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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  All Around MPV - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By LionJR - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable and practical people and cargo mover. It is versatile for carrying passengers and/or all kinds of cargo. Easy to navigate. Its appearance and smaller looking size belies its ability to easily haul it all. Parking is a zip. Does very well in all kinds of weather.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sha - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Great car for new families. Built in safety for child seat. Sporty on the inside and outside. Great on gas and still has great get up and go.

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  Defects Make Buying Pointless - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By kmkeuch12 - December 9 - 4:15 pm

  This car is stylish, great to drive, and the extra perks make it comparable to other luxury cars. The problem? I bought my 2015 MAZDA6 Grand Touring (with Technology Package, low profile tires, and remote start engine) in November of 2014. One month later the car died on me. What happened? The TPMS was constantly misinforming me of low tire pressure, but that wasnt the biggest issue. The big problem was the power control module dying. After a month of waiting for the part to come in I was finally given a substitution vehicle identical to my original car. This car, after 5 days of ownership, is also having the Tire Pressure Warning come on unnecessarily. Mazda has not been helpful.

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  Top car for the money, with a few quirks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aaron Oliver - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Thinking about this car? Well, its a solid choice. Dont waste your money on the larger engine, though. Even with the manual transmission, its weak, and city fuel economy is poor for this class: I get about 20 m.p.g. in town. Highway mileage is quite a bit better at around 31 m.p.g. On the plus side, handling and braking are both terrific, and the manual shifts smoothly, with just a hint of "notchiness." Interior space is also very good. A few parts are cheaply made. The glove box latches into a flimsy, molded-in, plastic bracket/notch. The drivers side fabric on my car began to pull away from the underlying cushion after only 6 months.

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  zoom zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By michael - December 7 - 7:40 am

  I love this car! Fun to drive; handles the curves through the mountains like on rails. Only complaints: check engine light comes on often. I am well aware of the gas cap causing this but that has not been a problem. Also it lags a little when you "punch it" from a stop - the turbo takes a bit to wind up. Could get a little better mileage and use regular gas.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - December 7 - 2:56 am

  I have loved owning this car - its a lot of fun to drive, gas mileage is great, peppy engine. Only gripe is the tires - Im putting on my 4th set in a year. Tried switching to another type hoping that would help, but nothing lasts longer than 4 months. Hopefully, Mazda will address this issue soon as its becoming a major cost factor.

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  Love it and hate it - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By iaintdeadyet - November 30 - 4:33 am

  I owned a 2005 3i for 5 years and it fit me like a glove.My 2010 3s 5 door is a much better car,quieter,smoother riding and much faster. Only problem is the economics are out of whack.The power window switches are too far away,(I keep opening the rear window) and the telescoping wheel does not come back far enough with the seat all the way back,Im 62"

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  Zoom - Zoom - Squeak - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By lazlo67 - November 28 - 11:13 pm

  Very fun to drive on long, windy roads. Very easy to get kids in and out of. Good fuel economy. Poor quality radio, almost no bass. Also, when you eject a CD, you have to hit insert to get another one in. On my Ford Focus, it prompts you insert another - one less button to push when you are driving. After we got it, we had problems with the rear sliding doors. Wator vapor got into the locks and froze, making it impossible to shut them, they would hit the latch and bounce back. Mazda replaced under warranty. Brakes sounds like a freight train when you back out of the driveway in the morning - very loud and annoying!! I do not think I would purchase a Mazda again. Just not too impressed.

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  Replacement Tire Suggestion - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MarRod - November 28 - 9:23 am

  With 29,000 miles on the original (junk) equipment tires, I read several tests and found a very good replacement tire for the Mazda3. Try: Continental Extreme Contact DWS (Dry,Wet,Snow) They transformed the car, with much improved wet and light snow traction, much less road noise, better steering feel and much better tar strip and rough road performance. Have 5000 miles on them so far. A very good all performance season tire. Also much cheaper than replacing the factory original (GY) rubbish.

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  Mazda comes with a few surprises - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By mediterrenean - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Good deal at its price. Acceleration is ok but the inside ergonomics is one of the best I have seen across compact cars. The exterior paint is so thin that it chips away surprisingly fast. If your bumber touches another surface, get ready to see black streaks on it. Both driver and passanger door rubber seals came off and ripped apart after a year. May be it is because of how weather in CA. However, that is totally unacceptable. The dealer agreed to fix it under warranty, luckily. Make sure you show them exactly what is needed, because they do not check the car on your behalf and offer service.