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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  Its all relative, right? - 2000 Mazda 626
  By PoppieProng - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I just got my 2000 ESV6 yesterday. Obviously it was used, but it was pretty low mileage. The 626 has plenty of power, but since I have the automatic, it does sometimes do some wonky things. I am sure that if I were used to, say, Lexus or Acura, I wouldnt like the car as much as I do, but...boy, do I love this car. It is such a big step up from what I am used to. I have noticed that it has a lack of power when climbing really steep hills.

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  Best Car For the Money, Hands Down - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andy989 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a terrific car, with more in common with an Audi A4 or BMW 3-series than with most of the cars in its class. Beautiful styling inside and out, with superb, VW-quality fit and finish, a firm yet comfortable ride, surprisingly good acceleration and fuel economy (about 27 mph in mixed driving) with the 2.3/auto, nimble handling, plenty of room, lots of great features! Highly recommended if youre considering a Civic or Corolla but want some more fun.

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  Love the car, hate Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LBS - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The day after I bought my car I was rear-ended. The dealership was very helpful at first and coordinated getting it back to them. It has taken over 5 weeks to get the car back because Mazda does not make replacement parts readily available for this vehicle. I understand it is a new line but I find it ridiculous that Mazda has not been able to improve their parts distribution channels. In addition, the customer service I have received from the Mazda dealership has been terrible. I recommend the car 100% but watch out for idiots trying to hit your car (because Mazda wont be able to fix it for more than a month) AND dont buy th

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  Unreal ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By WPI - December 10 - 1:46 am

  I just bought this car got a great deal, nothing down, 1 free months lease payment, paying 41 months $225 lease, that is it my friends, gonna drive it for 3.5 years and buy it for $9.5K I had no idea how to drive stick and had a friend teach me less than a week, this car is the real deal for the price. The only thing that sucks is no power locks, and the HORN. This car rocks baby! ZOOM ZOOM

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  Everyone Must Drive One - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ron Johnson - December 9 - 8:40 pm

  My daily drive is a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT. With 366HP is moves and handles well. When deciding on a weekend fun car my criteria was a hardtop convertible, under 30K and reliable. I always read how great the Miata was to drive and how it was tough to compete against. After the test drive, I was totally convinced. The car is a machine rapped around the drivers body. My wife had reservations about the size of the car, but now asks when we are taking it on a drive.If anyone has hesitations about this car, try to buy one 1 year old- there arent any and I live in New York.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By A Chef - December 8 - 12:33 pm

  We looked at tons of crossovers & suvs in this price range - and for the money it doesnt get ANY better than this car. I almost went with the more expensive GMC Acadia but after driving this - the GMC felt like a tinker toy in comparison! This is a very well made, well appointed and stylish car. I am pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage. This is basically a luxury crossover for about $15k less than the volvo, lexus or cadillac counterparts. My husband and I are starting a family this year and he calls this my "sexy mom car" =)

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  It DOES have the soul of a sports car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Sports Car Addict - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have always had a sports car in my garage for the past 40 years, from MGs, TRs,V-12 E-Type Jags, Morgan +8 to the latest RX-7. When I needed an SUV I drove nearly all of them, but the Tribute is the only one I think is really FUN to drive plus high quality fit and finish. By the way, Im 6 7" tall and very comfortable in the Tribute...more than I can say for the sports cars!

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  Japanese BMW, they werent kidding !!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rored - December 7 - 11:36 pm

  This is my first brand new car, I first drove a rental from Hertz and was impressed. The car has met and exceeded my expectations, Ive put on 24,000 miles and the car still drives like brand new, Ive driven cross country, in snow, on country roads, the car has never failed my expectations. The interior is classy, bose, sirius, and the controls are superb, I would take this anyday over the 2009. Th dealership and follow up experience was excellent, I dont think I could have asked for anything better for value. If there are any left and you are looking for a 4 door, this is the one to buy !!!

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  Great car, very satisfied - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Saint Louis Driver - December 7 - 10:46 am

  Well I was looking for a new car, and I looked at at least 15 cars in the $14k-18k segment. I happened upon this little beauty and am very happy. I have the 2.0L iTouring model, and have had it for about a month. Its got about 2100 miles on it, at first I was getting 33- 34mpg, but after breaking it in some, I have got 37mpg on my last 2 fill-ups. Its very fun and sporty to drive, I put the performance at 8, because even though its faster than anything Ive previously owned, Im not naive enough to think it can outpower some of the more expensive vehicles out there on the road, although this thing has PLENTY of pep, believe you me.

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  Hot Ride - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nyrogrl - December 6 - 8:43 pm

  Great car, my second one. Best to drive when weather is dry. Great handling, great sportscar in its price class, and just a hoot to drive. It is a looker. I have a Black on Black and it is elegant.