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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  Only two complaints - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By vandergelder - January 27 - 6:41 am

  I like everything about mine, I get good mileage, its fun to drive, etc. I have had zero reliability issues. Great styling. Great handling. Almost perfect, but not quite, IMHO, see below.

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  practical sports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Steve Dibble - January 27 - 12:13 am

  Ive owned M3,Z3,MR2,WRX,911,RX7 and several British sports cars. The Rx8 betters them all in some ways and betters some of them in every way. Who needs more power? Perfect compromise between ride and handling and it looks fantastic. I test drove all of the current sports car competition and there really was none - unless you must have a top that drops.

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  Great! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By winnie - January 26 - 12:53 pm

  We love this car/minivan! Lots of fun to drive and has a surprising amount of room!

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  Almost spent $50K on a Boxster... - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By NHBC - January 26 - 7:50 am

  And I am really glad that I did not! I was looking for a small, light, nimble and quick roadster with a little emphasis on comfort. Lotus had the performance and the size, but was a little too severe for the street. Corvette was luxurious and fast, but a bit on the heavy side, and do you really need 425HP? Besides, the seats were dreadful for a $60K automobile. Came down to the Audi TT roadster and the Porsche Boxster… almost pulled the pin on the Porsche until I decided to drive the MX-5. What a revelation! Don’t be fooled by the engine size – light weight combined with a willing engine and an utterly fabulous 6-speed manual box make for an incredible driving experience. No regrets!

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  Fun and spacious little car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SFrizzell - January 25 - 11:43 am

  I really love this little car. It fits my mastiff, and adults with ease. It looks very small on the outside, but has a HUGE interior! Insurance is dirt cheap too (almost half of what my Civic cost!)

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  2014 CX-5 Grand Touring, the best ever! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By dps782 - January 25 - 7:49 am

  Purchased it loaded with everything possible on the 2014 CX-5 Grand Touring. Its gas mileage surpasses expectation at 28.6 city using cruise control when possible. The 2.5 engine is peppy and responds fast, nothing sluggish about this vehicle whatsoever. Thankfully the rear camera doesnÂ’t beep at you when in reverse up like a Prius, and inside beep would is so useless. (As if you donÂ’t know you are backing up?) The heated seats are nice on cold mornings and warm quickly. The 9-speaker Bose stereo system is symphony quality and quiets any minimal road noise. The navigation (TomTom) is touchy but adequate. I would prefer to see a Garmin navigation system in the CX-5 but that is a personal pref

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  07 Grand Touring MX5 - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DJ - January 25 - 5:30 am

  Best value for this size vehicle. Shopped around looking at sky, crossfire, solstice. Best mix of interior and exterior looks. It is a true joy to drive. As long as you are on decent roads anyway. Bumpy roads tend to throw it around a bit.

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  Month One Review - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SanDiegoTopDown - January 24 - 9:56 am

  I have owned my 06 MX-5 for less than a month and I have to say, I am more in love with it today than ever. I have a few pet peeves that I know Mazda can easily correct on future models. This is a wonderful roadster that could only have been dream of in the very distant past!

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  Performance Economy Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kermitbtys - January 24 - 6:36 am

  Wanted to get the Mazdaspeed3, but will be giving this to my daughter in a couple years...there went the Speed3. Great econ car with fantastic interior detail: Soft touch dash, great displays (except info display), & good seats. Even if youre budget minded, opt for the Bose system...regular stereo not up to par. Car is a blast to drive on the twisties, but not quite fast enough to get you in trouble...but plenty of power for fun. City MPG not up to other compacts,but the fun factor more than makes up for it. Fold down the rear seats, and you got plenty of room for hauling everyday items. Mini Cooper will handle a bit better, but cost a bundle more with less room. Best bang for $ out.

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  Perfect for us - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By fonorow - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car like ride vs. bus like Odyssey test drive.