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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  Mazda 6S - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Snowdy - June 10 - 7:33 am

  I purchased my MAZDA 6 in May 2003. To date I have 52,000 miles on it. This car looks great but is one of the most undependable new vehicles that I have ever owned (of 17). This car has been towed in 4 times, 2 times for the "knock sensor". The battery blew up, the transmission locked up and now the master cylinder has gone out on it. These are in addition to the 5 times that the "check engine" light has come on and they cant tell you why. This car will break me before it is over, even though I started with several thousand dollars equity, I am now in several thousand dollars negative equity. Learn the lesson from me, NEVER buy the first year of a new model.Terrible resell value!

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  Dont buy an rx8 Mazda will not help you - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Lou - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Hello I purchased an 04 rx8 in April 2010 I have 135,000 miles on it now worst investment ever. There are recalls after recalls and if the car has more than 100,000 miles Mazda could care less unlike Toyota who fix their mistakes Mazda wont. Lets start with the airbag recall $1200 to fix Mazda wont fix it for me bad harness, crack in clutch pedal $600 Mazda wont fix it, lower ball joint I replaced roughly $50 Mazda wouldnt. All of these items are recalls. Also lousy fuel to power ratio and extremely high maintenance and cost. Go to a search bar and type Mazda rx8 complaints and recalls pages and pages will come up.

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  Excellent and FUN little car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By s1652 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in August after holding off all summer to make a new car purchase specifically so I could test drive it before making any decisions. I am so glad I did. I had test driven the Fiesta and was not as blown away as I expected after all the hype, and had looked closely at the Yaris as well. This car is fun to drive! The more I drive it the more I love it. I have driven more in the past 3 months than in the 6 months previous with my old car. If you do a lot of your driving in the city as I do it is perfect for navigating tight side streets, making quick turns and edging through traffic. It does just fine on the highway. I have found the 100 hp to be sufficient.

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  Its a mini minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Soccer Mom - June 9 - 2:00 am

  A "family" vehicle, I wanted a sportier mom vehicle but something also economical and practical for a family of three. A smaller version of a van. The sliding doors are easy to use for small kids. This is a great kid friendly vehicle. The table between the seats and storage in the seats is great but wish they were a little bigger. There is not enough room for car seats HUGE complaint for me! A stroller will take up the whole back with little room for anything else. The road noise is a bit loud and for a Mazda its not as smooth a ride as I hoped. I do feel safe driving this vehicle. It can be a lot of fun on curvy roads (zoom, zoom, zoom comes to mind.

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  Good car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lisal - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my little car. Great fuel mileage and has never given me a bit of trouble. My only complaint is the suspension package. Sporty handling, but what the dealer fails to tell you is about the tire wear. The Mazda mechanic didnt even know this...The wheels have a negative camber, meaning they tilt inward at the top for better gripping and handling. This also causes uneven tire wear. I was fortunate that my tires lasted 40k miles but the far inside tread was completely bald. I hope I can get than many miles out of this second set. Buyer should be made aware.

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  good all around car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By NiceCar - June 8 - 1:20 pm

  I have 20" wheels on mine. It is not smooth as some people like. but it is so cool, it offset the bottom dis-comfort. fuel economy is not great but ok considering the size of the engine and the zoom you get when pushing down the paddle. 24 GPM on a 12 hour flat land highway trip at 75 MPH cruise control. GM and Buick (Encore & Traverse) are asking few thousand $ more for a compatibly equipped vehicle. Traverse and Arcadia interior is all cheap plastics. I though I will qualify for some bail out discount.not.Cant see a reason to 1st pay GM to build cars and 2nd buy cars with higher price. not all at lost, Mazda is a partner of Ford which is still an AMERICAN company. so I was told.

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  Good Car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SanMan - June 7 - 11:23 pm

  I sold my 2004 Camry Solara and bought this one. It was a step down as far as luxury is concerned but this car is too much fun to drive. Also it has the utility of a full size car. I was surprised by the trunk space for such a small car. I absolutely enjoy driving it.

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  Transmission Failed - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By MPV Owner - June 7 - 11:06 pm

  I have been driving this car since the start of 2001. Overall it has been solid and has required only basic or required minimal repairs... until now. At only 80,000 miles the transmission has completely failed. This will cost over $3,000 to repair, more than 1/2 the value of the car. Mechanics seem surprised, but say it is a closed system, and if it goes... well it just goes. This is a real bummer and has really turned me off on this car.

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  Worlds best car EVER made - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lidia - June 7 - 6:56 am

  I needed something that would take me 40 miles to school and back 3 times out of the week. I fill up once a week. Gas is amazing! The driving never gets old or tire some. I love all four cup holders I can put stuff everywhere. I has a bigger trunk space than you would think. Its also very roomy on the inside... lets just say my 90 pound lab can fit in it Im sure anyone can. The car speeds up quickly when shifting. Zoom zoom this is the perfect car ever made

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  Not as Good as an Accord - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By cmara1 - June 7 - 3:12 am

  After purchasing a 6 with around 30,000 miles on it, I am a bit disappointed. My main gripe is with engine. Its noticeably slower than my 4-Cylinder Accord (which isnt a rocket-ship to begin with). The lack power is to a point where I wont pass someone because I am afraid I wont have enough room. The transmission is clunky and doesnt shift when you want it to. Unlike an Accord, the engine sounds like a coffee grinder -- rough and unrefined. When accelerating the engine seems very taxed. However, the handling is very good and the 6 can be thrown around with hardly any body roll. The stereo is one of the worst I have heard in a modern car.