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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  Great Car!! - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Sally - January 21 - 9:09 am

  Ive had the CX-3 Sport AWD for about two months and I can honestly say that it handles incredibly well. The drive is very comfortable, and engine is very responsive. Cabin noise is very minimal (compared to my 2013 Honda Fit, this Mazda CX-3 is a massive improvement). Im averaging about 26 MPG with mostly city driving. Seats are very comfortable and the technology inside is very user friendly and ergonomic. Only drawback is that the back seat is small. But other than that everything is great!

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  Just needs a little more power - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By FSTASNTZ - January 21 - 8:03 am

  Handles nicely for a car of this price range and class. Not too loud, but does have a little road noise. Power is decent, but would prefer something closer to 200hp, without having to buy the Mazdaspeed version. Nice smooth shifter, almost no torque steer. Brakes are just about perfect for the weight of the car. Mileage is about on par with the sticker 27-31 mpg, and I only have 800 miles on it. Wheels could be a little wider to hold a wider tire, maybe a 225, and not a 205.

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  This is a quality ride. - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Jack Bledsoe - January 21 - 6:13 am

  This vehicle is just comfortable in the extreme. It is easy to drive, and drives like a regular car, not like a truck. It has given reasonable gas mileage and has required only normal maintenance.This is our fourth Mazda; they have all given us 100,000 plus miles of reliable service so as you might expect we are PLEASED.

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  Sweet - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sean - January 21 - 1:33 am

  I got the S 5 speed sport auto transmission. Its so nice and fun to drive. Handles great. Just wish it got a little better gas mileage.

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  5 door fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gee - January 20 - 11:03 pm

  The 3 5-door Gran Touring is a solid, well put together vehicle that is fun to drive. As a suburban commuter, i get 23 MPH. The original Goodyear RSA tires were bad, only got 18,000 miles out of them, and they were terrible in bad weather. Put on slightly wider yokahamas that are terrific. This car is heavy, and a bit of a pig off the line, but at speed is handles well, accelerates well, and is comfortable.

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  My 2008 Tribute Mazda - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Hosam Dajani - January 20 - 7:40 am

  All options were basic and standard. I am missing many nice features when I compared my Mazda to the Ford Escape. The car can out perform a Honda on the highway. The car felt solid on the ground when making sharp turns. The engine felt smoother with synthetic Mobile One 0W-20. The transmission is slow and heavy. The power of the engine is felt best on the highway. Solid when driven on sand or rocks. It needs many changes in my opinion.

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  Best Small Car by Far - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike G. - January 18 - 7:16 pm

  Weve had our car for about three weeks and couldnt be happier with it. The performance and comfort is great for a small car. Interior is roomy and the controls are well laid out. For the money you cant beat this car. Mazda really did a great job.

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  5 years in and very happy - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By faztang1 - January 18 - 4:22 pm

  Im winding down my life with my Mazda6 and must say overall it was a good 5 years. The car is 10 times better looking than a vanilla Camry or Accord. The subtle hatchback look is very sporty and the trunk is huge! Great looking car. Performance wise, the 215hp V-6 is not the strongest in class, but gets the job done. However I was not impressed with the fuel economy. Most small to mid sized current cross overs get better mileage. Handling is good but the 18 inch tires really bang around on bumpy rounds. I bent all 4 rims and went down to 17s. Reliability has been great, only some small plastic pieces are starting to get loose. Interior is decent, but rear seats are a little tight.

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  LOVE my MAZDA - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Robin - January 17 - 10:40 pm

  Gas mileage is great, getting 34 mpg, city. I have no complaints. Great value for the money!

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By sc - January 17 - 3:10 pm

  Just purchased pleased with look and interior wish it was a little more comfortable. I am average height 510" and is a little crampted. Fuel economy is not bad. I wish it was closer to 32- 35 the I have read about. Average is about 30 mpg. Warranty is ok, changed in the last few years I noticed. I am pleased, its a good car smart buy.