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:

• 

  Terrific Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By miken - September 23 - 10:56 am

  Im amazed with the level of equipment that comes with this car, for the price (I got the car at invoice). I have the 5 speed automatic, which includes sport shift. Love the looks, ride, handling, and utility. The car is a lot of fun and the gas mileage pretty good -- about 28.5 after two fill-ups.

• 

  Mazda 3i Touring - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nadia - September 23 - 9:13 am

  I purchased this car about 3 weeks ago. I really like the vehicle. It has numerous options at a great price. Only two complaints; one is that the muffler had surface rust on it. I thought that was odd for a 2006 with 5 miles on it. Also, due to some bad luck in the past for a family member, I had the battery tested prior to driving off the lot. Guess what? The battery failed the test! I would have been stranded somewhere for sure after a couple days/weeks. So I had to have the battery replaced before I actually took the car home. I found that quite disturbing. Most people probably dont ever think of doing such a thing but look at what happened. No a bad idea for others to try.

• 

  FInally got our Mazda5! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By agron - September 22 - 9:13 pm

  After waiting 2 months we finally got our car. We had purchased it right before the recall so we didnt even see it until a week ago. This car drives smoother than any other vehicle Ive driven. It has tons of zip yet lots of space in the interior. What a difference compared to our 1999 Ford Windstar that just died on us. The Mazda5 is also very quiet in the interior. Ive almost turned the key not realizing it was on. And on the highway it performs well and is a quiet ride. Im also impressed with how little gas this vehicle uses. After having a Windstar (glug, glug) I dont have to gas up as often. In the week Ive driven Ive only had to fill up once and I drive a lot.

• 

  Good Car But Minor Tweaks Needed - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric - September 22 - 3:56 pm

  I bought my brand new Mazda3 S GT in Black. First off, there were 2 chips in the hood that went down to the bare metal. They replaced the hood which I am thankful for. Today, while cleaning my vehicle I noticed a rock chip on my windshield the size of a pin head. Great car, but it seems to be easily prone to rock chips. I had a 99 Camry, and had many rocks hit my windshield, and never a chip. Now I have to pay 60 dollars to have the chip filled with no guarantee that it will last. I hope Mazda strengthens their windshields on future models, but overall this is a classy little car with a BMW 3 series look to it.

• 

  I Love My Mazda 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt Hughes - September 22 - 2:53 am

  Just Love It. Fun to drive, speedy little car. Traded in my Mustang Cobra for it, because now I have a family, just as much fun to drive without sacrificing style and fun.

• 

  Transmission Problems on a 99 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Unhappy Mazda Driver - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I should have been a smart buyer...I thought I was when I first fell in love with my 96 626. I loved that car...but it was a lease and I wanted to try the newer 626, so I bought the 99. Why at 60,000 miles I had to get a new transmission! 1,500 dollars!!! OUCH! With the way the economy is going...I had to use all I had and some...just finished paying on the stupid thing. My brain just could not understand why I was getting a new transmission...to what should have been a decent and new car and great condition. Oh well...now I know...and hopefully you will too before you think about purchasing a 626. Hopefully, theyre making them better!

• 

  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By KRDK21 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have my LX-4x4 for one month. I have not experienced ant problems as yet. Gave back a Mountaineer at lease end so Im happy with the mileage on my Trib. Give this one a look if youre in the market for a cute ute. I dont think youll be disapointed.Dont let the gear shift lever radio issue stop you from lookin it over.

• 

  Tribute = Great Buy - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tmcgann2 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I think that the Tribute is a well-made vehicle. I have owned one for over a year now and I have not had any problems with it. I cant say that about my previous vehicles (98 Passport, 96 SC2, 89 Daytona, 81 TC3). There also have not been any recalls on the Tribute either.

• 

  Canadian Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By oksana - September 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just an excellent small car! So fun to drive! Beats my old 316 (to my surprise). Zips around the city, good and steady on the highway, get better mileage than manual claims.

• 

  thumbs up - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By callmerayz - September 21 - 12:10 pm

  Thus far I am very happy. Especially with the value for to price. A lot for little. Dont like turbo lag. Maybe the 6th gear was not needed? I am having some problems with the automatic jerking while it decides if it should change gears. I hope the dealer will adjust this.