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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  mazda6 ratings - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bxm46 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Wholly satisfied so far; combination of performance and price is tough to exceed

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  My Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony D - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I think my desicion to buy this Mazda ^ has been one of the best. The first time I saw it in the street I fell in love with it, when I test drove it I didnt want to let go of it and I didnt, now everybody turns to see my ride, the interiors are very confortable and has a lot of space. I did a lil bit of street racing with it and it didnit dissappointment.

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  It held up...but.. - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Jussy_in_NJ - November 11 - 8:50 pm

  This car held up. I bought it with 68,000 miles on it. While it held up it had terrible handling. And the noises it made were embarrassing and ridiculous. It constantly sounded like it was dying. I never had this car stall and I drove about 40 miles to and from work daily. But if your looking for a nice car thats going to be a quiet ride.. this isnt for you.

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  Simply Wow - Value of the Century - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Happy Camper - November 11 - 11:03 am

  I dont know how Mazda can pack so much luxury, technology and comfort into an agile, solid ride for thousands less than the high priced tags. The Grand Touring AWD comes with Bose Stereo, Navigation, Heated Leather Seats, Power everything...etc. etc. standard. To think I almost bought an Acura, Volvo or Lexus for so much more. Pure luxury on a working family budget. Thank you Mazda!

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  First time Mazda Owner - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By justinjustin - November 11 - 7:35 am

  This car rocks!!! I traded in my 2010 Infiniti M35s - excellent car - but wanted something smaller, good looking, better on the gas mileage (main reason) but still spirited and responsive. I opted for the top of the line S Grand Touring hatchback with tech package that includes IELoop, LED brake lights, Bi-Xenon headlights, NAV, blink spot warning, etc...in pearl white. Overall I am extremely impressed with the quality of materials inside and its handling characteristics. Driver feedback is good and it grips the road extremely well. Came with 18" stock wheels. It is just as much fun to drive than my Infiniti. The 2.5L motor is REQUIRED if you want a spirited, more aggressive experience.

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  ultimate sports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By bob - November 11 - 12:40 am

  i love the car. it very fun to drive. the fuel efficiency is bad for a 1.3 but it is a sports car and the horses and being able to turn 9 grand make up for it.constantly checking the oil gets kind of annoying after a while

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  Sexy Black Beauty - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Max - November 9 - 11:20 pm

  The car is incredible. Its incredibly smooth, incredibly fast and unbelievably comfortable for a sports coupe. I find reasons to get in the car because I love driving it so much. Though, I do have 07 Mercedes C230 Sports with AMG package as the other car, which is an excellent car in its own right, I love the feeling of driving the RX-8. MB provides luxurious sporty feel, where the RX-8 makes me want to tear up the road. It really is so much fun to drive that I have to contain myself from driving like a teenager, and its really hard. Try the car out. You will want to trade in your car right away!

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  Greeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaat - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By burkarak - November 9 - 8:56 pm

  All in all a great car for the money. Has a few rattles that the dealership has been unable to fix, but when you consider how fun it is to drive you dont really care. Everything is laid out and very accessible from the drivers seat.

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  Fun To Drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By RoNuS - November 9 - 7:20 pm

  I put a lot of miles on my car a year; in my 7 1/2 months of ownership I have logged 22,000 miles on the car thus far. This car is a blast to drive; its nice to just turn the stereo off, roll the windows down, and listen to the engine while driving.

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  Horrible Drivetrain - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By nj_drive - November 9 - 11:14 am

  We have owned the vehicle for 18 months now and have accumulated 25,000 miles. We have already had to replace the stock tires due to the originals wearing out. We took the vehicle to the dealer for all maintainence and we had a passenger side axle have to be replaced due to defect at 16,000 miles. At 25,000 miles the transmission decided to blow up. When in the dealership getting the trans replaced, they also found the drivers side axle was defective and also had to be replaced. The car gets around 32 mpg as we drove it from Iowa to NJ 10 times over the past 18 months. It is great with the entertainment package, as the kids love it. It is a little underpowered when going over steep hills.