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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  Whats not to like ? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By 40thomas - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Have put 2200 miles on a new 03 purchased 1/2004. Dealer went $300 below invoice, and we got $2500 rebate to boot. The car is beautiful, does everything very well. The 4 banger wont blow you away, but were running better than 30mpg and having a LOT more fun than with, say, an Accord. DO NOT pass up a chance to stir the gears on Mazda 5sp manuals - best shifter/tranny combo around, and placed exactly where your hand naturally falls. BTW the 5sp goes a long ways toward making the 4 cyl a performance car - it revs freely, expecially above 3500rpm where it realy wants to take off.

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  Gotta Love the 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michelinas25 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  When I decided to buy a car in June of 2003, I looked first at the Nissan Altima, 2003 then looked at all the cars in its class :the Acura RSX, Honda Accord, Mazda6,... . That is when I saw the "6". I narrowed down my selection between all of these to the Mazda6 and Altima;based on the size & features. So I drove them both again. I found that the 6 is a great size sedan, perfect rooming yet sporty. It hugged all the curves better than the Altima and just handled so smoothly.

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  Good Van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By andyengineer - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Used for 160 mi/day commute for five months, took extended family (4 adults, 2 kids, & luggage)to mountains, then took out seats and used it as a moving van. I am impressed. The acceleration is adequate under load (1000+ lbs.) and downright zippy when empty. It has excellent safety features, good comfort, and does not suffer the wallow of other vans when I ride in the 2nd row.

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  Zoom Zoom to Boom Boom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jose tejas - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Everything started to break under warrenty. New Tires since frist set had belt problem, new rotors and brakes at 23,000 miles!, new computer, plus a few other smaller problems. Once the warrenty gave out about 4k ago we have had to replace a brake wiring harness that melted! and TWO ABS brake sensors within a week of each other! I am selling this car and buying a Honda Pilot this week.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8z - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Drove the Z, G35 coupe, S2000, this was the best in the class. Minor flaws though, gas is not that great but no sport cars really are. Rattle in doors, but easily fixed by dealership. Alot of room, great speed, not much torque but the car is feather light, you wouldnt notice the difference. Ive owned a Supra TT, and though the 8 is not as fast, its definitely a fun car to drive ! I recommend it highly to anyone who wants a nice 30k sports car

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  Couldnt help myself - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mpg993 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive been looking for a small sporty car for a while now. After many hours of reseach and test driving several vehicles, I just had to buy the Mazda 3. I test drove the Honda Civic, Civic SI, Toyota Matrix, Mini Cooper S, Hyundai Elantra GT and the Mazda 3. With exception of the Mini Cooper, the Mazda 3 is by far the funnest car to drive. It just feels good to drive. The hard part is deciding between the sedan and the hatchback. Both are beautiful inside and out. I opted for the european sedan look. The handling and acceleration are excellent. If youre looking for a great small car, go test drive the Mazda 3. You wont regret it!

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  Highly Recommended - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By patuta03 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a sedan that was a little sporty, but still worked economically and the 3 works perfectly on both fronts. The styling is great and for the options, fuel economy and safety reputation, it really cant be beaten. I got a 5-speed and it has more than enough pep to get going...you end up hitting 80 and not realizing it. The inside is beautiful and very fun to play around with.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By acefl - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had the new 3 for about 3 weeks now. I love it. I think the car is good looking from the inside out. Has that IS300 look to the outside, and inside looks nice with the led luminated insturment cluster. I think is great that mazda put so many options into an entry level sedan.

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  Fantastic 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By meiro - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Extremely well built, alot of features for the money. Very comfortable, tons of space. Great appearance with sport package, sport grill. Bose system is A+. Luminous gauges are beautiful! Really an exceptional automobile. Looked at the Acura TCX, Audi A4, VW Passat, Saab 9-3. V6 is smooth and very quick.

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  Why not - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miat - June 28 - 5:23 pm

  Wanted something stylish and fun. It is all that and then some. My husband and I run to see who will get to the Miata first. Style and the retractable top makes it own statement. Not used to so much fast response, takes a second then you think, why not, no one is around. Blast to drive, great jaw dropper on many faces when that top retracts. Looks good, drives great, just a great car.