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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  Wonderful - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksmazda - January 9 - 2:16 am

  This has been a great family vehicle, its reliable and extremely fun to drive. Weve moved twice since weve owned it and could not believe how much we could cram inside. The interior cleans up nicely with a vacuum or carpet cleaning. The only issue weve had with the interior is that the cloth on one of the doors wasnt glued well.

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  Good Choice! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By FullyFamous - January 5 - 4:10 pm

  Ive had the car car for one week now. Very impressed with it so far. 1st tank of gas got 27.5 mpg (mostly city). The next tank was a true all-highway trip and I got 34.5 mpg. So far, so good! Not even broken in yet. Tilt/telescoping wheel can interfere with speedo/tach if adjusted to how I would ultimately like it; have had to adjust my seating position to work around this. Seems like some tire noise compared to my old 98 cavalier.

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  Fun To Drive ... Zoom Zoom* - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JoJo - January 4 - 10:53 am

  I LOVE my Mazda3. It handles well for a car in this class, love the stereo controls and cruise control on the steering wheel. Seats are so comfy, huge glove box, tons of storage for bottles, maps, books, CDs, tapes, etc. Great stereo system. The exterior looks so cool. I have the Nordic green, it is almost a green/black color and I have seen people stop to look at my car on the highway. If my stupid neighbor didnt hit it 7 days after I bought it I would be even more happy with it. I will get it back from having it fixed and painted tomorrow, cant wait, I miss my baby. Anyway, if you have a choice in buying a economy car, this is luxury all the way for a car in this class!

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  Mddy0 Mazda6 S 2003 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mddy0 - January 4 - 9:03 am

  The 2003 Mazda6 S is a fun to drive stylish vehicle. It has plenty of power and is very fun to drive. I bought the S trim with the v6 engine and The interior is practical and well designed. It does have some reliability issues, but most owners should not have problems with it. It delivers a smooth ride. The factory sound system is lacking unless you upgrade to the bose package. I would recommend this car for those who want a sporty looking car that is roomy and comfortable. Mddy0 Mazda6

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  Fun to drive and WOW the power !! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dep292 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Mazda so it goes without saying that I enjoy the reliability of them. This; however, is the most fun car Ive ever driven, ok so its tied with my RX7. The sport package (2.3) is worth the extra money and the look of this car gets really turns heads.

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ND_mazda - January 1 - 8:40 pm

  I have owned quite a few vehicles and this is one of the best Ive owned. Its comfortable with a good amount of sportiness in it. There are a lot of stuff I can add to it to make it look better and have more fun with it. Very good car with not many problems. Have driven 16 hours straight with it about 5 times with no problems. Couldnt ask for better unless it could fly.

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  My sporty sedan - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Lets Go - January 1 - 8:36 am

  The professional reviews are pretty accurate. If you need the comfort and roominess of a sedan but like to drive on windy curvy roads you wont be disappointed. While you wouldnt compare it with a Porsche for handling, I drive frequently on 1 lane roads and the performance is good. With the fold down seats I have room for my stuff when I am enjoying the great outdoors.

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  Terrific sport wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rrrockhound - December 30 - 7:06 am

  Ive always had a soft spot for Euro-style sport wagons, but Audis and Volvos were out of my price range, and forget about BMW and Mercedes. But I discovered the Mazda6 had sleek looks, strong performance, and truly sporty handling. The engine is buttery smooth and I recently got 28 MPG on the highway, not bad for 70+ MPH with the air on. The steering response is truly sports-car like and the brakes are strong, so much so that Im considering taking this car to the track instead of my Porsche. With premium audio, multiple airbags, and auto climate control, the feel is like driving a luxury car, and I get compliments on the sporty looks.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By jphms - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Have owned this "luxury" vehicle for 18 months now. Best $$$ I ever spent on a vehicle. Excellent styling & comfort. Loaded with extras. Would do it all over again.

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  2009 Miata (Grand Touring w/Power Top) - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By John from Dallas - December 29 - 9:10 am

  This is the first non-Toyota vehicle I have owned since 1985. I have owned it for about 6 months and it continues to be a pleasure to drive. I considered a few other cars (Mini Cooper S, Nissan 370Z and the Audi TT). The Audi and Nissan were about 10 grand more and the Mini dealer was extremely arrogant). Overall, I chose the Mazda because of the styling, performance and power hard top. The reliability was also a big sell for me.