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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  Black 2009 Mazda s Grand Touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark - March 21 - 1:43 pm

  I test drove the 2008 G35 sedan, the 2008 Saab9-5, the Lincoln MKZ, and the 2009 Nissan Maxima and found the 2009 Mazda6 to be a better value for the money compared to all of them. It really is fun to drive and has a lot of power when you need it. It has great stylish looks inside and out and I like that Mazda took a tested engine (from the CX-9) and didnt make a brand new one. It will be interesting to see how this does now against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camery since its now on par with those cars and might be an even better value.

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  One solid family mover - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By X - March 21 - 10:23 am

  We bought this van new 3 years ago and 50K miles later we have had no problems. This is very refreshing after our last van, a 98 Windstar was one problem after another. Pick-up is adequate. It cruises down the highway very well.

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  Hurricane Ike Stole My MPV - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Spike89 - March 21 - 4:23 am

  I used this van to haul a lot of equipment as well as two infants. The van suited us very well, as it had 40000 miles on it when I bought it. Around 65000 I started having issues with the engine light coming on and it missing, and replaced starter sensor, but they never were able to completely fix the problem. The value for the price of this van was excellent, and it was a very good deal considering other cars that I had reviewed. I especially liked the way that I could haul a lot of inventory. It was much easier to use then my Explorer or Surbuban. I recently bought a Town and Country at a much higher price and love that vehicle as its easier with auto doors and the tvs for the kids.

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  Nice little thing - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Trurl - March 20 - 11:03 pm

  Test drove all existing minivans and finally chose Mazda 5 as a compromise between practicality of a "grown up" minivan and drivability of a sedan. Considering its price this is nearly perfect vehicle: tiny outside but somehow very roomy inside - must be some sci-fi trick, unless it just a very thoughtful design. I also like the build quality and hope for a good reliability. And by the way, why dont they put sliding doors on all cars?

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  2007 Mazda5 - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Erik - March 20 - 9:30 pm

  We traded in a ford truck who was consuming 16 to the gallon with lesser hp and to cylinders more.Of course no comparison driving this minivan,drives like a mazda3 and the space of a truck! We did a trip around the US so drove 10,000 miles and the only problem occurred was the AC was striking for 30 min. Good we were in Montana and not already in Vegas. Out of the blue it worked again and this was the only problem so far. In the mountains would be nice to have more power, maybe not long Mazda get the new 2.5 fourstroke from ford, better on the mile and with the 5 shift trannie who you can lock more fun and lower RPM at 70 mph. Now 3200rpm still ok but with the new automatic will be better.

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  Madza Special Editon - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Special Editon - March 19 - 11:50 pm

  The Car is underpowered, needs at least 150hp. Car looks good, handles excellent and gas mileage. A good buy for the money.

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  Too many mechanical problems - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Jim - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  The 3.0l engine and 5 speed gives the MPV a great drive. Fit and finish is good. But at 60,000 miles I have needed to replace ignition coils, have had numerous transmission problems and underside of the hood has rusted into swiss cheese. My MPV also seems to wreck rear tires, has a small coolant leak and the door locks dont work anymore. Exhaust fell apart at 40,000 miles. I expect to have problems with an older vehicle, but have never had problems like this with anything Ive ever owned before. I love the car, but not as much as my mechanic.

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  Best Bang for your Buck! Fun to drive! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By DEDM308 - March 19 - 3:56 pm

  I just bought a brand new silver 2008 Mazda3. I got the i Touring Value package with the 2.0 liter engine. This is an awesome car. The ride is smooth, and its really fun to drive! It gets average fuel economy for its class, but the power from the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine is much better than you would expect! This car can definitely take off, and the manumatic shifting on the 4 speed automatic transmission is a nice touch. Kudos to the people responsible for this design! It just goes to show you that you dont have to sacrifice style for your money! This car is beautiful! From the halogen headlights, to the black-out tail lights, and the optional 17-inch alloys - this is a sporty car!

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alberto - March 19 - 1:16 pm

  The 3 is an excellent blend of performance, economy, space, quality and style. On paper, comparisons to the Civic and Matrix seemed appropriate, but behind the wheel the 3 proved itself to have no peer in this price range. It seems more BMW 3 than Mazda 3, with the thoughtful blend of speed and comfort, the Teutonic feel of its controls and apertures, the wily blend of family-car and naughty-car. No, its not perfect. Some things, I suspect, may be blamed on the marketing department, e.g. gouging us on the cost of the navigation system and the MP3 player. And a few things might be blamed on the engineers, such as the small sunroof and the lack of a 6th gear. But overall, outstanding!

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  Great Car for the Price - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ever15 - March 19 - 4:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Lexus IS but am currently not in the income bracket to own one yet. I love the features and the look it has. The new Mazda3 was like a dream come true. While I was looking at the Civic on YouTube, I stumbled upon the Mazda3. Although its not a Lexus, it has a lot of features that are similar to it, for less the price! This is my first Mazda. Im not that big on cars, but I defintely like the new Mazda3s. My previous car was a 2003 Toyota Corolla S. Although, in my opinion, the exterior body of the car could be better (the front grill), to me the interior is what matters. I spend more time driving the car than looking at it.