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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  So Much for So Little!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By karnollege - June 2 - 12:20 pm

  I read 100 international consumer reviews and ordered a Touring 5 speed manual without ever driving one! Sounds nuts, huh! Six months and 11K miles later, Im crazy about this car! I love the way it looks, drives, handles, feels, and it does everything I want it to do! Its versatile, economic, comfortable, sporty, playful, peppy to safe, dependable, workhorse to elegant night out with everything in between! I thank all of you for sharing about this awesome vehicle and its high value and quality. Do get the manual transmission for the extra pep and slightly better MPG. I drive rather fast but still get a solid 27 MPG on the highway.

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  Great Car!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ScottyB - June 2 - 4:26 am

  I purchased on 7/26/09, so I have owned the car for just over 2 months. This car provides luxury features, fun driving, and very good fuel economy at a reasonable price. I have a 50 mile round trip commute that is mostly highway. At 65-70 mph, I average 28-30 mpg. I think it could do even better if it was geared a bit higher. The gear ratios in the 6M are a bit close. I usually skip 3rd and 5th gears. The engine has plenty of torque to handle the short shifting. The engine really comes alive above 3,500 RPM. The car rides extremely well and handles well...a great balance. It is a bit noisy over rough pavement, but so is every car in this price range. Overall, I am very pleased.

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  Best Bang 4 the Buck - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rkmebane - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. If you are looking for a nice affordable sports car this is your car. when compared to the others out there, the Miata just made better $en$e.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Great Car - June 1 - 8:03 pm

  I traded in a Mazda Tribute for the new MX-5 ... and Im glad I did. What a fantastic little car. I find myself choosing (I shouldnt admit this!) the MX-5 over my 2005 AMG E-55 with 500HP -- the little Miata is actually more "fun" to drive (though not as fast!). SUPER JOB, Mazda!

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  2010 Mazda 3 iTouring 2.0L Auto - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lanman99 - June 1 - 4:36 am

  Being Camry owners for years, we decided to get something smaller. After reading Consumer Reports and many reviews of Corolla, Civic & Mazda 3, it was clear we should look at the 3. We really like the outside design and layout inside. Its classy and sporty. The back end and side lines are better looking than the 09, but I still think the front end of the 09 is better looking than the 10. The inside controls are all easy to get to and understand. And we enjoy the blue- tooth phone that comes with the touring model. We like the new shade of silver. Not too light, not too dark. The passenger leg room is a bit short in back. I would have liked a couple more inches for adults.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shaboom - May 31 - 5:36 am

  I am a mature male professional who enjoys cars and has owned many varied makes and models over the years. This Mazda 3 S is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I considered many alternatives this time, from Mini to Saab 9-3 to Nissan Z. All things considered, the Mazda 3 is far and away the wisest choice. My car has just about every available option and every accessory, (even after-market heated seats) other than the Navigation system. Really impressive styling, both inside and out and the black perforated leather makes the interior.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tonym84094 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  From the first time I saw a 3 I Have thought they looked great. Since buying it my opion has only improved. All my friends have complmented me on it. Every thing about the car feels and looks exceptional. The power is great and the handling supurb. Iwould strongly recomened it to anyone looking for an inexpensive sedan.

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  Compared to my Audi - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RGT - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 Audi A4 1.8 turbo for the new 2004 Mazda 3S sedan and dont miss the Audi. Thats how good this car feels, looks and drives. Dont get me wrong, the Audi with 106,000 miles on it is/was great (the cost of repairs werent). My new Mazda 3S (2.3 AT with ABS/side airbag package) is also great. It has the same "zoom" factor and handles just as well as the Audi. I am a bit surprized and very pleased. How did Mazda do it? And at this price? I highly recommend the Mazda 3.

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  Affordable BMW - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By J. P. OSullivan - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 6s 5-speed is a blast to drive. Although FWD, it is amazing how the precise handling and braking emulate the feeling one gets from a vastly more expensive BMW. All this and it still is a comfortable family sedan and commuter. Even loaded up, this vehicle is remarkably affordable. Terrific job, Mazda!

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  2009 Mazda CX-9 - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Dave - May 30 - 6:06 am

  After 5500 miles the CX-9 is proving to be an excellent family vehicle. Even the third row seats are suitable for short trips. For a 7 passenger SUV the acceleration and handling are outstanding. The interior design is up to that Acura and Audi standard. I test drove the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander. All of them are nice but the combination of price, design, size and performance made the Mazda a clear choice for my family of 5. Bottom line, I enjoy driving it and my wife appreciates the design and space for shuttling children.