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:

• 

  Zoom Zoom is right! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Steven T. - January 20 - 5:23 am

  We traded in what was the best car we had ever owned (an 05 Mazda3 hatchback) to get our new CX-7 and what a good trade it was! The 3 is zippy & handles itself well and the CX-7 has the same solid feel, plenty of power and a good feel of the road. It doesnt corner like the 3 but it is smooth through the corners with more than enough power to pleasantly surprise you and the suspension makes for a nicer ride than the 3. Its very comfortable on long rides and the sound proofing has improved. I am very impressed with the power of the 2.3 turbo and am often surprised by the amount of takeoff power there is through the first 3 gears of the 6 speed automatic. And it gets 23 mpg so far! WOW!

• 

  Love my Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nicole - January 20 - 5:16 am

  After weeks and weeks of research, I narrowed it down to a Toyota and a Mazda. I purchased my Mazda3 about 4 hours away from home and had so much fun driving it on the highway! It will really get up and go! I dont find the road noise to be a problem. I love the leather interior! And the adjustable headlights are AMAZING! I was amazed at how much I like the auto wipers and lights! This is a great car and I totally recommend it! Im getting about 25 mpg in town.

• 

  Very Nice! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By dmcamj - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth Mazda PU I have owned, starting with a 89 model. I was originally interested in economy and utility of a small pick-up and Mazdas extended warranty(then, 50,000 miles) was the deciding feature for me. The first two(89 & 95) were driven over 80000 miles, the last one(99), over 100,000 with no problems. My 03 is very sporty and came with a 100,000 mile warranty, which I plan to use to the fullest. Economy ranges from 23 to 26 mpg.

• 

  Lovin It - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By HOB - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and performs great. I would highly recommend the 6 speed as the automatic doesnt do the car justice!

• 

  BEWARE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris Wood 2 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  At 200 miles the front crank shaft seal developed a pretty serious oil leak. The headliner is separating, and parts are extremely difficult to attain. The selling dealer has been terrific, but their hands are tied. Mazda North America hasnt returned emails. The vehicle now has 1,200 miles and is only 12 weeks old. It is a fun vehicle to drive, and appears to be a good value. However, this amount of initial problems should concern any possible buyers. I have purchased many new Mazdas, and this experience has definately curbed my Mazda purchasing.

• 

  A great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lunas - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mazda 3.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Man of Steel - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car a month ago and I am impressed. This car has a lot of cool features for its price range. Gas mileage has been about 28 mpg in the city! Sticker states 25 mpg in city and 32 on the highway so I cant complain. The car rides much better than the focus, or civic. I purchased a standard and have to say that I love the smooth easy shifting. I do wish the drivers seat had more leg room. The center console gets in the way of the right leg and the gas peddle seems to be to far to the right. I also wish that the car was a little more dent resistant. Overall I would highly recommend the Mazda 3 for any one in the market for a compact car.

• 

  mazda 3s solar yellow/loaded - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By haluse - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very nice car, fell in love with yellow. got it in manual with all options except navigation. Styling on this car is amazing no car is class comes close, ride is nice but more horsepower would be nice, although i am used to driving large sedans with 250+ horsepower. Handling is impressive and stiff ride has european feel.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By saojorge - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I spent about three or four months researching cars and comparing the specs and pros and cons of nearly every mid-sized sedan, and I always came back to the 6. The brakes are very responsive as is the handling. For a sedan it takes corners like a champ. I have driven it hard and it shows no signs of slowing down or wearing out. All around a great car for those who are family oriented but still want to have a little fun on the road.

• 

  Better than my VW! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mststeve - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2002 Passat, 1.8T. Good decision! Got 21mpg myfirst tank (with VERY spirited driving).Second tank garnished 25 combined (200on freeway, 178 in town). Not as bad asI thought from reading these reviews(and I read all 183 of them). Power is great,handling is better. As good as my Mercedes sedan was. Test drove a Lincoln LS sport also, handles just as well as that did. Leather seats are sooo comfortable. Could do with a little less chinzy silver trim, more of the carbon fiber would look better. Blue color is very attractive. Hatchback and folding seats are great. Would recommend to anyone to buy this car.