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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  Competent Cruiser - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By phild_mason - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Millenia for about 2 months and have put on about 3000 miles. The Millenia is a competent car that excels at little but also does not disappoint. I like the styling and the fact that it stands out among the Camrys and Accords of the world. The ride is smooth and quiet. Acceleration is adequate, but mileage could be better. I have gotten around 26 on the hwy.

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  This is a Great Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By mando - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. Ive had a 94 Villager for 8 years and this is a big improvement. Its so much fun to drive. Its smooth, quiet, has plenty of power, handles very nimbly, and Im getting good gas mileage. The 9 speaker stereo system is terrific. Its a smaller van and I dont need to carry 7 people most of the time, but the very flexible space is useful for big items or for stretching out on long trips.

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  great car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By TeeGee22 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd 626 and they get better every year. A great basic fun to drive vehicle with all the comforts you want.

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  Great Fun - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mary - September 3 - 7:09 am

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  COMPETITION IS NONE - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 10 - September 3 - 4:40 am

  Just like the title states. Test drove the Honda Accord; wasnt comfortable. Test drove the Nissan Altima; on the slow side. This is my second Mazda, my first was a Millenia s. Luxury with an attitude. Same goes for the new 6, handling is crisp, suspension feels sporty, ride is smooth and comfortable. More bang for the buck if you ask me. I just fell in love with this car.

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  Wonderful ride so far ..... - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By pppjr63 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Owned vehical for only (30) days, however I think we made a very good choice with this car. Paid $22.2k after manufacturers rebate, and auto show incentive (that includes trading in a 00 Civic with eleven months left on a 39 month lease !!). Without a doubt, we bought more car for less money than any other. We also have the 4 seasons package thatr added bun warmers, traction control, etc. I highly recommend buyers in this market give the Millenia a try. The "P" version is no rocket, but the engine performs very well, with a high level of refinement. Very quiet. (Keep in mind we traded in a Civic

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  Very Good, Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda 626
  By China Doll - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Im not a race car driver. Im a working mother with 2 kids. I have received complements by others on how smooth it drives and how nice the interior looks. I have also had complements from people on the street on how they like the car and they wanted to know what kind of car it was. The car excelerates great for me and handles really well. When I travel with the kids from time to time to the beach it would be nice to have some lumbar support. Other than that I love my 626 Zoom Zoom Zoom.

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  I still love my 2001 Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Cary - September 2 - 8:10 pm

  Ive been meaning to submit a report since 2001... I love this car. It has enough power to merge and pass safely on the highway, enough cargo space to haul a gardens worth of plants & mulch with the option of opening just the back window for extra-long items, the seats are comfortable on 8 hour drives and I still feel happy when I see its graceful profile in the parking lot, especially next to bigger, clunkier SUVs. I bought it new, and put over 120,000 miles on it. It still feels like my "new" car. Unfortunately, it crashed last week (no fault of the Tribute), so here I am, looking for another just like it. That says it all: would I buy it again? Yes!

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  Great Value - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By ivanch - September 2 - 8:06 pm

  The Mazda 5 offers great value for the money. I purchased a brand new 2012 model in March 2013 with a nice discount where the price was comparable to a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. At that price, the extra room of the Mazda 5 made it an unbeatable deal. The Mazda 5 touring is a great vehicle because it fits 6 passengers, it is fun to drive, it is the perfect size for a person who either wants a smaller minivan or a larger car. This vehicle can take kids around but also serves as a nice commuter car with ample room and height when compared to other cars.

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  Excellent - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hydro - September 2 - 12:23 pm

  This car has great handling but theres room for improvement. What it lacks in power makes up for taking turns at 40 mph. For what it is, its a great value for the amount of fun you will have. Yes, the interior is a little "cheap", but you get what you pay for. If that bothers you spend couple bucks and put some nice leather pieces in it. Ive heard a million times that the car is girlie. To be honest, Ive only gotten compliments ever since. Ive had it for 3 months (an automatic), no problems and smiles everyday. As a daily driver back and forth to work the auto is great.