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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  35 MPG Combined Thus Far - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sn04 - November 18 - 3:53 am

  I have had the vehicle for about 2,000 miles now, and am extremely pleased with the gas mileage. The 35 MPG average came from my own log of gas price/quantity/mileage driven. That being said, there are a few areas that need improvement. The seats are very uncomfortable (youll feel it after about an hour on the road). The car does rev itself on start-up, and remains that way for a good 20 to 30 seconds before calming down. I havent seen anything adverse to this, but I dont like to drive until its calmed down. The center consol has a whirring sound - almost like an A/C fan is on, but its low pitched and usually doesnt bother me. I have a creak in the back during low speeds.

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  "Maybe this is just a bad one" - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Ryan - November 18 - 3:03 am

  This car has been nothing but problems. Bad brakes, transmission, spark plug, speakers, and etc. It is the slowest car on the road! It also handles bad and shakes at high speeds.

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  Perfect, for its price - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dick Tater - November 17 - 8:26 pm

  This car (4 cyl 5 speed sport value edition) is really hard to beat. Probably a more expensive car, like a BMW, Mercedes, or Cadillac CTS could beat it in many respects. But, for the money (around 20K), this car is unbeatable. Everything about it is well thought-out. I love the size-- not too big, not too small.

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  Mazda not Honda - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JDL - November 17 - 1:50 pm

  I was at Norm Reeves Honda of Cerritos ready to buy a honda Civic LX Auto. They quoted me a price over the phone of $17,900 OTD. drove 35 miles to dealer, picked out color and they ran my credit. The whole time i kept asking is the price $17,900 OTD. Everything went well until they took the price to the boss for the ok. he would not sell me the car for that price, THANK GOD. Two days later i went to Browning Mazda and drove the Mazda 3 Hatchback Auto. I love this car. Tyler at browning Mazda was great. I got the car OTD for $21,000. Buy this car, you will not be disappointed.

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  The practical car for people who like to drive! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By 06scooby - November 16 - 6:24 pm

  We love our Mazda 5 with the 6-speed. After giving up our manual Subaru Wagon for a full size mini-van after having 2 kids, we came back down to the 5. We are manual transmission people & this was our only option, but we love it. Sporty and fun, and plenty of room for two kids. Could use a little more oomph, but we prefer driving a slow car fast. Great gas mileage & its pretty comfortable despite the factory tires. We would have like a more loaded version, but giving up the goodies was worth 3 rows & a stick shift. I even contacted Mazda & asked with a large deposit if theyd build me a Grand Touring with a 6 speed & they said no! :-(

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  Highly recomend, fun, great value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By speedic - November 16 - 1:43 pm

  After tons of research considering the Honda civic Si, VW GTI mkV, Subaru impreza 2.5i, came to the conclusion of getting the Mazda 3 GT wagon. It has great interior room, looks great, and handles and preforms like a $30k car.

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  2009 I Touring Value - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cyp - November 16 - 11:20 am

  After my previous kicked the bucket I was in the market for a new car. I test drove a couple of other vehicles but after getting in the 3, I knew it was the vehicle for me. I did quite a lot of research on every possible vehicle and was originally planned on a economy car. However, the price, performance, and quality was exactly what I wanted. The Mazda 3 is a great car, and does exactly what you would like it to. It loves to be driven, it looks beautiful and stands out (without being ostentatious), and is a dream for someone who prefers smaller sized fun driving cars. Sure you could buy a better mpg, economy car. But for the price you will NOT find a more fun to drive vehicle for the money.

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  Zoom Zoom with a Few Hidden Facts - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jerry Miskovsky - November 16 - 5:33 am

  The Mazda RX8 is definitely fun to drive and I plan to enjoy it for the next year or two. Buyers should be aware of a few things you dont learn about until you own it. First, the tires are absolutely useless on snow or ice; youll need to get snow tires. Second, youre cautioned to always let the engine come up to normal operating temperature; even if you just need to go out and move if a few feet. Third, there is no spare tire (unless you want to give up your trunk space). If you can deal with these three shortcomings, get one and enjoy it as I have mine.

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  Carols Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By woodse10 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought one of the last in 2002. The looks sold it, not the test drive. Traded an 88 MX-6...wonderful car in all respects. Expected same from the Millenia and in 2 yrs havent been disappointed. Epitome of entry level luxury. Super quality all round. Smooth performer, definitely not a hot rod, but pretty quick. Not a hint of any problems. Id buy another new in a heartbeat if it were posible.

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  Bad-ass Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By murfdawg - November 16 - 2:00 am

  The car was simply awesome. I drive a muscle-car as a daily driver before the Mazda 3, and I know what performance as far as 0-60 is concerned. For a little 4-banger, that car simply flew. It was truly an enlightening experience! The interior of the car was roomy with a feeling of good control over the whole car. It felt more like a cock-pit. The car didnt feel like a wagon at all, more like a sports-car! (Mustang, Camaro likeness) Carolla, Camry, and Civic watch out.