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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  Fine Fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By pg - November 12 - 11:23 am

  For the price, no car matches the Miata for care free driving fun.

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  I LOVE my Miata!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By L Bennett - November 11 - 10:00 am

  It will take corners very well and is so easy to drive.It is a beatiful little car, and always depenpable.I get 31 miles per gal. on the highway-better than I had expected.It is a great car!

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sport - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Have had a Miata since 1989. Still the best deal in a roadster around. You can spend more for power and automation but you cant have more fun for the price.

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  Mazda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bETTY - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck has provided me with not only protection, and reliability, but a nice girlish style! I Love it!

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  TAKES 20 YEARS OFF - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mattinla - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Wow, so much fun to drive. It may be aimed at 20 somethings, but trust me - load it up with all the options like the leather, the navigation, the xenon, and keep the 5 speed manual, and we 40 somethings feel 20 years younger! My last two vehicles have been Explorers. It was time to have fun again. And where else can you get these kinds of features in a car at this price? Nowhere! I drove the Vibe GT, and it was like driving an egg beater. The MINI is overpriced and too small to be practical and the PT Cruiser is done. I wanted good gas mileage, performance, and style, with some luxury touches and I got it.

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  Drives Like a Go-Kart - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By corkheadstinks - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has twice the character of the others in its class. Reliability has been great (so far) and the build quality solid. On top of that, its a blast to drive!

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  WOW - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By daasax - November 11 - 10:00 am

  great little car. handles very well. I love the Auto Trans.

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  Blak Mazda6 2004 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By onditquoi - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I had a problem with low-end torque in my Mazda 6s (manual). There was not enough and I often stalled the car. I added an Injen Cold Air Intake and the problem is solved. Added about 25 horsepower too! Zoom-Zoom!!!

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  Love it! - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Branz - November 10 - 9:53 pm

  Ive had this vehicle nine months now and still get compliments like its brand new. I travel for work and have put 21000 miles on it already and only had to take it in once to get the catalytic converter replaced. It handles so great at high speeds. So glad I got this sports car and also happy that I got one thats loaded. Took a sneak peek at the 2009 model and may upgrade in another year - theyre only gettin better!

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  Whole lotta fun for under $20k - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Crazy Yoda - November 10 - 12:33 pm

  We were looking for a fun to drive small sedan for under the $20k mark. This was going to be used mainly by my wife and her requirements were to have a 5 speed manual, leather seats, decent handling and four doors. The 2.3L Grand touring fit the bill perfectly. We also looked at the new Rabbit but it had no real "fun factor". The Mazda 3 handles fantastic and the high revving engine makes the car feel faster than the speedometer is indicating. Curves and turns in the "3" are very tight and the car feels more like a BMW 3 series than a $20k sedan. In my opinion you will not find a better sedan with sporty characteristics than the Mazda 3.