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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  X-Review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By brandx - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Actually, didnt realize what a following the Mazda had. Drove it in two parades and many were asking what kind of car it was and what did it have "Unda da hood." People making left turns always look and try to figure out what kind of car it is but because I have the extra "Bra" on the front, they cant tell. Love the inside too with the red/black interior matching the red of the outside. One thing I have had the most comments about is how much flake they put in the paint. It is amazing how it shines.

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  The world’s first 4-door sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By deslock - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Traded my WRX in for it 11 weeks ago. The WRX was a blast, but its handling and braking weren’t exceptional and it didn’t communicate the road well. I drove some friends’ Mini Cooper Ss a few times, which reminded me that the fastest cars aren’t always the most fun. I don’t like FWD and need 4-doors so the MCS was out. I considered the STI, EVO, and G35s, but I wanted something more livable, toss-able, and cheaper. The RX8 6-speed can be had for $25k.

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  great sportscar, lots of fun - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RiothamusLXIV - October 31 - 10:00 am

  the RX-8 is a wonderful second car to drive around for fun, but i find myslef using it more and more everyday. it is comfortable on long trips, responsive and an overall excellent sportscar. the design is completely different than other cars, and gets tons of looks everywhere. i have a black one with the grand tourning package, and 6-speed transmission.

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  Mazda Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BluesMedic77 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 3i to get the price a little lower. I did have the Power package and 16" alloy wheels added. Aside from the slightly bigger engine and fog lights, the 3i is no different than the 3s. Its a fun car with great handling and performance.

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  First Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shortiestephy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The mazda3 s is my first car. Ive had experiance driving my brothers Corolla S and after he had a chance to drive my Mazda he sold his car and got a Mazda3 as well. I think its safe to say that my whole family is happy with the mazda3. My father also owns a Mazda Miata, in which he is also happy with.

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  Mazda 6 Go head and buy it if its new. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dr Sam - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I like it and have no problams. Very Fast and smooth. I give it A+

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  Best decision I ever made - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By LMazda - October 31 - 1:13 am

  I love everything about this car. It is fast to accelerate, fun to drive, and a great looking car. It draws a lot of attention because not many people have them. The only bad thing is tires are expensive. I have had the car for four months and I still get excited every time I drive it. BUY IT

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  not a happy camper - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By david - October 30 - 3:40 am

  Many problems - Ill never buy Mazda again - - oil leak started at 70000; dealer "fixed" but fix only lasted 30000 miles - manifold cracked - very noisy on startup - catalytic converter needed to be replaced at 125000 - replaced 2 coils at $200 a piece. This is not what I call reliability.

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  A love it. - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By greatglamdc - October 29 - 9:20 pm

  This was the first car that I ever leased/bought on my own after college. I have had none of the hassles or problems that others listed about the AC/Turbo, and i put regular unleaded gas in mine! The only problem I had was my tires crapped our at about 25,000. The replacement tires cost me $1400, but it was well worth the investment- the wear on these hasnt been nearly as severe. Im actually going into the dealership to buy my car tomorrow- Im over the miles, but I would buy it anyways! Its a wonderful car.

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  Great GT - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By air_bug - October 29 - 6:11 pm

  We bought this car used in 2009 with Factory Certified. We looked at many SUVs with 6 or less cyliders with third-row seating and chose this one based on performance, design, and price. Weve owned Fords before (this is a ford in Mazda clothing) with good reliability so we werent too concerned with the drive train or electronics reliability. So far weve put on almost 40K and we love this car. We had one repair that was done under warantee for front wheel bearing but other than that the car has been solid. Mazda dealer gave us a loaner car and they have been wonderful so far. Car is washed with every oil change. We will be keeping this car for a while still and feel confident.