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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  good truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By johnboy - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used with little mileage on it. Got a great deal. So far, so good. It runs smooth and the mpg is acceptable. AC is great. I live where it gets very hot, so that is important. For the price, its great.

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  Nice little car with electrical defects - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By joz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in 2003 as a new vehicle. Was good until 10000 miles, when a fuse blew that shorted out the tail lights, dash lights and lights on and door open chimes. Fuse was replaced and blew within a few weeks. Now the fuse blows as soon as the car is turned on. The car has been in the dealership for a week now, and they are stumped. Nobody seems to be able to determine the problem, but we have no car for my daughter to drive (unless she drives without tail lights). Mazda corporate didnt know anything about this problem, so it may be just a lemon, but buyer beware of the electrical problems with this car.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tonym84094 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  From the first time I saw a 3 I Have thought they looked great. Since buying it my opion has only improved. All my friends have complmented me on it. Every thing about the car feels and looks exceptional. The power is great and the handling supurb. Iwould strongly recomened it to anyone looking for an inexpensive sedan.

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  Compared to my Audi - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RGT - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 Audi A4 1.8 turbo for the new 2004 Mazda 3S sedan and dont miss the Audi. Thats how good this car feels, looks and drives. Dont get me wrong, the Audi with 106,000 miles on it is/was great (the cost of repairs werent). My new Mazda 3S (2.3 AT with ABS/side airbag package) is also great. It has the same "zoom" factor and handles just as well as the Audi. I am a bit surprized and very pleased. How did Mazda do it? And at this price? I highly recommend the Mazda 3.

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  Affordable BMW - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By J. P. OSullivan - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 6s 5-speed is a blast to drive. Although FWD, it is amazing how the precise handling and braking emulate the feeling one gets from a vastly more expensive BMW. All this and it still is a comfortable family sedan and commuter. Even loaded up, this vehicle is remarkably affordable. Terrific job, Mazda!

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  2009 Mazda CX-9 - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Dave - May 30 - 6:06 am

  After 5500 miles the CX-9 is proving to be an excellent family vehicle. Even the third row seats are suitable for short trips. For a 7 passenger SUV the acceleration and handling are outstanding. The interior design is up to that Acura and Audi standard. I test drove the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander. All of them are nice but the combination of price, design, size and performance made the Mazda a clear choice for my family of 5. Bottom line, I enjoy driving it and my wife appreciates the design and space for shuttling children.

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  Its Great - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nerraw3 - May 30 - 5:30 am

  I have not had my 3 for that long, but I have not found anything to complain about. Its an upgrade from what I had before. The steering and braking are tight. I previously had an 03 Protege so it has similar handling, but the ride is firmer and smoother. It has more power, but I could still use a little more. Living in a big city you need to be able to accelerate fast when traffic pushes you to, and 0-60 in 9 seconds is a little under par for what I expected. All the interior amenities are nice, must of which I had in the Protege, but way more stylish. Also the four wheel ABS brakes, and side impact airbags are a nice comfort.

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  Bang for the Buck... - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By kurtri - May 29 - 12:44 am

  I wanted a small car, with utility options, to replace an Audi A4. Like many people, I am trying to stay financially keen in current times. Is there a car with semi-luxury features, good safety reviews, acceptable gas mileage - all within the Compact $ range? Yes - the Mazda 3. The car handles nearly as well as my Audi and has respectable power. The front seats are very spacious and I do not feel jammed in like the Audi. The seats are comfortable and the dash controls are intuitive. The Mazda 3 is larger on the inside and the versatility of the hatchback was a key factor for me. Looking for more personality than a ho-hum Civic? Give the Mazda 3 a try! 26 MPG mixed driving.

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  Real seats for adults in the 3rd row - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By kona - May 28 - 10:53 pm

  I needed a true 7 seater & CX-9 has a 3rd row seat that can actually seat full grown adults like myself (Im 511") with leg room. Since the second row of seating can be adjusted fore and aft, 3rd row riders can get enough leg room without compromising legroom for the 2nd row of passengers. For those more inclined to enthusiast type of performance, no other SUV in its class comes close. The CX-9 never feels heavy or ungainly.

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  4WD option - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ed Solari - May 28 - 7:03 pm

  This is my second 4x4 Tribute S. Also own a 2002 4x4 ES. The vehicle is both good looking and dependable. I only have two concerns. #1 in the 2002 model there is a 4x4 button so you can select full time 4wd. I like this feature a lot. In the 2005 it is fully automatic and you dont have the option to select full time 4wd and for that matter there is no indication what so ever if your in 4WD. I want to know if the system is working and if I am locked in. #2 The gas mileage I would consider to be on the poor side. I dont believe for a minute that the fuel economy is what it is rated at. This seems to be a common problem for many Ford motors.