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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  Mazda3 Pretty Decent Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eduardo - January 14 - 9:50 am

  I was suspect not having owned such a small car, as a daily driver, for over twenty years. I was also suspect about the Ford connection with Mazda. So far, I havent had any concerns and I can be pretty picky. The car delivers 23MPG with mixed driving and about 27-28 MPG strictly highway. The automatic tranny is fine and I have the slapstick manual option which is nice. I am wondering how it will handle New England winters, especially with 17" speed-rated tires. The vehicle does have one quirk; in idle, the heat vents blow cold air, even with a warm engine. When moving, the heat is strong. Makes it difficult to warm up the car in the morning since it only will blow cold until driving.

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  Mazda 3, Oregon Review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kens mazda - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Overall the vehicle is ok, 4 cylinder engine kind of gutless. Too much road noise. Have to turn radio up to drown out. Wouldnt want to drive it across the country.

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  Read this before you buy - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By NOMAZUT - January 12 - 5:56 am

  If you are buying a new Millenia S for $32,905, spend an additional three to four thousand dollars and get an ACCURA or LUXES. I bought mine for $26,500 so it was a good value.

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  Stellar - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Christopher - January 11 - 7:30 am

  I love this car and feel very safe driving it. The engine, performance, style and agility are impressive. Im glad I bought the 2007 model because the gas mileage is better than the 2009s which take regular fuel. Ive never owned a vehicle that made me excited about driving until I bought my copper red mica CX-7--its a blast to drive.

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  How to fix the transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By RogersinLeroy - January 11 - 5:56 am

  Eletronic transmission requires a software upgrade done by a dealer who knows how to do it. Classic of Mentor was the one who fixed the banging into 3rd issue that everyone seems to have. Not crazy about the marriage of Ford drivetrain with this van. The V6 needs to rev freely to get a full van moving, and as a result MPG is less than expected. Fuuny that a leading consumer magazine rated this so highly with all the complaints I see about the transmission and exhaust.

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  a lot for a little - 2000 Mazda 626
  By value conscious - January 11 - 2:00 am

  When we got the letter that our 1997 626s lease was going to expire, I drove the Honda, Toyota , VW & the new 626. and quite frankly I couldnt tell that much difference, so price became an important factor. We have always liked the moonroof and ABS brakes, and for our new one we wanted leather seats, which added a week or so to find what we wanted, The transmission does shift hard once in awhile but the car has only had one little recall and seen the shop only for perodic services. The Mazda company has been outstanding when dealing with them

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By gpdorward - January 11 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle - lots of power and quite reliable. We are very satisfied except for the gas mileage which has been low (at least through 4,400 miles).

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  3rd Van I have owned and the best one. - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By patmario - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful quite and smooth ride. Good overall interior design. Firm, very confortable drivers seat for long rides.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe B - January 10 - 7:33 pm

  If you want a fun driving experience that has room for the family-- the 6 is your answer -- it steers like a sports car and is tight... Great ride for the money! Try it youll like it ---

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  Initial Impressions vs Expectations - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By ayjszeto - January 10 - 5:13 pm

  After 6 weeks of ownership, my impressions confirmed what Consumer Reports said about the Mazda 5 w/Auto. The car rides and drives like a sports wagon with plenty of pick-up when carrying 1-2 passengers. Mazdas build quality, amenities, and overall workmanship are outstanding for such a low priced car (around $19k MSRP). The car has all the features of our much more expensive 2004 RX330 except for leather seats and wood grain inserts. After 1020 miles and several fill-ups, our mileage for mixed driving averaged 23.6 MPG, just as predicted by CU. We replaced the overly tall radio antenna with a shorter one for $10. We do miss having an arm rest for the front passenger.