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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  Nice car/suv - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jbertha - March 15 - 2:00 am

  very peppy, handles like a car, corners nicely, easy entry/exit, smooth ride, great in snow very stable

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  1 year of research brought me to MAZDA - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By K. Abbruzzese - March 15 - 2:00 am

  being single and buying a car!!!WOW I was not looking forward to that experience, but was treated well at Mazda City. LOVE my Tribute. I researched on the internet for over a year, test drove a dozen cars over my spring break - for the money this Tribute is a joy to own.

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  After 4 SUVs I fell in love - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kristen - March 14 - 1:20 pm

  I have previously owned 4 SUVs (2 Fords and 2 Jeeps), so I was more than a little hesitant to exchange my 4x4s for a compact sedan. That is until I drove the Mazda3. I drive 50+ miles to school and back 5 days a week, and this car makes the commute fun. I love on-ramps and passing. The car has so much zip. I love, love, love the fuel economy! I record my average for every tank, and its always been around 35mpg (33-36). The drivers seat offers great visability-something that I was afraid of missing after driving SUVs. Regular oil changes, and you are good to go! I get complements on my car all of the time. I couldnt be happier with my Mazda! Civic beware!

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  Awesome roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By philmx5 - March 14 - 12:23 am

  This car is just a blast to drive. After looking at the competition this became an easy choice. It just felt right from the moment I got in the car, put the top down, and took off. It think it looks great without being overbearing like the expensive roadsters. The car is just simplistic and fun!

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  Awesome Sedan, Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By pepsizen - March 10 - 5:55 pm

  I have had this car for a year and a half now and I really like it a lot. It feels like Im driving a sports car because of the pep and the great handling. It has 90k miles on it and in the time Ive had it I havent had to do anything other than regular maintenance. It is very reliable and I dont mind that it doesnt get great gas mileage (I average 25 - 28 mpg with a mix of city/highway) because it is so fun to drive. The sporty/luxury mix is perfect. In the snow and ice, one must be careful of the pep and be easy on the gas pedal when accelerating after stopping, but other than that, Ive had no problems driving it in the snow.

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  True Love - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sunryz - March 9 - 10:36 pm

  I am not a car person and have never cared much about what car I drove. It was strictly functional. This yellow Miata changed that. After 4 years it is still an absolute blast to drive and people still comment about what a cool car it is. I drive it all year round with a hard top for the winter months. It looks cool like that too. My husband loves to drive it too. It is most fun on windy mountain roads. We go out driving on weekends just for the pleasure of driving it.

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  Most underrated car on the market - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By blizzy - March 9 - 1:06 pm

  Personally, I love the Mazda over other cars in its range. The 2.3 is well made, with a spirited engine and solid performance throughout the RPM range. Redline performance is amazing, the engine sounds like a V6 and outperforms many would-be "speedsters" on the road hands down. The thing I love the most is the steering. It tends to become more precise and effortless at higher-speeds, which makes fast-paced driving easy. And the safety features are important as well. My biggest complaint are the crappy Goodyear tires - they get loud after a while, and Goodyears quality is horrid to say the least.

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  Mazda3 rules - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By yoda - March 9 - 12:06 pm

  I want to say that I love this car. I bought mine with a special package. I see that Im the only Mazda3 out there that has Injen Intake system in it and dual chrome exhaust pipes. I still love this machine no matter what. For the review, it handles very well. Far better than my old car. Boxy. I love the space it has in front for the driver and passenger. I love how they made the Mazda3 with the controls for the radio and CD player on the steering wheel with the cruise control as well. I also like that this Mazda3 has more than 2 cup holders. More storage space. The most comfortable seats ever.

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  Fun Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy Zoom Zoom - March 8 - 8:43 am

  Bought my 3 for cheap reliable transportation, so far not diappointed. Love the response and drivability. I am a 300+ 61" male and I fit in the car nicely and comfortably. This car is roomier inside than it looks... Happy Zoom Zoom!!!

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  Mazda CX-5 Touring - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By scruffy6 - March 7 - 3:20 am

  In 2010 my wife and I bought a Mazda 10 (me)and a Mazda 3 and were impressed them. When the 2013 Mazda CX-5 came out I bought one for myself and two weeks later bought the identical CX-5 (different color) for my wife. The CX-5 comes in three trim levels and we bought the mid level Touring. The Touring level has all the important bells and whistles, yet is 2-3 thousand dollars less. All we did was add after market leather, which is very good quality. Gas milage is so far 28.1 cty/hwy and thats only with 1,500 miles on the car. looked to other similar cars and not impressed. Also relied heavily on Edmunds for reliable review of the vehicle which has always been right on.