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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  Love My 3! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matthew Smith - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for 3 and Im still in love. Its one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven, definitely an enthusiats car. Remember, at its heart its an economy car, so dont expect ferrari like performance, but its soul is definitely zoom, zoom. Handling is great, its got plenty of power. Ergonomically its great, all controls within easy reach. Shifter has a nice short throw, clutch is smooth and weighted just right. ABS is responsive. Interior is roomy, backseats too. Cargo aplenty and versitile. Love the giant glove compartment. For the money, I dont think you can get anything better. And it looks great too, inside and out!

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  A WINNING SMALL CAR ENTRY - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JOEGFED - May 26 - 10:00 am

  THE SURPRISE IS THAT IT DOES NOT DRIVE HANDLE OR LOOK LIKE AN ECONOMY CAR. THE INTERIOR FOR ITS CLASS IS OUTSTANDING. THE 17 INCH WHEEL ENHANCE THE RIDE AND APPEARANCE. THERE ARE NONE IN THIS CLASS THAT GIVE YOU SUCH VALUE FOR THE DOLLAR (IE THE LIST OF STANDARD EQUIPMENT IS IMPRESSIVE).

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  Just Got 1st 2009 Mazda 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By tuan - May 25 - 1:43 pm

  after doing research for countless hours, days, i finally decided to get the 2009 mazda 6 sedan. The car is beautiful, from outside to inside. I have test drove the new Accord, the new Altima, and I had the new 2009 Camry SE. None of them compare to this car. This car looks better then them all and drives better. I am a little skeptical on the reliability issue, since it isnt Toyota, Honda, or Nissan. But regardless, this car is awesome. it has things that only luxury cars like the BMW or Benz has. I believe this car will put Mazda on the same map with the Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans.

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  Mazda has no air cond*** - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Gigi Hernandez - May 25 - 2:12 am

  if you are tempted to buy a cute little Miata like I did ... its adorable ... faster than you can dream... everyone loves it ... but there are 3 problems with this car the air conditioning is weak .... it never gets cold !!! Its hot in Oklahoma right now , so I left the convertible top on , turned my air up all the way , kept waiting for it to get cool ... just barely cool... this is a brand new car !! obviously they assumed if you are going to have the top down you wont notice the air conditioner anyway... but its hotter than #%@$$ ...and the paint job is cheap ... it looks like I drive it thru the brush every day ... I live in the city ... there are tiny scratches all over it ... and we when we had ice in Feb the ice actually left a scrape around the bottom of the car... and the last thing is the radio ... it doesnt search out all the stations like my old car did ... and the speakers are not powerful ... I would get the Sirius option for the radio but I have been trying to read the 300 page instruction manual that was obviously written by a 21 year old genius and not meant for anyone else to understand

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  The Family Sedan with Moves - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jonathan - May 24 - 6:30 pm

  This car is the best car that I have ever purchased. It is a blast to drive and the 4 cylinder really gets the job done, especially at high rpms. The design inside is very well thought out and sporty and it is the best looking family sedan that you can buy (the Camry is nice but bland, and the Accord is just ugly and bulky looking). This is the perfect blend of a sporty car and a very capable family sedan. I have had no problems with it whatsoever and I love this car!

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  2.3 Manual Trans Rebuilt at 11000 Miles - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By golfdoc - May 24 - 7:43 am

  I bought the Mazda 3 after years of owning Toyotas & Hondas. I have never had any major mechanical problems with any of these vehicles. Was I surprised when after owning my 2004 Mazda 3 2.3, my manual transmission was stuck in second gear. Now after 16 months and 11,000 miles my 3 is at a dealership getting the transmission rebuilt. Its had 2 recalls and is also waiting for the glove box to be replaced at another dealership because it sticks. The only plus is Mazda paid for the tow and the dealer is paying for my rental car. I will NEVER buy another vehicle manufactured by FORD motor company. There is definitely truth in the saying you that a FORD will be (F)ound (O)n the (R)oad (D)ead.

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  Restored Faith - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Ladaphun - May 24 - 2:43 am

  I had a Mazda 626 that I loved but it was quite the lemon after 70k miles. But I took the chance and purchased the CX-7. It was love a first sight. Love driving this vehicle. I can pass anyone on the road and it is so easy to steer and maneuver through out traffic (Houston traffic!) I do have the check engine light problem but it is due to the gas cap coming loose. That is only a small hiccup to me and doesnt bother me as much as everyone else. It is fixable, not a deal breaker people! The fuel economy is average and a lot better than I thought it would be. I get premium fuel every third tank and the engine is fine. I will be purchasing a newer model in the next few yrs

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  Incredible Value - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MCNC - May 23 - 8:43 am

  Traded in an 05 MDX, and after review & test drive of the new MDX and other "premium" CUVs, couldnt believe the value - I suppose maybe a few missing features? No compromise to the ride and handling, however, and great drivetrain with 6 spd manumatic. X5, ML, Audi, etc, have nothing on the CX-9 in terms of the way it drives. Also quiet and comfortable. Mileage is as advertised, not great, though on a recent trip got 18.5 mpg with car loaded down including rooftop luggage. Middle row seat is limousine-like. Only criticism is this is my 2nd Mazda (also a 2007 "3") with a vibrating LH mirror - Mazda cant fix them?? One unscheduled repair for a failed rear wheel bearing.

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  comfortable mean machine - 2002 Mazda 626
  By eyeguy590 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I cant figure out why eveyone knocks this car. Its comfortable, fast and fun to drive. The best car I ever owned.Fabulous interior.

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  Expensive upkeep! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Protege LX_Owner - May 21 - 4:56 am

  I bought it when it had 12K miles and the car was practically new. I took good care of it; changed oil on time within 3-5k miles - depending on my driving habits, routine maintenance and BRAKES (more on that later) etc. Over the past 8 years of ownership, the car has been very reliable but with a cost! My service receipts so far have totaled up to about $3,800 to date - thats an equivalent to $45/mo or $542/year!! The costliest thing ever to take a toll on the receipts were the brakes; during the course, I have had eight (yes, thats 8!) brake pad replacements which included rotors and rear shoes every other alternate times. The upside: at 125K miles, the car still runs like new.