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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  2004 Mazda MPV LX - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By tomballmusic - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is our second MPV and this one is great. I like the electric doors, rearview mirror that darkens, DVD, and this one gets better gas mileage than our 2001 did. Weve been getting 22 mpg in town driving. Its quiet and rides nicely.

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  Only the best - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zukman - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my rx8 20 days ago and I think this car meets and exeeds my expectations. Suprisingly spacious and comfortable. My doughter has no complaints about the back seat at all. I have never driven a car that sticks the corners like this car, no matter how hard you push it wants to go faster. As far as straight line performance if you turn up the rpms not many cars are going to hang with you. Plain and simple its worth every penny and then some.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bfelosi - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Tribute and they only get better. The exterior is beautiful and the interior is even better, with very comfortable seating and a very smooth and quiet ride. Handling of this vehicle is amazing on sharp curves and steep roads. These vehicles are loaded with standard features! I am hooked on my Mazda Tribute!

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  Awesome car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8=Awesome - January 23 - 3:03 am

  I bought my 04 RX8 in Feb of 2009 with 33k miles on it. Its now almost Nov 2009 with 41k on it. This car has been absolutely amazing (despite gas mileage). The rotary engine is a very high maintenance though, I was told by a Rotary Specialist, to let my car warm up to where it is idling at 1k rpm, and let it idle for 15-30 seconds before shutting it off (of course never shut the car off when its cold), and I have not had one single issue. The handling is great, I got a K&N short ram cold air intake which makes the biggest difference, so much louder then stock, you would be surprised. Got an extended warranty til 2014 (highly recommend that). This car is great if you maintain it properly.

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  Great Car!! - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Sally - January 21 - 9:09 am

  Ive had the CX-3 Sport AWD for about two months and I can honestly say that it handles incredibly well. The drive is very comfortable, and engine is very responsive. Cabin noise is very minimal (compared to my 2013 Honda Fit, this Mazda CX-3 is a massive improvement). Im averaging about 26 MPG with mostly city driving. Seats are very comfortable and the technology inside is very user friendly and ergonomic. Only drawback is that the back seat is small. But other than that everything is great!

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  Just needs a little more power - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By FSTASNTZ - January 21 - 8:03 am

  Handles nicely for a car of this price range and class. Not too loud, but does have a little road noise. Power is decent, but would prefer something closer to 200hp, without having to buy the Mazdaspeed version. Nice smooth shifter, almost no torque steer. Brakes are just about perfect for the weight of the car. Mileage is about on par with the sticker 27-31 mpg, and I only have 800 miles on it. Wheels could be a little wider to hold a wider tire, maybe a 225, and not a 205.

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  This is a quality ride. - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Jack Bledsoe - January 21 - 6:13 am

  This vehicle is just comfortable in the extreme. It is easy to drive, and drives like a regular car, not like a truck. It has given reasonable gas mileage and has required only normal maintenance.This is our fourth Mazda; they have all given us 100,000 plus miles of reliable service so as you might expect we are PLEASED.

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  Sweet - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sean - January 21 - 1:33 am

  I got the S 5 speed sport auto transmission. Its so nice and fun to drive. Handles great. Just wish it got a little better gas mileage.

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  Best Small Car by Far - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike G. - January 18 - 7:16 pm

  Weve had our car for about three weeks and couldnt be happier with it. The performance and comfort is great for a small car. Interior is roomy and the controls are well laid out. For the money you cant beat this car. Mazda really did a great job.

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  LOVE my MAZDA - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Robin - January 17 - 10:40 pm

  Gas mileage is great, getting 34 mpg, city. I have no complaints. Great value for the money!