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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  Mazda 3s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blue Jean - January 30 - 12:43 am

  Purchased for my 18yr old daughter. Researched various vehicles & test drove 3. This car by far is the best value for style, performance and confort/safety on the market. If unsure but on your list, take the time to get behind the wheel. I like it so much, I will be buying one for myself!

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  Nice car with some problems - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sean - January 29 - 6:16 pm

  Alternator went at 67,000 miles 400.00 to replace. Check engine light kept coming on. Some kind of problem with bank 1 whatever that means. The car finally kept stalling. The problem was a PCV Valve hose which the only way to change it is the intake manifold has to come off. Well the hose is 10.00 from Mazda but its 300.00 for labor. Also at 69,000 miles the tranny started slipping. Bottle of Lucas solved that. Its 3800 to replace tranny. Very nice car but has a lot of bugs

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  I just bought it but I already love it - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - January 29 - 11:16 am

  People are so in love with their cars and with this car Im no exception. I bought a base "s" -- no options at all -- and it is still a lot of car! Power locks, windows, tilt and telescope wheel, keyless entry, GREAT stereo, etc. And the engine is fantastic. You really need to be in above 4k RPMs before it really kicks in, but that is pretty normal for all them 2ish liter 4 cylinders that get max power aroun 6-7k RPM. And when it kicks in it really kicks. Keeping it in third around town and in fourth on the highway keeps the RPMs at a very responsive level. etc. etc. Also its quite roomy by small car standards, but I wouldt take a long trip with large men in the back!

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  Ultimate Fuel Efficient People Mover - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By hondax2 - January 28 - 10:06 pm

  Made the quick decision to downsize once gas prices moved towards $4/gallon. This Mazda5 has the entire familys rapt adoration. We and our two kids (9 and 11) find it to be an ideal vehicle with its surprisingly versatile and roomy interior space and its remarkable fuel efficiency. In mixed driving situations, I am averaging 28 MPG with my lowest numbers at 25 MPG and my highest highway-only tank at 33 MPG. This car is peppy, sporty, and eye-catching (lots of comments from others). Well be taking it soon on its first cross-country trip. I may have more to report then. To this point, I say "Thumbs up. Way up, on this very cool little car!"

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  Disappointed - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By fww - January 28 - 8:01 pm

  I was wanting to buy a new car for my wife and we wanted a smaller car than the 96 Maxima and better gas mileage. We looked at Toyota Yaris, Prius C, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and the Mazda 2, as well as Ford Fiesta and Chevy Sonic. We ended up choosing the Mazda 2 because it and the Fit were the only 2 assembled in Japan. I wanted the Japanese quality. I am very upset with the dealership and not real happy with the car. Weve only had it for 5 weeks so maybe things will improve. I knew it was not a "road" car and after 2 hours in it my back was very sore. It does not get anywhere near the gas mileage they suggest and Ive always gotten more mileage than the window sticker says I should

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  Great First Van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Ike - January 28 - 2:16 pm

  I always hated vans, but as a father, I had to give in. I got rid of my "grampa-style" sedan and my 4x4 truck and got one family vehicle. I debated between an SUV and a Minivan, today I drive the MPV. Granted I miss my comfy seats sedan and its leather seats, sub-woofer, moon-roof, etc., but Im impressed by this van. It was well thought out. The variable seating configuration is amazing. I added Limo Tint and a rooftop LCD and we even go sit in the back seat, eat dinner and watch a movie inside the van. It drives and handles very well. I just wish the driver seat was a lot more comfortable, its too hard and too short.

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  Germany has been crushed Mercedes, Audi take notes - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By OrthoLee - January 27 - 6:59 am

  Love this magnificent piece of art and ironman clad engineering.You want to hear the turbo go zoom it doesnt get better it sounds better than my mustang gt.More torque then you will ever use.Red light champion.Looks can kill and mazda got that right.Technology that will help you stay safe smart city brake system just one word "wow"it stops automatically in case your not paying attention.You got real wood,nappa leather,led lights,active lane keep assist,4 stage one of a kind grey metal 3D color,adaptive cruise,too many and i mean too many features to list. Tesla doesnt even has this stuff and your spending twice as much.Forget toyota,honda ,lexus,acura.This beats audi,bmw,mercedes anyday and no will spend half as much and save on thousands after that from going to there nice service centers.Best reliability and warranty in business.I am in love.Everyone is shocked when i tell them its a mazda .Thank you Mazda.zoom zoom into future.one thing i will like to see in future is more entertainment options like ipad holders and DVD etc.

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  rattle trap - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By girvin - January 26 - 3:13 pm

  Bought the mazda3 about a year ago and have driven it 26,000 miles never had a major problem with it other than a rattle in the trunk area cant seem to locate it and the dealer couldnt find either the tires that came on it new were horrible they wore out at 17,000 miles

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  Zoom Zoom with Room!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Glenn F - January 26 - 12:56 pm

  I was a previous Mazda owner years ago, currently a BMW owner. I had been reading about the totally redesigned 2009 Mazda 6 coming out for months now, so when my wife was looking to replace her 2002 BMW 530, I said lets take a quick look at the 2009 Mazda 6 first. Well she loved it and we bought it. With the new "6", Mazda continues to move closer to having the most exciting lineup of any manufacturer today. Exterior looks very Lexus like ( especially from the back). The interior room has been increased dramatically and the truck is huge. With the bigger engine, it has plenty of power. Bose sound system rocks. At around 30K, there is no better value for the money. Initial enjoyment is off the charts.

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  Cool suv - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Edsel Argarin - January 26 - 8:13 am

  Love this car, the power, cornering, braking, passing, it drives like a sports car. Looks good in all angle and the seats are much more comfortable and accelerates/pass better than the pilot with a little bit better mpg.