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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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By morphball - July 24 - 3:20 pm

  I comparison shopped this with the Honda 2005 Civic EX SE (hmmmmm...1.7L or 2.3L?), and found this to be the better buy hands down. It is also worth noting the Mazda3 is less expensive to insure than a Honda, due to national crime statsistics. My only gripes so far is that the vehicle was sold to me way out of alignment, and the passenger side airbag seems to be disabled. They offered to fix everything without question of course, but it makes me wonder about Mazdas quality assurance (though its possible this happened during a demo). Otherwise, its a beautifully designed Japanese vehicle, that will have many of your friends feeling envious.

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  The Best of the Mazda 3 and CX-7 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By billybobii - July 24 - 7:01 am

  I recently purchased a new CX-5 Grand Touring auto. I have owned a Mazda 3 and CX-7. The 3 was a pleasure to drive: peppy, comfortable, great mileage, and quite reliable. The 5, in my opinion retains those characteristics. The new styling and amenities are far superior to those that were included in the 3 and CX-7. The CX-5 seems more compact in design than the 7; however, it has as much or more storage capacity. As noted below the car is somewhat under powered, but is still a zoom zoom car to drive. Mazda has taken the best of the 3 and 7 and produced a really great SkyActiv CX-5.

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  Love my Mazda3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stephano - July 23 - 12:26 am

  I absolutely love my little car. Its sporty but spacious inside. It is easily maneuvered on the road and gets great gas mileage!

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  The Best Vehicle Ive EVER Owned! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tributetomazda - July 22 - 10:12 am

  I bought it in Nov. 02. I just cleared 170,000 Miles. Sure! There have been some quirky issues. The most annoying: the illuminating light which shows you what gear you are in went out recently and there is a short in a harness that indicates the status of the airbag. I had my power moon roof switch replaced. Most expensive repair 150,000 mile tune up required the replacement of the "Coil Packs" on all 6 cylinders @ $118 each! With the other routine maintenance I had performed = $1000. Replaced the Battery @ 170,000. Replaced steering linkage arms "clunking" at 125,000. First tires went 70,000. Second set 70,000. Now in only the third set. Brakes, somewhere way back when. Oil! Thats it!

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  I lost my Manhood to Mazda - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By A Man with a Van - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Yea, well, my reputation is wrecked. Last Mazda I owned was an RX-7. Now this - a mini-van! I bought this minivan cause I loved it! I was suprised by the engine zip. Style is right, too. Keep in mind that Honda and Toyota dealers are stuck-up.

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  THE BEST - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Judy Petrozzelli - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my first MPV and I absolutely love it. The ride is smooth and the looks of it is beautiful. No complaints.

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  Best Crossover Value on the market - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By h_charles - July 21 - 10:16 pm

  Purchased as 3rd car to go with a Porsche 911. Ive always driven nothing but European sports cars, but am VERY impressed with this car. Steering is excellent for any vehicle. Handling is good for a car this big, but Mazda really needs to address the torque steer under hard acceleration in FWD models. It isnt fast, but quick enough for what it is. The interior is tasteful and well done. A few cheap plastic bits, but what do you expect at this price? This car looks and performs like a $45K car, and can be had nicely optioned for $35K. A steal at this price, it drives as well as some competitors costing $20K more. Perfect as kid carrier or a sporty SUV- - can do both well.

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  Best car ever - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By tom chandler - July 20 - 10:16 pm

  Throughly satisfied with this vehicle. Have 4k miles and I have no problems so far. Very fast with the V6 and a nice throaty sound when the pedal is down...otherwise very quiet. Comfortable seating and powerful headlights. Only negative are the controls for the heater/ac are too complicated and should go back to manual dials rather than the digital readout. The 17" tires/rims are sharp. Get many compliments on the sporty style - looks like a sports car but has the 4 doors for convenience.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By juice - July 19 - 7:50 pm

  This is a great SUV for everyone who is bored with the boxy, boring SUVs from Honda and Toyota. Its quick, has better handling than my Accord, and it turns heads everywhere I go. When I fill it up with gas, I have people staring and asking me what it is. All the style and refinement of a car that costs thousands more.

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  09 Mazda 3 GT automatic - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wallnut - July 19 - 10:10 am

  Owned BMWs for 11-yrs; got tired of expensive fixes. The Mazda has creature comforts not typically found in this class. Leather, heated seats, remote starter, Bose upgraded stereo, 4-wheel disc brakes. Very fun to drive, way better looking than anything in its class (Honda Fit, Corolla, Civic). Fuel economy could be better, but a small price to pay with all the features and drivability. The interior fit and finish matches BMWs Ive owned. I researched cars for about a week solid before purchasing and nothing comes close to the bang for the buck. The one major complaint - the horn sounds like something from a clown car.