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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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By George - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well this is my first car I have ever purchased, I previously drove my moms Infinity J30. Well first of all the front looks great, I wasnt sure when I kept seeing the pics and all the reviewers talking crap about the front of the car but trust me in real life once your standing infront of it, it does not look bad at all. I like hip hop/rap so a good sound system is a must, I bought the cheaper version just standard everything and the system is LOUD the bass does not bump like if you had Subwoofers in the car but it is really loud anyway. I love driving it on the expressway in Chicago because the acceleration is crazy! Def take it for a test drive I did and bought it...

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  Good Value - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By 10mazda3 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good value, Great styling and sporty, just hate the road noise, keep the radio up loud. very noisy on uneven pavement. Suspension on bumps is horrible. Would rather have bought German, vw or bmw, this car very light and tinny. Paint quality not great, chips easy. Had an 08 sedan, salesman told me it would be quieter? oh well, will have to live with it for a few years.Yes, there are many features that you will love. If they put in more insulation and better suspension they will have a superior product.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By George - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well I travel to downtown Chicago everyday so I needed a commuter car, Im 6 ft and 220 lbs so I wasnt too sure about this small car but so far so good. I love rap/hiphop so a good sound system was a must and this system BUMPS, its not the same as having subwoofers in the car but its really loud anyway I love pluggin my ipod into the car and listening to my playlists. The car is awesome on the expressway the acceleration is totally responsive and fast. One more thing, dont be put off by the look of the front of the car all the pics look weird but seeing it in person is completely different, this car is a good looking car!

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  All Around Winner - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ClausS - October 25 - 2:00 am

  To the person that wants rims and not hubcaps--buy ANY trim level except the very cheapest and you have alloys? Thats a no brainer - The 2011 is near exactly the same as the 10 but the rear headrests tilt and they added a Moonroof/Bose pac as standard on all GT trims so the only upgrade it the tech which they toyed with by trading the aforementioned for the Xenons, Leds and rain sense wipers + auto headlight. Also switched to Synthetic 0W-20 oil! good move! Great car others pale, a honda fit? please 15" rims -zzz , I love the design as its grown on me and quite frankly Im sick of insecure people that need mean looking cars , the smile is great! as is the car!

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  Great Buy for an SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John Taylor - October 24 - 2:16 pm

  Vehicle goes anywhere without problems...weve been off road, the beach, highway travelling, city commuting, Texas thunderstorms, Texas heat, loaded with family, and never experienced any problems with over 95,000 miles on the vehicle.

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  interesting - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By peter wilcox - October 24 - 11:23 am

  This must have been one of the first rx-8 produced! Ive had electrical problems, sunroof problems and hard starting concerns. All of course fixed, but the car has been tied up in the shop for at least 10 days!

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  Finally feel like a Dad! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By gdogmoney - October 23 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car with a 2-year old son in mind. I needed a four door car with a little sportiness to it. I found it in the 2009 Mazda 6. I was impressed with the overall design of this car. I considered it better than the American cars I saw on the road. It had the right amount of power for my taste and the amenities are extraordinary. I got the iTouring with the Bose system, it has some kick. The 2.5 4 suits me fine, but the fuel economy was a little lacking, but thats ok. The quality and design are the reason I got this car and I left the dealer feeling pretty satisfied.

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  Not Bad for the Price - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By baanderson - October 23 - 7:23 pm

  Just purchased the Mazda5. So far so good. I went from a Mercury Mountaineer fully loaded to a wagon/van. More out of the want to spend less on gas. Plus I needed the extra space. I love the third row seating! I love the fact that my kids ( still in booster/car seats) cant kick each other. I love that even though it is considered slightly minivan-ish, the car doesnt make me feel old.

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  Great crossover, needs better MPG - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ArkadiyS - October 22 - 10:30 pm

  We have reviewed and test driven many crossovers before settling on Mazda CX9. We were just walking away from our Toyota minivan, we were looking for a car-like comfort, but more performance and fun, and Mazda made our shortlist. Excellent features and price, well loaded, and a great ride sold us. After 6 months we very happy with the car, but the mileage needs major improvement! We are getting between 12-15 MPG based on gas type. Premium gets us about 2-3 MPG more. Great car overall!

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  MP5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By - October 22 - 10:23 am

  I simply love it, especially the handling.