribute i 4WD and let me tell you how happy we are! The Freelander gave us nothing but agony... it was in the shop for mechanical and electrical problems almost every 3-4 months since we had bought it and the service dept. was always booked! Since purchasing our new Tribby, our lives have become much less worrisome. Its nice having a SUV that is fun to drive and actually reliable all at the same time. Our Tribby comes with power everything, 16 in. alloys, and a fuel efficient engine that has been getting 23 MPG around town. We love this car and we now love Mazda. I am buying the new Miata next! The Tribute is a great buy!

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  Dont buy kee max - 2001 Mazda 626
  By nokeemax - November 2 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car from kee max several years ago, the engine blew before I made it home (less than 15 miles). Kee max buys cars from auction and puts them directly on their lot. After spending approx $2500 on a new engine, this car keeps going and going. It now has over 144,000 miles and still going strong.

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  Excellent Roadster! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Destry - October 31 - 10:40 pm

  I love everything about my car. Its fun to drive and handles awesome. A great roadster for the price!

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  My Mazda - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By LinRay - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned. It gets great gas mileage. Very nicely designed out and in!!

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  Need to check this gem out! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By cal_mpv - October 31 - 10:00 am

  compared to the Toyota Sienna this minivan is the best bargain for the money, easy and really fun to drive, and has enough room for a family of four. The ES trim has everything the Toyota and Honda has for much less. You need to check out this minivan if your shopping for a great family vehicle