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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  perfect marriage of tech and performance - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bipu - December 15 - 9:10 pm

  I have bought the car after reading all the positive reviews on Edmunds. I l-o-v-e the car. The bluetooth music streaming rocks. It paired up with my ipod in minutes, the palm centro works flawlessly with the hands free. After voice training I can speak to the system even with moderate road noise and get it to work. The drive is awesome. Zips through the Washington DC traffic with a true sports spirit. Although a bit sad to not being able to buy the manual shift (marital issue), the clutchless manual does the job right whenever I need the extra zoom zoom. Turns on a dime. The handling is better than German models. Still have my 04 jetta and love it. The 3 outperforms my jetta.

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  Awesome get the right options - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Westgl - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  I test drove all models for a while. The Grand Touring with upgraded suspension & DSC w/traction control feature made the car handle excellent & still provide a very comfortable ride, The Remote keyless entry is a must have. The retractable hard top is another excellent feature. Got the limited slip also, the leather is very nice quality. I have a 1999 20th anniversary miata it is very raw in comparison, the 99 does not have enough leg room. The 08 has way more than enough leg room as well as more roomy cockpit. The manual says you can run premium gas in it for added performance. I had test driven a new corvette, S2000, 350Z, BMW Z4, Solstice, nothing came close to the miata

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  Miada Mama - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Siata - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought it for fun but use it for work. Thrifty on fuel, waranty protection, dealer jumping through hoops for me. What more can one ask for. Mountain roads not a problem with the power and handling.

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  Frustrating!!! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Ellen - December 14 - 1:40 am

  As the passenger, I handle the Navigation Sytem while my husband drives. Because you cant add new destination while car is moving, I have no access to that function. So we now use our portable Garmin 99% of the time!!! And as a passenger, you are blinded to all the driving instrument panels. Very inconvenient if you are trying to help a new driver!!!

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  Hybrid, please - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By RBubp - December 14 - 12:30 am

  I love my Mazda 5. I cant understand why Mazda doesnt market it (at all!), but it is incredibly fun to drive for a versatile wagon/van with lots of smart touches. It does miss on a couple of things - front seats dont go back far enough, gas mileage really should be better - but considering there really is no other car like it, these are minor quibbles.

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  What a car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By kdizz - December 12 - 9:30 pm

  Just bought this vehicle for my wife 3 days ago. Prior she had a 4dr 1995 mazda protege and though she liked all the features what a step up! It matches all her wants and needs. Very sporty in look, feel and handling. Nice sunroof, sound system and interior. Feels like your driving a luxury car. Its also very easy to handle and park. Great value for the money especially since the 2010s are out and dealers are looking to move the 2009s! Highly recommended.

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  Yes! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mexigirl - December 12 - 5:50 pm

  Ive had this car since July and am so happy with it. I must say I added chrome 17in rims and tinted the windows a little darker then I probably should but it looks super fly while Im cruising. Best deal for you money on looks, mileage, and pure driving lust. All my friends are want my car and I always get looks when at the stop light, you know. Then some idiot had to pull in front of me and I got in an accident. Anyways now that Im in a rental I REALLY appreciate my lil Mazda. Once youve tried the 3 youll never be free. :-)

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  Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ken Demarest - December 12 - 2:16 pm

  With the kids all grown, I no longer needed a midsized car for 95% of I need a car for. The 3 seems just the right size and is a lot of fun to drive. I like the go-cart feel, and I really like the steering and suspension feel and sound on this car.

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  Best looking car in the parking lot - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob NJ - December 8 - 12:03 pm

  Handles like an expensive sports car. 4cyl has good pep, manual shift is fun. The exterior design is number one with the great paint job. Getting 25 mpg around town with air cond full blast. Should get 400-500 miles a tank full.

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  Another buyer - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By fourbe - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine two weeks ago and waited to drive it a little bit before putting the review... I love the car: its good looking, handles well, and cheap! I have all the amenities you might want in a car (fully loaded). Its a great time to buy it since the 2004 model comes soon. I got it at $450 below invoice (thanks to reading the advice of edmunds.com)! Its not a power beast, but I was surprised to be at 95mph and be relax and feel safe. Also the braking system is great, which was one of the most important points for me.