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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  Amazing Sports Car Value - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KAG MIATA - February 26 - 1:16 am

  It took years of saving, but the Miata was worth the wait. A pure, simple sports car, the Miata loves to be tossed around, and loves to rev. My car has 32000 miles on it and is as tight as a drum. The manual transmission is a joy to shift with its tight, short throws. Aerodynamics are quite good as you can drive with the top down on chilly days while the heater keeps the cabin warm. As an added bonus, there are loads of support sites, clubs, and accessories available to the Miata owner. If youve been thinking of a Miata stop thinking and start driving.

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  Best stuff at the Best Rate - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By DavyD - February 25 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Mazda two weeks ago. It is the best. I saw nearly 3 Mazda MPVs in my block. Every evening, I really want to drive in it. My mom told me that it feels like flying in an airplane. It is extremely luxurious.

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  Bought it new and it was the worst van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By dentandabump - February 23 - 11:46 am

  I bought this van in 2004 brand new.By the time I traded it in at 82,000 miles,the service people knew me too well.I did all scheduled maintenance yet had to replace:transmission sensor, CV joint,all coil packs, EGR boost sensor,starter,radiator,engine mounts, oxy sensor, coolant reservoir, control arms,range selector switchpurge valve, manifold ans more to the tune of thousands. The body was rusting and the carpet wore out quick. After forking out 20,000 to buy it and all the expensive repairs on parts that should not have been worn until after 100,000 miles, I am upset with Mazda makers.I paid 400 for a sensor and was told the convertor, tranny coolant hoses and water pump were bad.Trade in!Grrr

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  Six months in - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT in SC - February 23 - 6:50 am

  Updating my earlier review: I have had my Mazda 3 i Touring (with manual transmission) for six months now (just over 7500 miles). I am still very happy. Fuel economy has actually gotten better! And thats with running the A/C much more. I am getting around 31-32 around town and 34-35 on the highway. It is still a solid performer and just as much fun to drive.

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  Baby BMW - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaman - February 22 - 1:46 pm

  If BMW built a compact car this would be it, handling, design, interior all are great for the price. No problems thus far and when pushed to limit corners like a sports car.

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  A few comments - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mikeber - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The RX-8 mixes a long list of qualities, unlike any other car at present: Low price, design, true sports car character, rear seats, 4 doors, easy access to the rear seats, a wonderful gearbox, sporty seats. Actually, it can be consider a mid engine car, since the engine is located behind the front axle.

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  comfort, conviniense and performance - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Atif Siddiqui - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Best compact sedan for the price. Comfort and conviniense with performance havent seen in one car before.

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  sweet - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By deeze - February 22 - 10:00 am

  great car for speed racers

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  CANNOT GO WRONG - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By WICKSTERI - February 22 - 10:00 am

  VERY NICE CAR. THE SIX IS FAST AS GREASE LIGHTENING. THEY KEEP SAYING THE POWER IS NOT THE SAME AS OTHER IN ITS CLASS, WELL THE V 6 GETS UP AND GOES. ITS FAST. THE CAR IS A HEAD TURNER AND VERY NICE/FUN TO DRIVE. CANT GO WRONG FOR LESS THAN $25,000.

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  Fun, practical mid-size for enthusiasts - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By kj123 - February 22 - 7:13 am

  If you like the handling of German cars but not the frequent repairs and upsized price, this may be the car for you. The ride is comfortable but definitely firmer relative to Accord, Camry, etc. My most recent cars were Audi A4, BMW 328 and VW Passat. This car is larger than the first two and gets better mileage than all of them...for thousands less. I checked for road noise at highway speeds based on many reviews and also, rough downshifts. I have not personally experienced issues with either.