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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  A car worth to own - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Hasham - September 6 - 11:26 am

  I bought this car after driving a Maxima and Lexus ES. The instant I saw it I was in love with this car. Its sporty, slick and luxury. It has more bells and whistles than other premium cars of its age. Super reliable in maintenance, nice smooth acceleration, great dash and interior lights. It is certainly an eye catcher car. All my friends want to buy it from me but I am not going to sell it.

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  Good Deal - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mike Murphy - September 3 - 9:00 pm

  Had a 1994 Grand Voyager, and wanted something smaller and sportier. I always liked the 1st generation Odyssey--big on the inside, small on the outside. The Mazdas dimensions are almost identical. I especially like the manual transmission. Others have complained its underpowered. I disagree--I think that we in the US are on a car "power-trip"--theres plenty of power here, esp. with the manual. Handling is surprisingly quite good--you only notice the weight and high center of gravity on high-speed curves. Ive consistently gotten 25 + mpg every tankful, with a combo city/highway driving (6085 miles), and the last several tanks have been 29-32 mpg. Love the car.

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  2003 MPV is fun AND functional - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mkxlh883 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a stylish FUN minivan packed with practical creature comforts and some kick, then grab one of the 2003 MPVs. We opted for the ES with several more options including the GFX package, which transforms the MPV into a real eyecatching vehicle. We compared this to the Honda minivan, and found the MPV to have soul, better handling and was an overall better value.

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  Great car - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Angie Horvath - September 2 - 7:48 am

  A little more than I wanted to pay but worth it.

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  Good Car !!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By edblackmon - September 2 - 7:33 am

  The car has been real good to drive. It has a youthful look. Just enough room for small family. Gas is good with A/C. No problems with vehicle.

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  Exceeded Tough Expectations - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By carliker - September 1 - 11:30 pm

  I needed a daily driver so I could keep my sports car for the weekend. I didnt really expect the daily driver to be as much fun as the Mazda 3 is. I do believe its not only the best compact sedan to come out recently, but one of the best overall. Ive always been an auto enthusiast so Im quite picky when I test drive a vehicle. With better than expected acceleration, great gas mileage, low costing insurance, clean looking interior, attractive exterior, you wont do better near this price point.

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  Great alternative - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dave - August 31 - 7:00 am

  Traded a 2004 Kia Sorento 4x4 and looked at over thirty different vehicles before purchasing the Mazda5. I feel it is without a doubt the best on the market for the price and features available. I would like to see auto locking/unlocking doors, power seats and tinted windows. Offer a turbo version and just try to keep these in stock.

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  2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wish I bought one b4 - August 30 - 7:16 pm

  In 01 I bought a new VW cabrio. It was so bad it brought tears to my eyes. Got rid of it 3 yrs later. The Miata is SO good it was almost worth going thru the pain. The sheer joy of driving this car simply cannot be described... it must be experienced. Talking about brakes, engine, etc., doesnt do justice to this car. The first time you drive it alone, with the radio off and just cruising for the stake of enjoyment is when it hits you. Its not a car, it becomes a part of you. Im 55 and love Subarus, but getting this as a toy car changed my feelings towards Mazda. The Mx-5 is the best balance of a sports car youll ever find. (Plus Im getting 32 mpg while having fun too!)

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By oldman32 - August 30 - 11:33 am

  The Mazda 3 hatchback can only be described as a incredibly awesome car for the money. Its got it all: performance, style, value and practicality to boot. Go for the 5- speed, you will not be disappointed. ZOOM ZOOM!!!

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  Best Car Yet?! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By nomi85 - August 30 - 3:50 am

  Mazda Rx-8, a simple way of saying "everything Ive wanted and more". Before the Rx-8 I drove a Mercedes S500, Honda S200, Lumina SS, Mustang, and the Bmw 330ci. None of these cars but the Rx-8 gave me complete satisfaction when it came to driving, comfort, and (my favourite) style. When on the road you may not be the biggest car, the most powerful, or even the most "bling" or done up, yet once youve driven by these other cars have felt a sense of defeat, a sense of "must bow to the prophecy of the Rotary Engine" (LOL) . Basically I love it, youll love it.