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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  Great mini-van!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By debbie sloan - February 11 - 10:00 am

  HAve not heard a negative comment on my new car. Everyone loves riding in it.

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  FAMILY ON THE MOVE - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By FAMILY2GO - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We did a good deal of research prior to purchasing the Mazda MPV. For the money it was the best value for us. We looked at Honda, Toyota, and others. Settled on Mazda, after testing them all.

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  Poor - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Unhappy customer - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Horrible gas milage. I drive slow and easy, and went through gas like it was water. Bought it bacause of the supposed great gas milage. My Ford F250 4x4 gets 10 times better fuel milage. Very poor mini van. Sold it a few months after I bought it.

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  mpv - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By DINO2281 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  i LOVE THIS VEHICLE WE SAVED FOR OVER TWO YEARS FOR IT

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  Adult Sportscar - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By anyfitz - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mazda. I had a bad experience with a Mazda dealer and thought I would never own another Mazda. My MPV changed my mind. I love this van. Great handling. A sportscar all grown up. Lots of pep but can still get the groceries and the pick-up the kids from camp. I LOVE MY MPV!!!!

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  Terrific Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By xception531 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I am ga-ga over this car. It is enormously fun to drive, and feels faster than it is. It corners like its on rails. It is also very practical with a decent trunk space. After looking extensively at many many different models of cars new and used, I am convinced that this car is the perfect one for me at this time, balancing all the attributes of fun, value, practicality, and safety. Sure there are cars with nicer interiors, or that cost less, or that hold more, or that are more fun to drive (maybe not), or that are safer... but the Mazda has the best balance of any competitors. My parents want to trade in their Mini for one now!

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  1. Lift jaw off ground. 2.Wipe up drool. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MZ6 Luv struck - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Luv it! Fun, sporty, unique design in and out, eye catching, "nice car dude" nice leg room

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  zoom zoom boom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sid/buddy - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Had the car 38 days cell went bad. waited 96 days and they still had not got the part I am in the process of lemoning the vehicle.

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  What a blast - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tminehart - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my six for a little over a year and its still a great car. As a son and grandson of autoworkers Ive driven or owned almost every type of car. The Six is a great car in every respect. My satisfaction with this car a year later is probably higher than the day I bought it. I live near mountains and the 4 cyl climbs better than most v6s and screaming around the corners on the down hill is stiff and predictible. Its been a pleasure to own.

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  3 year 60000 mile test drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mzdvr - February 10 - 11:13 am

  Been driving this car for 3 yrs now and still think its the best car under $25,000. I havent had any mechanical problems. Had a brake job at 50,000 and new tires. I live in the city and get a combined 27 mpg. I have a gas gauge which commonly reports mpg in the middle to upper 30s on the highway. There is minimal wear on the car after 60k such as a small area of the stitching on the leather seat has come out, a few exterior issues due to things happening to it.