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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  Unparalleled Fun - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By bscanlan - May 25 - 11:36 pm

  Just got back from a short trip with my two day old 2010 MS3. What a fun and confident car. I did extensive research for months on what would give me some sense of practicality with a great deal of performance. Camaro (RWD), Genesis (RWD), WRX (Snoozing plastic interior), and others (various maladies); and the MS3 came out on top. I made the right decision! Handling, power, safety, interior design, and fit and finish make it the perfect car unless you can store it on weekdays and during winter and drive it only for fun. Though maybe the MS3 is superior for that too.

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  2008 Mazda CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By kam 0203 - May 24 - 7:00 pm

  Even though Im not a professional reviewer, I see the CX-9 as a step closer to versatility in a vehicle. Love to drive it and is in the top 4 most powerful engines in or around its class.

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  wifeys 2nd mazda 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By dailydrivernc - May 23 - 5:28 am

  ive been reading reviews of suvs on here thinking of trading our 6. after reading about the issues with the arcadia i thought id check out reviews for the car i already own. these 6s rank high and i thought id put in my 2cents. our 6 has push button start, roof, all options but nav and leather. telescopic steering is nice. fastest 4cyl ive ever drove. 34mpg @65mph, city mid 20s. back seat room is largest and most leg room ive seen. fit and finish is nice but plastic on windsheild pillars starting to warp at just 36k miles, and we park in a garage. guess in the sun at work during the day is taking its toll. traded a hybrid civic on this, 6 has +pwr,+room, and almost same mpg

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  I love my Mazda 6 (Zoom Zoom) - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By omie m6 rocks - May 22 - 1:53 am

  we finally made a choice between the mazda 6 and the ultima. love the maual mode and all the goodies that come with the mazda 6.

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  Awesome Affordable performance - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dbensyl@att.net - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Miata after owning a 1990 and then a 1994 model. I have owned many cars from cheap imports to a Lexus LS 400. In my opinion the Miata is the most trouble free car on the road to own and operate, and a joy to drive. I put over 100,000 miles on the first one and only replaced an $8 headlight (excluding routine oil changes, tires, and filters). The only weakness I have seen in these cars is that the OEM spark plug wires do not last that long. Replacement spark plug wire set will last for another 100,000 miles and cost around $30-35. This car is always a blast to drive and will never leave you stranded.

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  i love it! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By sterster - May 21 - 10:00 am

  i think its a fantastic car. it looks great and i get nothing but complements. the manual is responsive and the steering has gotten me out of several situations with ease.

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  One drive is all it takes - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tyler - May 20 - 5:10 pm

  Ive had the car now for almost three months. This car drives like nothing out there in the price range. I got the bose and sunroof option it was well worth it. Friends get in the car and are shocked by the quality,performance, and of course the bose. The car drives great, doesnt feel like a small car and i love the sportier suspension.

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  Zoom Zoom - Mazda 3 s Grand Touring -WOW - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sir Force - May 20 - 7:33 am

  Having driven 2,500 miles in just over a month this car is fun to drive! Daily commutes are really enjoyable. I was originally looking at the speed but when none were available with the options I wanted the sales guy suggested driving the 3s GT - I was hooked. Plenty of power and it runs on cheap gas compared to the turbo version. The amenities such as heated seats, heated mirrors, xeon headlights, led tail lamps, and great sound this care is very enjoyable at a great price! I would buy the Mazda 3s GT again in a heartbeat. I can not believe the value I feel I get from this car and how refined this vehicle is. Highly recommended, drive one and see for yourself!

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  Greatest value and performance. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By xatharon - May 19 - 7:34 pm

  I bought my CX-5 in july, I have over 7,000 miles on it already and it has not made one peep. I drive it like a maniac in a mountainous area and still get average of 26 mpg, which is more than the computer calculated mpg. I just put it through a dangerous off-road test and it performed admirably. Two and a half inches of snow over grass and frozen mud, it drove through it like on asphalt on a hot summer day. I have done 125 miles per hour on the highway. I have not seen any reason to miss my V-6 turbocharged car, sure it does not take off on the line but it is not a race car, it still beats most vehicles. The transmission is the best I have seen outside of a Porsche.

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  Buy One!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Banjax - May 18 - 8:10 am

  Bought this car for my wife as her daily car. She loves it, I love it. Lots of style, the turbo is a blast and it looks great on the road (I noticed a lot of young ladies driving these on a recent business trip to Miami, but dont tell my wife). We havent found the gas mileage to be a problem, probably getting around 500 kms to a tank of gas. We thought the level of standard features was ample and the level of comfort outstanding. The ride is firm and sporty without compromising comfort and I would recommend one of these without a second thought. The price was very reasonable also. Buy one!!