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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  Cheaply-Made Piece of Garbage! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jenny Ondioline - November 19 - 6:53 pm

  Lets see, first off the remote locking system lasted, at most, for 6 months. It no longer works properly and the dealership had no idea of how to fix it. Secondly the tire wear -- which so many people have already described. Cars a little over 4 years old and needs its second set of replacement tires. Thirdly, the AC and air vents mysteriously blow hot air at me no matter what settings I use. Fourth, I hit a pothole and blew the transmission system, which was fortunately covered by Mazda. However it took Cooley 3 weeks to fix it. They went to put the new transmission into the car, and dropped it. Had to order a new one. Piece of crap from a shoddy dealer. VERY disappointed. Never again!

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  fun car to cruise in - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - November 19 - 12:20 am

  So far my experience has been excellent. I love the way it handles, and it gets great gas mileage. For a 4 cylinder its got some power. I would definitely buy another one in the future.

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  Zoom zoom - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Anthony Novak - November 18 - 8:35 pm

  Only - is no console storage just a arm rest

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  A Winner! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Queen Mum - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I was thinking of buying a 2004 when I went ot the dealership. I came across a pristine 2003 and took a test drive. SOLD! I have the i model and find its power more than adequate. A solid feeling can that rides like its on rails. Quality in and out is first rate. This is my first Mazda, and my first Japanese car and it wont be my last. A winner for sure.

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  Is mine a lemon?! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DBB - November 18 - 10:00 am

  About 25% of what weve paid Mazda has gone to the service dept. They recalled something we had fixed over a year ago and we are still trying to get our rebate. The SUV does not come with brake squeelers. And I had it in the shop just 8K miles ago and the brakes were fine, only to find when I took it in for its "every 5K mile maintenance" that the brake pads were so worn that I had to buy new roters. Needless to say, I tell everyone I know who is buying an SUV to consider something else.

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  its good drivin - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikal5555 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  i just got my mazda 3 s its a very fine pieace of machinery when you drive this car you automatically feel like you are driving a much more expensive car it really is a zoom zoom experience.

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  Just purchased - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By CRalston - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have just purchased the automobile and am extremely happy with it. I got it for an excellent price and the car is extremely fun to drive. The one thing I am not too fond of is the one- piece dash panel. I have never owned a car where I didnt customize the stereo unit!

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  I love this Mazda3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By CardinalFan_101 - November 17 - 12:23 am

  Im a previous owner of a 06 Mazda3 S Grand Touring, but the new 2010 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring has improved 100 times over. The handling is improved, gas mileage has improved and you get all the great toys that all the top Luxury brands have to offer. Mazda is a top rated car company with a good reliability score. This is a great vehicle and Mazda did a great job with the re-design.

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  A Ford by any other name is still a Ford - 1998 Mazda 626
  By AFordInSheepsKimono - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Mazda 626 for 4 1/2 years now and I have learned one major lesson in what cars not to buy. I am currently on my 3rd, yep, thats right 3rd transmission. First went at 17,000 (with a FULL replacement of the transmission required, luckily under warranty). The second went at 91,000 and if you like dropping $2600 on a whim then by all means buy a Mazda 626, in fact, you can buy mine. And with its unique color its sure to be a top seller! Easy to spot, its yellow and has the big Sunkist sticker on the door! Some good advice? If anyone recommends to you to buy a FORD, turn around and run as fast as you possibly can.

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  mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By shanna - November 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable new car I have owned. I love it!