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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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By wildcats7 - January 18 - 10:33 pm

  My V6 manual has been the best car I have ever owned. I purchased my 2003 Mazda 6 new in April 2004 and still drive it today (8/14/2014). The only thing that has gone wrong with this car in over 10 years is the water pump once went out and I had to replace a sagging headliner. I have over 150,000 miles on it and it drives as well today as the day I bought it. The paint, interior, and mechanical components have held up well. I read many of the reviews prior to writing this one which stated problems starting around the 50,000 mile mark. I am sure glad that has not been my experience. The car has been a pleasure to drive and almost like part of the family after so many years.

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  09 Mazda 5 - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By MazdaFan09 - January 17 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased my Mazda5 Grand Touring about a month ago. I love this car. This is my 4th Mazda and by far my favorite. Build quality is great, transmission is smooth as well as the ride. I was looking for an alternative to an SUV with good MPG and easy to drive. I probably will never use the third row, but the cargo room is great. It has all the features of my Mazda3 with more space and better ride. This is not a minivan, more like a sport wagon with sliding doors. I agree if it were fully loaded it may be a little underpowered. For the two of us around town or roadtrip its perfect and now theres room for the dogs. Theres not an SUV as well as equipped as this for the price.

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  my Mazda5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By jessica - January 17 - 9:00 pm

  Just what I expected it to be. Great handling, great look, exact amount of room for my family, fun to drive and a great gas mileage and great price for my budget.

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  A great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - January 17 - 9:43 am

  I Love my car. I got the s with the sport package which is worth the money. The car handles like a dream and is soooo fun to drive. Although I love my car I have a few complaints. For one the carpet is cheap and slips out from corners. Another problem is that there is little protection for the interior and it scratches easily. But its little things like this that you have to expect from economy cars. Though the minor set backs I would still choose this car over any other in its class

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  2006 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By surfrider1978 - January 16 - 7:13 pm

  I love this vehicle. Its stylish and runs great. Ive had zero problems with it since I bought in 2006. I owned a Honda Civic before, but the Mazda 3 is definitely beats it out on performance and pricing. I recommend this vehicle to first time buyers since is affordable, stylish, and runs great.

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  Dream Machine - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By JB - January 16 - 10:50 am

  Forget about the bad gas mileage reviews, who buys a sports car with great gas mileage in mind anyhow. This car takes corners like the tires and street are velcro counterparts. The interior is as cool looking as the exterior and incredibly comfortable seats.

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  Fun Pocket Rocket - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By KeysCop (retired) - January 16 - 7:26 am

  Excellent performance & handling. Surprisingly good mpg, I average 29 mpg. Fun to drive baby! Cons: speedometer/tac display view blocked by steering wheel(design flaw); small gas & odometer gauges seem almost an afterthought. Single high note horn is pathetic. No engine temp/oil gauges. And why would you put the fuel filler cap on the Right side of the car!!??

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  Impressed so far - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By New2Mazda - January 15 - 8:43 pm

  Just picked up my 5i Hatch last weekend. So far am loving it. Have the 2.3 5 speed. The V6 accelerates quicker, but the 4 felt more balanced. Better mpg, and hopefully lower maintenance will be a bonus. The space offered by the hatch is huge, and it looks great. Practical, sporty, and fun to drive....what a combo. Price was right with incentives too.

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  Best bargain - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By chezbo - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Perfect city and commuting car, also great for trips. Holds substantial amount of stuff and as they say, it is fun to drive.

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  Miatas Deliver... - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cal24sh50 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Most people who buy Miatas are looking for a sports car feel and the absolute fun of driving top-down. The Miata really delivers on both. Weve had one since 1997 and cant imagine ourselves without one. The car is also extremely reliable in our experience. It starts and goes every time we ask it to. There may be faster roadsters, but I cant imagine having any more fun driving one of them.