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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  Best compact car available - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By cdsmith_2002 - December 29 - 7:50 pm

  The Mazda3 is the best built compact available. The interior quality is amazing for this price range. I can get 34MPG on the highway and the motor is not broken-in yet! The exhaust sounds and looks great. I have no styling complaints with this car. Minor issues include that the economy display does not alway coincide with the calculated MPG and the glove box door rattles.

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  well worth the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jim - December 29 - 3:50 am

  The new 6 is a gentle reminder of Probe gone by. The 4 cylinder has ample performance. Great curb appeal.

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  A Great Solution to Gas Guzzling SUVs - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By New Mazda Fan - December 28 - 12:36 pm

  Soon to be a family of 6 and all 3 of my kids fit comfortably (ages 13,6,3). Each kid loves having their own seat. Sold my 05 Tundra dbl cab to get this and dont regret it. At least with this car I dont feel like crying at the pump when its fill up time. Im very impressed with Mazda. Very well priced for what you get, for what is standard on this car, is usually a option on most others. Its a great solution for families that need the seating capacity of a SUV or minivan. The sticker price is less, and your gas bill will be a whole lot less. Best of all it drives like a sports car, not a minivan, so the husbands will have fun driving it. I do.

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  good investment - 2000 Mazda 626
  By rajali2000 - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Good car.Should buy Cruise,Auto seat ctrl,Swirl AC outlet,sunroof (tilt,slide) ,Bose System,Leather seats, mileage

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  Go For It - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marc - December 27 - 12:03 am

  Mazda got it right! My criteria were Xenon headlights, regular gas, and more than 20 MPG city. But you get a whole lot more! Great styling, comfort, lots of bells & whistles. Lots of safety features. Keyless entry and push-button start is great! There are several programmable features like auto door lock, how many doors unlock with remote, lighting delay, etc., and you can hit the "clock" button to view trip info without having to use "info button". Mazda hit a home run! The car is competition for Lexus ES350, not just Honda, Toyota & Nissan.

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  New class - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By european - December 26 - 6:06 pm

  I looked at the Mazda3 because it is built on the new Ford Focus platform. I owned a 03 Focus and loved the sporty chassis...and sadly the new Focus has not been released in the US yet. When I drove the Mazda3 I was amazed at how accomplished the vehicle was and it definitely has gone up a class into semi-luxury while still being fun and sporty to drive. I travel to the UK frequently on business and read the discerning journalism on cars. The Mazda3 is highly rated along with the new Focus.My experience has supported that and I am now a proud owner of the 2.3 hatchback.

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  18 months and still LOVE IT! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JaloLA - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  Ive had my car for 18 months and keep telling my friends that zoom-zoom still gets me. It is a fun-to-drive car. Handles very well, smooth and just great buy overall! I was soooo glad I didnt get boring looking Toyota or Honda for the money I had to spend on a car. GREAT value for your money!

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  New 2012 Mazda 3 - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By disasterdawg - December 26 - 9:01 am

  Bought with 3 miles on it. Has been great car. Well designed interior and great styling. Performace and economy are outstanding. Mazda is an under rated company. The value of the this car is amazing compared to other imports. Fit and finish are top notch. Recently the car was struck broadside by and Escalade and walked away scratch free. Airbags did the job. The car almost totaled but did not. A really safe and strong car. I highly recommend Mazda, the entire brand.

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  Great vehicle few design flaws - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By jzwix - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and ride is perfect. A slam-dunk upgrade from our minivan. With two kids and a dog, there is plenty of room for all of our stuff. There are a lot of bells and whistles that we werent used to but with a few friendly drives weve grown accustomed.

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  Bet Car Purchase Ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By pagzzz - December 25 - 7:45 pm

  Bought this car new in 2004 and approaching 90k miles. Every mile has been enjoyable. Thought about getting a newer car with better performance and luxury, but decided that this car so perfectly meets my needs, Im going to drive it into the ground. No major problems (aside from nasty pothole related suspension stuff) and has maintained high 20s combined mileage while remaining fun to drive. Wont win a drag race, but can slalom with many "performance" cars. Definitely recommend upgrading stock rubber to slightly wider, stickier set. On my third set of BFGs 215/45R17 rubber. Great tires for this car.