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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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John F - January 1 - 3:43 pm

  I traded in a 07 Civic for this car. The civic was ok but it didnt have the pep, boring to drive and everyone has it. My insurance dropped a lot when I bought the Mazda. Bought it used with 80k. Had for a year now and its still fun to drive, tons of storage space, better gas mileage then my old civic and plenty of power for such a small car. Was looking at the speed3, but not all mazda dealerships can fix it and I live in Sacramento. Closest repair is in San Jose so I got this one. Save your money and buy this one and just add the speed hood.

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  Love my Mazda - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By summercx5 - January 1 - 11:56 am

  I had been searching on the internet for three months for a new car. I had decided between the Mazda CX5 and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The day I did my test drives I found the CX5 to be far superior to the Outlander. The Mazda has lots of pep as opposed to the Outlanders sluggish acceleration. Also, my husband is 66 and he found the CX5 to be more comfortable. The CX5 also has more space in the hatchback. The fuel economy is also excellent. Its great to have a car that is economical and a blast to drive!!!

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  Zoom-zoom with room - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By midnight2014 - January 1 - 6:59 am

  My wife previously owned a 2010 3 hatchback. We loved that car. I loved that car even though I am 510", and 220 pounds, I fit comfortably in that car. But my wife wanted something bigger, and when the CX-5 came out it was the perfect choice for her. I like the CX-5, but wonder where the memory seats went? Mazda please explain the silly logic of eliminating memory seats??? The 2013 3 had them. My wife being 54", and me being 510", you can understand my dilemma. My wifes GT has everything, rain-sensing wipers, rear camera, Smart-Assist Braking, Bose, navigation, but no memory seats!!!! Not an option on the CX-5. It is her car, but I picked the color: Solar Red. Gas mileage so-so

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  Just what I wanted - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By rockinkuwait - January 1 - 4:22 am

  I wanted a used Speed3, but ended up going new as there were only 2 used pre-owned Mazdaspeed3s in the state when I started car shopping. It has been everything Ive wanted. Currently commuting to work and it even does that well (avg 28 mpg, and most is a little two lane highway where I have the power to pass in this). Lots of fun, no problems at all mechanically so far and 40 thousand miles into the car, I still smile every time I drive it. Only issue I had was wishing you could pick something other than summer only tires if you live in colorado, though I did manage on those through two winters...

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  Precious Few Complaints - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Bob Ahnmeischaft - January 1 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Protege ES in July 2000 and have since put 37K on it. It is solid and well-built, quick, and a good looking car. It also has the advantage of not being quite as common as, say, a Honda Civic. This is in fact the second Protege weve owned, our first being a 1991 LX model. If youre looking for a great small- medium sedan and dont want to pay that Civic or Corolla premium, but still want the upsides of those makes, go see your local Mazda dealer.

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  Great car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By TRENT - January 1 - 12:43 am

  Test drove other vehicles before i purchased the Protege. Civic, Neon, Corolla, Focus. Was hooked when i drove the Protege. Hugged the road and had plenty of pep. Great on long trips, will drive all day and all night

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  RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TR - December 31 - 5:56 am

  Solid $25K car. Daily drive over rough roads is comfortable, yet still a blast to drive on any road. Also take it to the track once a month and this completely showroom car holds its own against cars with adjustable shocks and racing compound tires. You do have to keep the RPMs up above 4K, but the rotary has no problem doing this. Im glad Mazda put a 9000 RPM rev limiter on the car or Id have easily zoomed to past 10,000! With just some basic after-market upgrades & driver improvements, the car would be always at the top of the pack.

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  Excellent Choice - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By undrgnd40 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredibly good choice for our family. The CX-9 looks great, its fun to drive and built solidly. My older kids can ride in the 3rd row seat comfortably. Handles like a sporty sedan. Hands down, way more enjoyable to own than a minivan. Very good brakes. Plenty of nice features for being the "base" model.

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  M6 Decent Wheels - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tommy M607 - December 30 - 10:23 pm

  Had the car for 15 months, 22K miles. Very comfortable, nice interior layout, good visibility, nice options for the price. Sporty handling but large turning radius. Engine idles a bit rough, smooth while driving, decent power, good gas mileage, average 28 MPG in mixed driving. Excellent brakes, trunk and fold down rear seats. Only problem- steering creaks when going slow-dealer said not a safety issue, greased fittings per tech bulletin, seems better.

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  The best car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steph - December 29 - 5:13 pm

  I love my Aurora Blue s touring hatch! I just bought it a couple days ago and feel that it is the best. It is so cute, sporty, luxurious and fun. Road noise is not an issue and its quieter with less wind noise than my fathers 10 year old avalon that cost more money. Its great on the highway too. The engine makes a satisfying sporty growl. When you press the unlock button twice, all doors plus the hatch open. This car beats all of the competition and is the best value for the money