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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  Duel N Fun - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KPD - April 13 - 4:40 pm

  We have our MX5 8 months and it has been a blast. The little lady fell in love with it. While its NO Corvette(we have a ZO6, also) in the power dept., its just fun to zip around in. Just extremely well engineered and designed. However, I dont know why the 6th gear runs at such a high RPM, kills the mpg. And yes another inch or two of leg room would be great (Im 62") but this is livable. We just love the pwht. When up, it fits the design and when down theres still a trunk. And the shift pattern (6M) is a delight and more fun than our Vette. Well maybe theyre equal. We would strongly recommend the MX5 with the power hard top. Its dueling in the fun, top up or down.

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  Sport-car like - - - minivan wagon? - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Alex - April 12 - 10:40 pm

  Wow, what a car!!!!!!! Originally, looked around and found wagons with only 2 rows of seats. Looked at minivans, they are too big and hard to park on the street. Gee, saw an ad and went to the Mazda dealership. It looks very very sporty in person. A test-drive made me fall in love with the easy-to-use navigator, little body roll for its side around corners, good acceleration & I like the sport-shift feature of the AT. Man, enough room for really 6 adults & lots of storages & cup holders. Even got leather seat as an aftermarket add-on. Really nice. BTW, nice mpg for my first 2 tanks. Gee, cant wait to get some nice 18" wheelers and spoiler lip!!!!! Mazda rocks!!

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  First time Mazda purchase - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bruce - April 12 - 6:13 pm

  Traded a 98 Lexus sedan with 170,000 miles for the new s grand touring. Looked at Camray and Accord but thought the Mazda offered better value for the money. Interior is refined with no gimmicks to clutter the appearance, although materials are plastic, appearance is disguised well. Love the red / blue night lighting. Power is superb and delivered effortlessly via the 6 speed automatic.The auto-stick is also fun for a change now and then. Ride is sporty, not plush. Navigation works very well although the menu operating system is a bit quirky compared to other units. Sound system is a 10+. Only complaint with 10k miles is the paint seems a bit fragile, with numerous front bumper chips.

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  Poor persons exotic - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By DLu - April 12 - 9:40 am

  If you want a car that has universally been loved for its handling prowess, especially for cars under $100k, and you want a unique vehicle (the only rotary engine available in a modern car, "freestyle" doors that offer easier rear stea access while avoiding ridiculously long coupe doors, 9000 rpm redline, non-vanilla looks, etc), then the RX-8 (now only available as used) is an excellent option. I got my R3 new for less than what Insideline paid for their FR-S, so the value factor is excellent too. I drive the R3 on a daily basis, except when there is salt/snow on the road. I swapped out the OEM summer tires, and the handling is still great. Mileage is not a problem for my 22-mi round trip.

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  Good So Far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ernie - April 12 - 12:16 am

  The Mazda is solid and handles the corners very well. We have had it 1.5 years (42,000 miles) and its reliability is excellent so far. The manual transmission works very well. The mileage is not as good as the competition, but it is a joy to drive and feels like a sports car. We are very satisfied and the kids all like to drive it more than the other fancier, larger car.

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  LOVEIT - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MyNewCar - April 11 - 2:23 pm

  I enjoy driving my Mazda6s, it is fun to drive. I just switched from the Tribute to the 6s and I am happy.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By atjcutie - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased an 03 6i, fully loaded. I am 20 and I think the Bose could be a little more loud. I love my car, it is beautiful. A lady told me it was "the bomb". It is a great value, I paid 19k for it.

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  I love my mp5!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jennphishin - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I love it! I have driven several types and brands of cars over the years, but this beats them all! It handles great! Gets awesome gas mileage! Looks like an import without doing any mods on your own!

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  Loveit/Hate it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lisbek - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 6/02, edited version: door chime rang nonstop when door open, replaced ignition. Happened again and finally fixed. Dashboard scratched during repair, replaced under warranty for being "warped". Odometer replaced (didnt work after dash replaced)resetting the mileage to zero. Incorrect mileage written on door jam sticker. Replaced: master cylinder, drivers seat, drivers side mirror. Repaired: rear window washer (X2), speaker, Air con vent stuck. Currently the power seat wont lower the back half and the replacement seat is developing a lump under the fabric like the first seat. I am going to pursue Mazda buying back the vehicle.

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  Pretty good...... - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rich - April 11 - 1:20 am

  I like my Mazda. Bought it new, and now at 14k miles, having some problems. Warped front rotors, squeaking belts, steering clunk, transmission hesitant to go in gear from reverse to drive. The clunk happens mostly at low speeds, and comes from the passenger front. The tranny problem is not too good. It goes into gear when it is good and ready. It is a fun car to drive (handling) but the auto trans seems to always try to be in top gear so I am turning fewer revs. Do I really need to be in 5th gear while driving 35, turning 1800 revs? Thats why I usually go manual around town. It shifts to higher gears too quickly.