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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  Do not buy anything until you try a 3!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By boogy-boo - July 12 - 10:00 am

  We picked up a brand new 2.3, 4 door a couple of days ago. Everything is in it except for navigation. (I usually know where Im going.) The grey/black carbon fiber trim all over the interior looks awesome! Comfortable leather seating, front & back. Impresssive & quiet 4 cyl., and responsive handling. Everything inside and out on this car is solid. Great trunk room too. I can easily fit two sets of golf clubs in there and still have room. (really) The interior lighting on the dash and controls looks super cool. I do not understand how anyone could not like that set up! Dont buy until you check out a "3". You get a lot of car for your money.

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  Great little car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By brett65 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for a little over a week so I cant really rate the reliability, but this is a great little car to drive. Looks awesome and rides even better. Mazda has a winner with the 3...Im zoomin.

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  Amazing Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dancsontos - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car is amazing. It drives like a BMW 3 series (believe me, I have driven one...) and the interior is very upscale. Thank you Mazda!

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  You will love this vehicle! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By twospedteacher - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After doing alot of research for the ideal wagon, I found the Mazda6 sport wagon to be the perfect vehicle for me and my 8 year old twins. This car rides like a Cadillac, handles beautifully, is very comfortable and roomy. The radio controls are an added convience feature that I love, not having to look at my dash to adjust the volume or stations. There is plenty of leg room in the passanger side and back seats. The illuminated dash is easy to see. I love the privacy cover in the hatch. There is plenty of storage room, and the cargo holders are great for organization. It rides quietly and handles solidly. I am nothing but pleased with this vehicle.

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  2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5 manual - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By tazbird - July 12 - 4:59 am

  No adjustments required by dealer from day one to present. 55,000 km and have only replaced the battery. Two trips from Ontario to Florida, and one trip to Virginia. Excellent value and fun to drive. My third Mazda.

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  Fantastic family car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Leo - July 10 - 7:00 pm

  What a fantastic car! Like many others I was in the market for a sporty sedan. Sporty to please me, sedan to please the wife. I had decided not to seriously look into the RX8 because of what I had read about acceleration performance. I wandered over to the Mazda dealership to kill some time and decided to just go for a spin. I was hooked, bought the car that day. The handling is incredible, yet the ride remains very very very comfortable. The navigation system is pretty good, but already outdated. The rotary engine makes beautiful music and I still cant help staring at the car every time I park it and walk away. Never been in a car thats gotten me as many looks, I love it!

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  Excellent!! Top of the lot - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By reddy - July 10 - 10:16 am

  This car wins the competition amongst camry, accord, etc. The new 2009 mazda doesnt lose out on what youd expect from a traditional sedan (lots of space, loads of features...blows away the competition, fuel mileage, etc). Add to this the fun factor of driving this car, it blows all other cars in this segment out the water. Its the best buy for the money in this segment. Im really enjoying driving my car.

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  My first Mazda - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By reillyj6 - July 10 - 3:21 am

  I purchased my 2012 Mazda iTouring a little over 2 months ago after selling my Acura tsx and I could not be happier. I am just about to his my 5,000 mile mark and so far it has been great!! I also am 63" and there is plenty of room for me in the drivers seat, but no one can sit behind me in the back. The car has plenty of "get-up-and-go" for getting on the highway. I have a family member who has a cx-9 that loves it and I test drove the three and I was set! One of my favorite cars Ive had!! Also, the SkyActiv technology came out the week after i bought the car so I do not have it, but I average 35 mpg anyways.

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  All around nice & sporty sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Blackjack72 - July 9 - 7:20 am

  Ive had this car for almost six months and I love it. I like the design inside and out. The base model has plenty of standard features and a good size trunk. Ive wanted a Mazda 6 for a couple of years now and Im glad I got a good deal on the 2006 version.

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  Best car out there - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Andy B - July 9 - 2:00 am

  After looking at and test driving Hondas, Toyotas, and Saturns, I would have been stupid not to get my Protege. Not only does it handle very well, its comfortable, can move like any 6 cylinder in its class (mine is only 4), and has a great factory installed audio system. Its design is sleek both inside and out. I average 35-40 miles to the gallon.