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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  Sweet3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazduh3 - January 2 - 1:16 am

  This car has the highest in its class for safety, quality and reliability. This is my 4th Mazda, and i will continue to be a member of the Mazda family. The smoothness of the transmission, excellent fuel economy. Very Sporty, plenty of power out of the 2.0L MZR 4 Cylinder engine with 148 hp. Easy to get up and go in traffic. With small children safety is key, and this beat the CIVIC and COROLLA hands down. A++ Mazda! Dont compare apples to oranges, dont compare the Mazda price to a Honda or Toyota, You get a lot more than you pay for with a Mazda, especially this 3. So if youre looking to buy one, stop thinking about it, BUY IT

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  I love this car and couldnt be happier - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Darlene - December 31 - 10:50 pm

  The car is comfortable for people who are tall and large, plenty of room.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rebecca - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the Mazda 3. It is fun to drive. BUT I am very disappointed with the gas mileage. I am getting only 23.8 miles to the gallon- highway/around town combo. I am taking it in to see if theres a problem.

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  Hate it - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Reasy - December 30 - 1:00 pm

  Bought this car after my cr-v was totaled in an accident (not at fault) and couldnt find another used cr-v. Within three months I had over $3000 in major engine repairs and it just keeps getting worse. Gas mileage has really gone down and the car is so loud and rough to drive... bumpy MI roads dont help, but I get a headache sometimes during my commute. This car has been nothing but trouble for me. Door handles stick really bad, have to really pull to get the doors open. With the cheap feel Im worried they are just going to break right off. They probably will now that I wrote that. Leather seats are very cheap feeling.

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  Poor Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Judy - December 30 - 3:30 am

  I loved everything about this car when I first saw it. Now that I have had it for almost 2 years, I am disappointed in the mileage. I do mostly city driving, and I am lucky to get 25 mpg. I was told I would get high 20s and mid 30s on the highway. No way that is happening. Also, I had the tires rotated, and the car is very noisy. Would prefer it to be a quieter car. Love the looks of it though.

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  Miata MX-5 is awesome! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dmitry - December 30 - 12:43 am

  Driving this car brings me happiness as well as enjoy the sun shines. It allows not only to move from one point to another but gives you emotions and lots of fun with no speeding or dangerous driving. I have never had any problems or issues with my car given I had technical maintenance twice. The only thing you might care about is driving in mountains during the winter. But I did drive to Mt. Hood three times, so nothing is impossible. Just dont forget its rear-wheel drive car with all its positives and a few negatives.

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  Great Car for Families - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Oklahoma Owner - December 27 - 10:40 am

  Drove home in intense storm, but CX-9 took it all in stride while other cars pulled to the side. Seats are outstanding for long hauls. Able to have normal conversations at freeway speeds. Car never feels tippy despite having 8 inches of ground clearance. At 200 inches, it is a long vehicle, but doesnt feel that way. Bose stereo is weak on highs, but midrange sounds good when connected to an ipod. Feels german in driving experience.

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  Best Car Ive Owned so far - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Guru666 - December 27 - 4:23 am

  I bought the i sport base model, 5 speed (I dont buy automatics) with no power options. Handling and cornering is excellent, and the engine and transmission are smooth. Passing is no problem as long as you know how to drive. I have been very happy with this car thus far. Its a very affordable car that I actually take pride in. I wouldnt even consider a civic or corolla after buying this car. I drove the base model Mazda6 and would take the Mazda3 any day. I did put after market 17 inch rims on the car. With steel 15 inch steel rims I averaged 33 MPG mixed driving, with the larger wheels I average 28 MPG. This car is very reliable and I look forward to driving it every chance I can.

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  Im Happy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By loophole - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The ES-V6 is both quick and nimble. Smooth running engine; smooth shifting transmission. The ES model has plenty of doodads and gizmos for entertainment. The premium sound system sounds great and is easy to use. On the down side, there is a bit much road and/or drivetrain noise, and the front seats (or my butt) could use some extra padding.

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  May not start after short distance drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By worried - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Its a cutie but if you drive short distances, this may not be the car for you. It may not start if it hasnt warmed up or been driven for less than 5 minutes. One suggestion Ive just read is to rev it up to 4000, and turn the key off while its reving. Excess fule will be removed from the fuel pump and in