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:

• 

  none - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By scoobydoobydoo - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it so far. Just wish the milage would be better.

• 

  A Bullet with a Smile! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rickssr - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Love at first sight was just the begining. Sunlight Silver, Black Leather Interior, MoonRoof! What more could I say. The car just purrs like a kitten and is so silky smooth when accelerating I just have to keep an eye on the tach. As for the Hugging around bends and corners, off/on ramps.... just blew me away. 17" wheels and this car were ment to be. Even at highway cruising speeds this car is such a pleasure and a dream to be a part of I just cant say more.

• 

  SPORT SEDAN and then some - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Captain Z - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The 6 is an engineering masterpiece for its price. Dont worry. Its not going to be the next Toyhonzukee; the 6 is unique and still rare. My 5-spd is responsive, shifts smoothly, quietly. Handling (esp. in turns) is outstanding; see how sharply it can corner. However, avoid roads in poor condition. The 6 is best on HWY or on smooth roads. Very stylish, comfortable interior; limited space in back seat. Cockpit lights are red; modern and attractive! Buy this car fully loaded (or not) and watch heads turn. It is a "must" if in your class and price range. Very fun to drive. If you want more speed, I believe many engine enhancements will soon become available.

• 

  Zoom - Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Monique - April 9 - 6:13 pm

  I just love this car. Driving it makes you feel as though you own the road.

• 

  Most reliable vehicle we have EVER owned. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By krustuhfar - April 9 - 1:04 pm

  We bought this car brand new in 2008. This has been the most reliable car we have EVER owned. It has not once left us stranded. Weve hauled some huge loads too. and it just keeps going and going. We took this car ALL THE WAY FROM LOUISIANA TO MAYNE. THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF MILES. In a period of 5 days. and not once did we think it was going to give up. We loved our cx9. Sadly, at a wopping 179,000 miles, we hydroplaned into a ditch and totaled it. Such a shame. We never had to do any major repairs on it. THe only bad thing is it was constantly having tire/wheel issues. it would need a brake job about every 16 months. And tire pressure was always low. Other than that. it was amazing.

• 

  Like the luxury - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Joseph-WWJD - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Mazda 626 ES is a stylish and good- looking car. Good handling. Fair gas millage. Rough transmission. Excellent price. The swing fan is so cool. Heated mirrors are the standard. Good CD player. Radio has great reception. Hidden antenna. Trunk-open remote control. Two 12V outlets and one of them is under the front console for cell phone, MP3 player, or palm pilot.

• 

  A truly perfect car! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By claycrenshaw - April 9 - 8:15 am

  Safety, horsepower, fuel efficiency, value, reliability, and FUN, all in one! Every second behind the wheel of my new Mazda3 is incredible. With Mazdas super reliable track record under the belts of my friends and family and the assurance of my vehicle being a Top Safety Pick, I know that Ill be driving my kids around in this car years from now. So many great features and incredibly fun to drive, and I am still in disbelief at how hard my dealer [non-permissible content removed] worked to get me behind the wheel of this amazing vehicle. You can certainly trust them to put you in the car of your dreams! I would recommend this car to anyone any day!

• 

  as good as it gets - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bonyeller - April 9 - 5:13 am

  This has been a pretty decent purchase, just wished I had gotten cruise control. I didnt want to pay the extra costs of just adding cruise control as an option. The vehicle has al ot of pep and passing power, not too bad on towing either. I would recommend this "baby SUV" to anyone, just make sure you have cruise control.

• 

  Base model Mazda5 Sport impresses - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Minneapolitan - April 9 - 1:13 am

  Traveling in Europe, I was taken with the compact minivan "space wagons." With our second child on the way, my wife and I were ready to give up her Saturn SL2 and get into something w/ easier access to car seats. She was also anxious to get that higher vantage point a minivan or SUV driver seat could offer. So we picked up a 2007 Mazda5 Sport automatic. What went into our decision to purchase the Mazda5 was (in order of importance) the exterior styling, the sliding rear doors (great for tight parking spots), Mazdas superb fit and finish (both interior and exterior), ride (quiet, responsive, comfortable). Price. Small outside, big inside.

• 

  It worth every $ I paid - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By yli2 - April 8 - 5:57 pm

  My 2010 Mazda3 saved my life during an accident, so I decided to buy another Mazda. Finally choose this old model because I cannot trust 2012 SkyActiv tech. It took me a month getting used to this car since it is much bumpier then previous model. After test-driving VW GTi, I was assured the car was just tuned as it is. This car handles exceptionally well. Clutch synchronizer is smoother than my 2010 model. I get 30-32mpg, better than my 2010 model.