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:

• 

  Luxury at a lower sticker price! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By arjag2010 - March 29 - 7:00 am

  I LOVE my Mazda. I purchased a used 2005 Mazda3s in September of 2009, which was totaled when I was rear-ended in November. I did not hesitate to purchase another Mazda. Taking advantage of the fact that there was a new body style (2010) coming out, I got a great deal on a 2008 3s GT. I definitely recommend the s. The 2.3 makes a difference. I test drove an i and it just didnt have the same sporty feel, especially going up hills. I have had various rentals in the same class as the Mazda, and have also test driven quite a few cars within the class. None have compared. The handling is superb, very tight and responsive.

• 

  New but staisified owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6er - March 28 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car less than a month ago but already love it. Coming from owning a Corvette, modified BMW, 69 Camaro among others, I must say this is one excellent car. Its not as demanding to drive as the Vette, or a nimble as my old 3 series, yet driving it reminds me of both in its own way. It has excellent power in the V6, is extremely tossable with great balance for a front driver. Power is completely smooth and linear, and shifts are crisp. Gas mileage isnt bad, but its not great either, 6th gear seems a bit too short. It has 5 others to have fun!

• 

  Terrible technology! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By driveitforev3 - March 27 - 9:43 pm

  The car is good - a little more sluggish than I expected, but still cute and fun. The problem is the technology package. After 4 months, I can say that I have given it my best shot, and it sucks. We have another car with similar features and this one is so sub-par. The touch-screen is so painfully slow, the features are clunky, entering in an address is horrible, and you can only do it while stopped - even if you are the passenger, so plan ahead! The voice control is totally useless. The Sirius radio loses the signal if you drive under a thick tree. And the phone bluetooth hook up keeps crapping out. If the technology package is important to you - look elsewhere.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gps - March 27 - 5:43 pm

  I had researched this car before I purchased and found it to be the best buy for the money. This car has great pickup and is fun to drive.

• 

  I love driving. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jin - March 27 - 5:10 pm

  I owned 2005 Mazda3 2.3 which was really good. I was eagerly waiting for the 2010 Mazda3 from last November. It has been upgraded on every aspect. It has enough hp and torque to enjoy a daily driving. My friend has Corolla, and she compared that boring Corolla to my new Mazda3. It is not even comparable. If you want to get a compact car or an entry luxury sedan, you should try new Mazda3. You wont be disappointed.

• 

  A great minivan put to the test and beyond - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Joe Nurse - March 27 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this van from a private seller in 05 with 72,000 miles on it. My van now has 173,000 we have routinely towed an 18 ft Ski boat with no problem except when the ramp is wet. Get out grab the cooler and kids push hard HA HA! No major issues what soever even towed a popup trailer to Tennessee through Blue Ridge Mountains.

• 

  2014 Mazda 6-Btemest kept secretig items with oriteease.o haul b of new sedans - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By thumper477 - March 27 - 1:02 pm

  We looked at Accord,Altima,Fusion,Optima,Malibu,and others.Then I heard about the new Skyactiv Mazda 6 from a friend.Test drove our Soul Red sport and bought it on the spot.My friends think I spent big bucks as the car looks very expensive.For a base model the list of standard features is impressive.Leanst the steering stops.t agaither steering wheel,shift knob and e-brake handle are nice touches.I also liked the 1000 dollar owner loyalty rebate. This car as all 2014 Mazda 6s is built in Japan.Not too many cars are made there anymore due to the higher cost of production and shipping.The build quality is excellent.

• 

  My second one - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Chozen - March 27 - 12:16 am

  Ive had my first Millenia since 99 and when a lady ran a light and totalled it I almost cried. 160,000 with no major work done. Fortunately, I found another one with only 77,800 miles. I noticed that the Millenia is one of the only vehicles that never had a recall of any sort.

• 

  Great car for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ffb - March 26 - 11:33 pm

  I must admit, I own a Miata so I expected a great car from Mazda. I am not disappointed! From the time I walked in to now I have had a blast! The car rides much better then expected. Turning is great, the noise level from outside is very low compared to others in the price range. The bottle holder in the door panel is great as it keeps it out of the way, very nice little touch. The interior is much better then any car in the price range and may rival cars in higher prices ranges. Gas mileage is good, not what I expected but I drive hard and still get in the 28 range in city. Would have like a higher front seat. Clearly recommend this car. Zoom-Zoom

• 

  mazda miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lutz pescht - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the mazda miata it is so fun to drive talk about a great sports car.