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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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TTShirey - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I got mine about a month ago, and Im absolutely thrilled with it. I get a lot of looks, and its a blast to drive.

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  Mazda RX8 after one month - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bcerussell - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is an absolute delight to drive. It is quick and handles with ease. Strangers stop to comment on its good looks and it is quite a head turner. The ride is smoother and more quiet than a new Volvo I recently drove, and seating is quite comfortable for me at 6 feet and 215 pounds.

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  TO MUCH FUN AND TO MUCH GAS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Edster444 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I had the car a full 1200 miles now, and I have adjusted it to the point of action. As of now it runs like a sports racing car, and you can hear the engine on both auto and man-auto, as it goes to through the RPMS. It has a great deal of torque and is comfy to be in for long rides.

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  Exhilarating ride, impeccable design - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - October 15 - 7:06 am

  I compared the Mazda3 hatch to the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit. My wife has a Fit and loves it. But for me, I needed something sportier with better pickup and a little more style. The Matrix was too pricey and bland and the Subarus style didnt impress me. For only a grand more than the Fit, I got a Mazda3 with everything I could ever ask for. Granted, I did sacrifice fuel economy (my wifes Fit averages 38 mpg, but Ill be lucky if I can get 28 out of my 3). However, the 3s engine is monstrously powerful, making it an absolute joy to drive. It has a tight turning radius, is a pleasure to drive and I dont notice any excessive road noise. Highly recommended!

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  Blackhawk - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By tliston - October 15 - 5:20 am

  Very nice car. Looks expensive and handles great. Learning manual again but coming along quickly. Love the key-less entry and telescopic steering wheel. Stock stereos not bad... Smooth ride for a compact.

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  keeps on ticking - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - October 14 - 11:45 pm

  i am updating my last review at 50k miles and just rolled over 75k . o regularly change the oil using mobil 1 20-50 as original was dino which i used until 2 changes at about 10 k miles as it was good and broken in. since ive chenged the trans fluid at 30k (flush) and 60(flush again) and the plugs once around 45.i hit some nasty potholes but the suspension seems spot on having thorough checks after any incident .I check oil level particularly after oil changes which is usually a big problem since residual oil can be up to 3/4 q and bad for seals . other than that not burning oil, runs better than new and fast as hell . preventative maint.dont use dealers that act like they could give a sheit

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  Classy Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Antone - October 14 - 11:43 pm

  Runs great, excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, slight road noise, but nothing out of the ordinary for a compact car.

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  Best in Class - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By mjh84 - October 14 - 8:44 pm

  Before buying, I researched and test-drove 3 cars in this class: CR-V, RAV4, and CX-5. To me, there was no competition in the test-drive that matched the CX-5. Not even close. After that drive, I knew a CX-5 would be my next car. It was the most responsive, had the most strength entering freeway, and had the best overall driving experience. A big complaint I have read with the CX-5 was the road noise/firmness of ride. After test driving all 3, I didnt really notice a significant difference in any of the ones. They were all relatively loud. I think the road noise is just a fault of cars in this class.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Ing - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Looks nice, runs great. Comfy ride; definitely "trucky," but not bouncy or harsh. Good legroom for tall people. Handles nicely in any situation. Good winter driving. Love the power of the 4- liter V6. Ive towed pretty close to 3000 pounds up the Columbia Gorge, and it shows no signs of strain; spooling up from 50 to 75 passing a slow semi uphill? No problem, not even with a fully loaded trailer.

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  Always wanted one - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By EJS - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I spend each Saturday driving about 100-150 miles just for the fun of it. Many friends are jealous and I expect to see some buying their own in the near future. the only problem it seems to have is an unreliable exterior temperature reading.