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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  2000 mile review - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom2012 - April 20 - 1:21 pm

  Looked at the following Hatchbacks. All Subaru models Nissan Rouge GTI Focus Mazda 3 After looking at everything I was willing to buy, I purchased a 2012 I-touring with Skyactiv Engine and Auto Trans. This power plant it awesome. It is the smoothest I have ever driven. Power really comes on at 2800 to 3000 rpm giving me ability to choose gas mileage or Zoom zoom. The interior is Spartan but still an upgrade from my 2002 Wrangler. I really like the BT hands free phone function. According to the computer I am getting 32.1 MPG since buying the car, (50/50 hwy and city). I checked at the pump and my numbers came back 31.8, that to me is pretty good.

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  Mazda5 touring - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By stan - April 20 - 6:03 am

  Excellent value, fun to drive - very fast, loads of interior flexibility, good gas mileage.

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  Fun, flexibile little car; great value - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By cheddar_brett - April 17 - 9:47 pm

  This car punches above its price. As I write this, Ive had the car for about a year and have but 16K miles on. I wanted a wagon or hatch that was fun to drive. This was cheaper than the alternatives I considered. This car replaced my 2-door 2004 Accord EX V6 coupe, and with 2-kids and a hatch for their stuff and my hobbies, a nice upgrade. A smaller overall car, but bigger on the inside than the Accord. It is great for what I need - commuting (including dropping kids at school), weekend run-about car with the fam, occasional weekend trips, and space for chores and hobbies. Its been a year, and Im thrilled with this car.

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  Not bad, but could be better - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By TedS - April 17 - 5:20 pm

  After 7 months of ownership Im pretty pleased with the vehicle. It has reasonable performance and exceptional handling for its size. The engine is quite refined and powerful for the displacement and the transmission shifts seamlessly between gears. It has good interior room and versatility allowing it to swallow a lot of stuff when it needs to. The one down side was that Ive already had to have the transfer case replaced because it wasnt sending any power to the rear wheels. Thats disappointing in a new vehicle. On the other hand, the dealer did a stellar job of handling the repairs and providing me with a loaner vehicle while it was in the shop.

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  Great commuter car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By cardriver15 - April 15 - 4:43 am

  After test driving the Civic, Focus and Elantra, I decided on the 3 because of that fun factor. It doesnt necessarily feel like an economy car when driving. Im getting the advertised 32-33 combined mpg. 40+ highway mpg is feasible if you stay below 70mph. Ive found 37-38mpg is more realistic if youre like me and tend to drive faster than 70mph on the highway. Its aged pretty good for an almost 3 year old design. I think newer designs like the civic and Elantra already look aged compared to the 3.

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  Nice Little Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By reed jones - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I currently have 2 Mazdas in my driveway; a Protege 5 and a 3 sedan. Why? Because Mazda builds a great car for the money. Fun to drive, handsome, decently built, well equipped; whats not to like? Yes, my new 3 has a rattle in the door to be looked into and some parts of the car are executed better than others, but the sum of these parts is simply not to be beat at its price point. More soul than a Honda or a Toyota, fewer quirks and better reliability than a Subaru, less over-the-top styling than a Nissan, WAY more reliability than a VW: in short, Mazda is on to something. Vroom-Vroom!!

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  Style and Substance - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MTTX - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Gorgeous car (in 5 door form). Vette drivers stare. The metallic Velocity Red Mica paint is stunning in sunlight or other strong lights... it burns with orange fire highlights. Lacks a bit of Protege5 visual character, but is much more refined. Driving it is very pleasant. Handling is very good up to the limit, but then it becomes vague. Engine is so quiet, using auto-manual mode requires watching the tach. Weak, thirsty engine. A/C is weak.

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  Will not be shopping for another Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jenna - April 13 - 3:36 am

  A few days ago, my Protege was completely totaled by another driver in a very minor accident. So, its durability is questionable. Within the first year of owning it, I had a reoccurring problem with moisture on the inside of the car. Whenever it would rain, wells in the trunk would fill with water with no drainage route. Windshield took forever to defrost/fog. In the winter ice would form on the inside of the windshield -not a fabulous prerequisite to my morning commute. The weather stripping began to peel from the passenger door, and the door handle became loose one winter. Also, the car would rattle whenever stopped in traffic.

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  I like it, but with reservations - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By jay_gloab - April 12 - 2:45 am

  Overall I like but dont love this car. I like its compact dimensions but wish it was bigger inside. I think when its paid off Im going to get a small four-door economy car to be my daily driver and a used full-size minivan for when I need to haul more people or more stuff. Its easy and relatively fun to drive, and fairly economical - I get ~30mpg on the highway. It has been mostly reliable, but Ive just had to have the rear shocks replaced for the second time in under 50,000 miles, which appears to be a common problem.

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  The Rodney Dangerfield Luxury Sedan - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By sprocketboy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda Millenia gets no respect, at least if you read the automotive press. I bought this car with 55,000 miles on it in October 2002 for US$14,700 and I have not seen anything to match its value-for-money. Powerful, quiet and comfortable, it is an excellent highway cruiser, but nimble enough in city traffic. Gas mileage is acceptable for a 210 hp car. Everyone I have spoken to who owns the Millenia is very positive about it.