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:

• 

  My Long Term Review After 1 Year - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - June 26 - 12:30 pm

  This is an update to my review back in 4/2009, after 1 year plus few months of ownership of my Maz3. The cars still in excellent shape after more than 23k miles of hard driving, mostly long distance highway miles. No major repairs needed besides routine maintenance and oil changes. Overall I have no regret for my ownership. The most major complain though, is from the P205/50VR17 stock tires and Maz3s stiff suspension. The tires are almost worn out (should last 30k miles). They are very noisy. They are all-season tires, but absolutely horrible for driving in snow! Unfortunately, Ive moved to a potholes-ridden and snowy state. That proved to be the most unforgiven condition for my Maz3.

• 

  the best small suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisa nelson - June 26 - 10:00 am

  drives like a small car. handles like a dream. gas milage is really good. i get 23 city and 28 hwy. has room for adults in rear seat. cargo space is bigger then many other small suvs on the market.

• 

  Car Wroth Owning - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Maverick_x - June 26 - 10:00 am

  For a 1.3 liter vechicle, its got some mad power. Although it could have a little more torque, its not a bad car. The interior of the car is pretty nice. The exterior of the vechicle isnt that bad. If you buy it with the rotary kit, then it doesnt look as bad. I personally like the cars overall performace. It might not have the most hp in its class, nor torque, but it has good reliability and performance. It might not be as fast, but its a car that is funn to drive daily.

• 

  great choice - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jenniferhancock - June 26 - 10:00 am

  very good acceleration. very roomy. Awesome value

• 

  Super Value for a Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By vuter - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a super car. I love it. I keep thinking the market guys at Mazda made a mistake in pricing. In comparing the 3 with the civic or corolla, its no contest. I personally think closer competition is a class up with the likes of the accord, camry, or jetta, but the 3 is a smaller, more nimble, in general more sporty which is what I prefer.

• 

  Faster that you Think!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By aregusters - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 6 wagon. Its great. I have so much fun. I had a Accord coupe 01. And I really liked that car. But, the 6 is a total upgrade. The handling is superb. Acceration is top-knotch. I was on the intersate the other day. And a mustang gt drove up next to me. The engine of the mustang was loud and aggresive. The driver quickly drove past me. So I said the heck. I will se what this 6 can do. I switched into manual. And I dropped into 4th gear. You thought that I had nitrous in the tank. Cause the car took off and me and the Stang were going at it. The 6 couldnt be shaken.

• 

  uncontrolled steering wheel - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By egay - June 25 - 9:16 pm

  I love my mazda 5, roomie, like the art of engineering,not speedy but good to travel with the family, gas economical,and easy to drive too. But the problem i had encounter was when my car was on park with my engine running for 30 mins and just a sudden my steering wheel got tight with the steering wheel emergency sign went off,how about if it happens when my car was running on a speed it wont be safe for me and to my family.Talked to my dealer and have it check for safety tom.Just also found out that i was the second person who experienced the same thing on mazda 5.

• 

  Fun to drive little roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael - June 25 - 6:46 am

  I have the 6 speed sport shift automatic and it makes you feel like you have a stick manual without the clutch. Also steering wheel shift paddles are fun to operate but takes some getting used to. Excellent handling and breaking.

• 

  The Best - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By JLArm - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Millenia and I believe that it is the best vehicle I have ever bought.

• 

  Miata - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JLArm - June 24 - 10:00 am

  A great and fun car. After I bought this I sold my motorcycle.