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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  Fun to Drive, Handy to Have - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By newToMazda - May 6 - 10:10 pm

  Ive had a manual 3s Hatch now for exactly a month--it has 1300 miles. Reasonable mileage (26-27 on suburban errands). Excellent for doing U-turns into parking spaces, taking stuff to the county trash-pickup, and transporting model airplanes with wings attached. Very high quality of assembly.

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  The Very Best Sports Coupe - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotary Rider - May 6 - 12:23 pm

  This car is the most fun you can have on 4 wheels (driving). The handling is superb (rivals or surpasses Porsches Boxster or Cayman) like a four wheeled motor cycle; and the compact Wankel (rotary) engine provides a unique kind of performance that no piston engine can. Which is why this car is slandered in other reviews (even in the motor mags): first, its normal for a Wankel to consume oil (like a two cycle engine); second, it is simply crazy to compare it to a piston engines low end torque (its power delivery is much more like a turbines). Thats why a rotary really needs a six speed manual (dont let the revs drop below 3000, keep it "on a boil") and listen to the music as it winds to 8000.

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  Your opinions helped me, so... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zeroismydoggie - May 6 - 2:06 am

  I researched various cars over a year ago before my purchase, and online reviews were a large part of it. To return the favour, Ill write about my Mazda 3 5-door. Everything about it is great. My boyfriend has an Avalanche and can barely afford to drive it, but my car, even with the high gas prices, is $45 every 2 weeks. And I drive home at lunch every day. The back seats fold down so my 2 large dogs can fit in the back without destruction, and with the hatchback I just lift up the trunk to let them jump in. I hesitated to get the fit, scion a & versa as they were puny. This car has some guts but is sporty and versatile at the same time. Cheers.

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  Best Car For The $. Zoom Zoooom! Wooo! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sleepyz321 - May 5 - 11:36 am

  Ive had the car about 8 months now. There are lots of features my car has for the money. Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, HID manual leveling lights, auto wipers, leather, air bags all around the car. AC is powerful. Audio/cruise control on the steering wheel is convenient. The 2.3 shifts up well and holds onto gears when needed though downshifts are a little abrupt at low speeds. Gas mileage is only decent and was expecting more but cant really complain considering acceleration and how I drive. Car handles extremely well at low and high speeds. Steering is sharp and impressive, with very little float while the car stays composed over bumps. Brakes have good progressive feel.

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  Fantastic Ride - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By joebrock5 - May 4 - 8:14 am

  This SUV is fun to drive! It drive more like a sports car and handles really well. There is plenty of power from the turbo charged engine. As for the comments about the A/C I have had zero problems. It blows ice cold air on the hottest of days in Arizona. With over 80K have had the car in the shop once for repairs due to a tire issue. Maintenance costs are relatively low, although I would recommend using synthetic oil. Highly reliable and looks great.

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  Sweet Ride! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By db tulsa - May 4 - 2:23 am

  Ive had my MX-5 for 4 1/2 months (6800 miles) and I couldnt be happier... no complaints. It is a first class sports car and is a blast to drive. I am ready for some top down weather though.

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  Mazda 6 - Best bang for the buck - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By SAVVY Mark - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After spending hours on the internet, reading my favorite automotive magazines, and a couple of test drives, It was clear that the Mazda 6 (fully loaded) fit most of my requirements. Those being: performance over 200hp, good handling, stylish looks (external & internal), comfortable interior (leather), quality sound system (Bose), smooth transmission (automatic), and price. Now if price was not a factor I would have chosen the 2003 Infinity G35 coupe. A much more refined and sporty car, but for $15-$20K more and about 40- 60hp more it just wasnt worth paying the difference.

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  a true sports car? yes - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bmwwrkrrx8owner - May 4 - 2:00 am

  the rx-8 was a true sports car that just happens to have four doors. I take the guys to lunch every friday in it, and the 62", 200 hundred pound guy would rather be in the back seat behind me than the front pass seat. you can do 0-60 in under six seconds, and if you know how to drive, you can smoke just about anyone out there. i have taken multiple v-8s to the cleaners.

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  Should have thought twice - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NastiVehicle - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 6s is a blast to drive, but the quality isnt very good. I have under 6000 miles on the car and have had to have the dash board, the steering column, the center console, the radio, and the defroster replaced. The problem has come back among other terrible rattles in the back of the car along with problems the technicians caused. Other than the poor quality the car drives great, just crank up the tunes and try to zone out all the rattles. The body of the 6 is awesome with the sports grille and body kits you can get. If I had to do it again I would have gone with the accord or tsx.

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  Stylish and fun - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By CarlM2 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 Miata with a few options and was very impressed with the great handling, fun driving, and reliability it offered. To date the 99 has never seen the dealership again. Times changed and I could afford the exact Miata I wanted, a midnight blue with leather and sport suspension. It looks awesome. It feels a little more stable in bumpy turns thanks to some chasis bracing that was added this year. There is no power difference from 99 to 01 or 02 models. However, I love the car and its many positive traits. The only negative is the driving position needs to be improved.