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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  The Best Roadster for your money - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By supermiataman - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The Miata is the best car Ive owned, it is extremely reliable, fun to drive, and everything works, this is more than could be said for my other cars. The only complaint I have is with the seats, they arent very comfortable on long trips. but in 2001 this is fixed, and wow, what a difference. but great little car. You need one. remember the red ones are faster (automatic 20hp)

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  So far, so good - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Elmo60 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Mazdas for years. They tend to be the same quality as other "Japanese" makes and typically much cheaper. I had debated an SUV for some time but just didnt want to pay 35-40K for a truck. I drove the Tribute and got hooked. I absolutely love the thing. I have a ton of room, Its fun to drive, peppy, etc. I read the reviews of other owners and feel bad for them. I expect it will happen to me as well and might lower my current very high opinion of my Tribute. But,til then, zoom-zoom.

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  Hoped for More - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By letrbuk - November 16 - 6:16 am

  The 6 is a sharp looking little car. Get behind the wheel and the V6 gets you up and moving promptly. Throttle response is quick, though if pressed too hard the engine is prone to rev hard in search of power. The 6 speed auto is especially fun in manual mode, but the close ratios make shifting a busy job. Fuel economy does not appear to reap the benefits of 6 gears, no matter who is shifting. Heading down the road/highway, however, subtle hints creep in that this is not the "touring" car its package advertises. Road noise is fairly high and presents a stiff challenge to the meager standard stereo. The ride, while absolutely stable, is not necessarily smooth and is tiresome on extended trips.

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  Work of Beauty! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Victor - November 13 - 11:56 pm

  The Mazda3 is just a fun drive. It doesnt just get you from point A to point B, it makes you want to go to point B. while some might see that as a problem, i think the worst part about this car is that you just want to keep driving. A lot of the reviews you read online say that they dont like the engine noise when your accelerating. But i see this as a plus, since it only gets loud when your trying to go fast. The Mazda3 makes 120mph feel like 40 and handles like it to. Great car great buy, Id recommend it to anyone.

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  Great Great Great - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike Dee - November 13 - 1:46 pm

  This vehicle does what I need it to do and when I want it to do it. Love the styling, performance, and handling. It is everything I wanted in an SUV. Drives like a car and performs well in adverse conditions.

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  Good value for money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jesse Unger - November 13 - 10:00 am

  What a great car for the money! I got mine for just 15000 new, it has leather, moonroof, 5CD changer, chrome wheels, manumatic ... wow. This car has a lot of great features for not a lot of dough, but there are some places where Mazda really skimped out...

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  I love this car! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Susan Berger - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Mazda Ive ever owned and Ive been pleasantly surprised. It IS fun to drive..does have "zoom,zoom,zoom" especially when passing or getting on a hiway. Its my 4th Minivan.(cant live without one) and tho its smaller than previous car..Its just the right size for me..both for hauling work and traveling.In fact..the size is the reason I got it. Not too happy about the milage..but I got it as we were in the midst of the gas hike and I live in New York.

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  ZOOOOOOMM ZOOOOOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mack13 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After being greatly disappointed by the Matrix XR, my wife and I went to try the next car on our list, the 3s Hatchback. No comparison. The 3s blows away the Matrix on HP and standard equipment. We got the Titanium Gray color with 4 speed auto. The dealer had a labor day sale going on, and we got it for $17,109. I love the getup and go this car has, and the tranny shifts smoothly. It reminds me of the 1989 Honda Civic si that I had because it is just fun to drive. The controls were hard to get used to, but, are very easy to use after a little bit of practice. I had a 1975 Mazda GLC, and got about 240K out of it. I have nothing bad to say about this car at all.

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  mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ajw26 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car to start out with, the design is great, fun to drive

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  My Best Car Yet! Zoom Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rgmckenz - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Mazda and Ive got to say, this is a fantastic automobile! The exterior design is best in class (looks great in Onyx Black Mica) and the interior is clean and functional. Controls are well placed, a majority of which can be activated from the backlit steering wheel buttons. The engine seems a bit weak at the start of acceleration, but kicks in nicely later on in the cycle. The handling is superb! If youre into space, the 5-door gives you as much room as the sport wagon with the rear seats folded down. The best part is that Mazda listened to the suggestions and complaints of 626 owners and corrected them in the Mazda6. Zoom Zoom!