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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  MasdaP5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ABQrich - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Much better value than Honda. Some reviewer want more power, but it has all the power Ill ever need. Suitable for all ages not just zoom-zoom st

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  2002 ES Model - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jake - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I sent a request thru Mazda web site and dealer e-mailed the next day. I got a quote over the phone for below invoice. Bought it. Nice SUV.

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  2002 ES Model - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Jake - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I sent a request thru Mazda web site and dealer e-mailed the next day. I got a quote over the phone for below invoice. Bought it. Nice SUV.

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  What an SUV should be..... - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By NewYorker - May 2 - 7:20 am

  Bought this truck for the family. We just got belted with almost 2 feet of snow. Truck handled it like a champ. Wife loves room. Had deposit on Highlander but went to see the CX9 and had to have it. Highlander is smaller, not enough storage space, 3 row entrance from only 1 side, middle seat in 2 row is small. CX9 drives great and stable. Kids actually want to sit in 3 row. Amazing the 3 row is split fold down.

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  zoom zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By wisconsinzoomzoom - May 2 - 6:30 am

  I love this car! I am in my car at least 10 hours a week and I often have a car full of people. Its fun, and safe, to drive. Backseat riders have tons of space. We bought this car new almost two years ago and still love it. The sound system is great (we have the Bose system) and we love the over look of the car. And it handles great in snowy, crummy weather.

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  Great little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksga - May 1 - 7:50 am

  After only 3 weeks of ownership, I can say I dont think Ill regret this purchase. Very fun to drive (great acceleration with manual transmission), stylish inside and out, and best of all...good fuel economy (33mpg for combined city/hwy). My biggest concern was small size of car since my last car was an SUV. Yes, smaller, but amazing trunk room and interior is roomier than expected. I researched cars to death before buying and this one really stood out from the rest for TCO (true cost of ownership), reliability and consumer satisfaction. Originally was looking at Mazda6 hatchback, but extra cost for not a whole lot more room, and drop in fuel economy made the 3 look like the winner.

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  great car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jaybee723 - April 30 - 4:23 pm

  This is one, if not the best car you can get for under 17k. This car has plenty of acceleration for the average driver. Also, the comfort and handling of the vehicle is above average of a car in its class. Fuel economy is very good as long as you dont floor it around. Good luck with that. Highway miles per gallon at 75-80 are around 33-35, and in the city around 28. Gears seem to be a little short, but this car works well even at high rpms. Blutooth is quick and simple to set up and use,the stereo is great for stock, and the vehicles build is solid and quiet.

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  Zooms past Hyundai - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By myzoomer - April 30 - 7:55 am

  Recently purchased after trading in Hyundai Veloster. Like night vs. day, this fun vehicle is far superior to the Veloster. Acceleration, Handling, Comfort, Bluetooth, etc. cant be beat. This is my third Mazda and it was a mistake to think that Hyundai could be anywhere near as good as a Mazda. Zoom Zoom

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  Excellent mechanically, terrible electronics. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kardell - April 30 - 5:21 am

  After six months and 6000 miles we still really like the vehicle. The AWD handles mountain roads and snow storms superbly. The manual control, of the auto transmission, is the best I have used, - smooth, no jerks, which is necessary for downshifting on icy, steep roads. The electronics, navigation and Bluetooth, are, at best, antiquated and inadequate. The HVAC works, but, when the cabin is hot, you must manually turn up the fan control to max. The Cruise switches are dangerous with Cancel and Resume being next to each other, and the Resume the easiest to hit. Mileage is as represented.

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  Friday afternoon car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Allen G - April 29 - 10:10 pm

  Purchased brand new. Looked great, sporty, fun to drive, typical great Mazda clutch. However, I feel my car was built on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon, I had nothing but problems with it in the year & a half I owned it. Pieces of trim falling off, just about every sensor/idiot light would come, check engine, air bag, etc. needing a trip to the dealership. One time it would not start and had to be towed to the dealership, luckily it was in my driveway at the time. I was very fortunate that the dealership/Mazda had a loaner car program, which I needed on several occasions, otherwise those expenses would have added up, but I still had to take time off for drop off/pickup.