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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  Fun car, but replace tires every 12,000 miles! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mrobveeus - August 24 - 8:17 am

  The car, itself, is fun to drive and packs some punch. Gas mileage in the city is not great (my experience has been around 20-22mpg), but on long trips, my experience was 32-34mpg highway. THE REAL PROBLEM with this car is the tires wear out very quickly! My oil change guy noticed that the original tires were wearing badly at 8,000 miles! At 10,000 they were done! The second set of tires lasted about 14,000 miles. The current set has approximately 10,000 miles and need replaced! The soft compound, speed rated tires are very expensive to replace and will bubble or blow out when even a small pothole is touched. I doubt tires were factored in enough to the True Cost to Own, so buyer beware!

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  Great fun, and reasonably practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lurkin - August 22 - 6:20 pm

  I prefer a standard shift, and so I really enjoy this car. It is the best car I have ever owned, considering it cost me $17k as an "economy car." Great value. Cargo capacity is impressive, comfort is very reasonable, although over time, chintzy interior materials and high maintenance bills disappoint. She eats tires and her tires are expensive; third set within 100k miles at $750 a set. Expensive also was the turn-signal switch replacement with "stealership" labor pricing, as well as a broken motor mount, and failed fuel injector. Downside is, maintenance adds up pretty substantially, IMO. You do pay for the sporty performance eventually. Great fun, versatile and reasonably practical.

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  For the price its a good car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kelly W - August 21 - 3:50 pm

  This is a solid car and overall Im happy with my purchase. The two problems that I have is that my driver seat SQUEAKS and I hate it! The other problem is that the clutch pedal does not seem to go down very smooth...though it does not affect the driving of the car. I will have to have them look into these problems. I got the very basic model as I did not have many options available to me for the standard (stick shift) transmission. This basic model did not come with power door locks or an alarm and I think that is ridiculous in 2010.

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  Not a wagon for wimps - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zooming - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is close to a sports car for young families or 4 adults. The Teutonic suspension is stiff, seats are hard, the ride is firm-to-harsh. The steering is precise, very sensitive to input, and has good road feel. A blast to corner, flat and adhesive. Acceleration spirited once the engine winds up. The auto/manual shifter is no substitute for the real thing: too much automatic (with various lags, limits, and early upshifts) and too little manual— encourages pussy-footing. Tunnel vision to the rear. Compared to other wagons this could be a 10 (7 for cargo space). Dont know yet if improves on mediocre reliability of previous 626 model.

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  I love my new 3 - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By jlmm3 - August 19 - 5:20 am

  I bought a 2007 3s in 09 and loved it until I traded in and got my 2011 3s 2.5 with a 6 speed. This car is awesome it is fun to drive very quick and has good top end speed too. it is very well laid out both inside and out as well especially that dual exhaust.

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  It Aint Sexy, But Its Wheels - 1998 Mazda 626
  By BobbyBaylor - August 19 - 2:00 am

  A good car for the price. Bought this car new and drove it 4 years during college. Boring sedan styling, but Im a boring sedan kind of guy. Looks more expensive than it is to people who dont know its just a re-badged Ford. Wont turn heads, but better than driving an Accord or Civic like everybody else. Unlike other reviewers, I had absolutely no problems with my 626, except for weather stipping around doors that fell out EVERY summer and had to be replaced (under warranty). The car never failed to start. Biggest gripe is acceleration from 0 is nonexistent. Lots of trunk space. Oscilating air vents will wow all your friends!

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  Fun but problematic - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rusxdrums - August 18 - 10:41 am

  I love driving this car. I hate how many things have stopped working. Air Conditioner, electric windows, electric door locks, Stereo. All broken. Ill not be buying another mazda. My wife bought a VW rabbit pretty much the same time I bought the mazda and her car still drives like new. FEH.

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  mazda 6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nick, Waltham, MA - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for an Altima or Accord Coupe. I was very interested in a sporty, reliable car. That is when I started to look at the Mazda 6s. I read as much as I could about it and the quality is excellent. The performance is equivalent to my old 99 Maxima 5-spd. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchse.

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  Great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By walt - August 15 - 12:23 pm

  This is a great car. It handles well and has a lot of features. It could do better on fuel economy in the city. Also more leg room in the backseat. Other than that, it is a fun car to drive.

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  Nice car, bad transmission - 1999 Mazda 626
  By spg - August 15 - 10:46 am

  Very nice and comfortable family sedan. Gets over 30mpg. Down side, auto transmission failed at 80,000 miles and cost $3500 to replace at dealer and still is not right. Due to possible design flaw, transmission overheats during extended highway use causing failure. Dont buy unless it has a transmission cooler in front of radiator.