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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  Great fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gary - November 13 - 3:20 am

  I have had this car for two years and it is still fun to drive. Handles great; 30 mpg highway, 25 city. My daughter is learning to drive on it and loves it also. Very practical and somewhat sporty. Am very pleased!

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  2004 Mazda 2.3s sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Krzysztof K - November 12 - 9:36 am

  I bought her from private in March 2007 at 36,000 miles. Now - August 2008 she has 53,000 miles. Average 24.31 MPG - 60% city/ 40% highway (I have heavy foot). 32 MPG highway at A/C and 70-85 MPH speed. 250 miles at the city per full tank. One of the best purchases what I did. Fun to drive, good acceleration, excellent handle, short turning circle, very good brakes, finish internal very well and nice outline too - thats what I like. ** CEL appeared after I filled premium fuel, so I use regular. 100% satisfied and highly recommended.

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  DSAP Dead Solid (Almost Perfect) - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Slamminator - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Only lacking in power off the line (Auto Trans.). Sounds and drives like a little race car in all other respects. I bought the automatic as the better half doesnt use the stick. The manual shift option adds another dimension to it! My 17 Y/O said its like they slapped a hatch on the back of a sports car. Exceeded almost all of my expectations Met ALL of them

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  Mazda5 GT (Canada) - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By D. Ricard - November 11 - 11:56 am

  Practical every-day car that handles great and has a few interesting standard features such as rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and Bluetooth. Overall, good value for money.

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  Amazing Car For All Ages! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JSAP123 - November 10 - 1:06 pm

  I bought a Mazda 3 in Winning Blue straight out of the showroom...all I can say is wow! It is a very "rich" looking car, but doesnt kill your wallet. I purchased mine for $21,000, tax and title included. It now has 15,000 miles on it and its been nothing but happy days. Just look around and youll see that the Mazda 3 is at the head of its class in almost every category. What amazed me was that insurance was cheaper for my 06 Mazda than for a 06 Honda Civic, 05 VW Jetta, and a 06 Honda Accord. If youre looking for a sporty, sophisticated, and fun car the Mazda 3 is it!

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  Wowwy Wowzer - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wowwy Wowwy - November 10 - 12:16 pm

  If you have never taking this car for a spin around the block, man are you missing out! We test drove one on the freeway and before i knew it i was over 100mph!!! Superior acceleration and handling over others and the proximity keys, memory seat, sunroof and Bose make a great combo. HUGE truck even with the seats up. Jet black leather with heated seats. Hands-free bluetooth is AWESOME!

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  GREAT CAR!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By browsnaz - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great price, great gas mileage, inexpensive insurance, very appealling to the eye!

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  Hats off to Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By MikeownsMazda - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Mazdas redesign of its previous compact is right on the money. The 160 hp engine fits the size of this car. Not only is it is peppy and fun to drive, it looks like a car that would sell at twice its price. Congratulations to Madza.

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  Evaluation By VW Passat GLX Owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gaspereaux - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Really fun car! I would not be caught dead owning an SUV/wagon but, because of the nature of my projects, I need more than a sedan. I also want a car that has good performance. I bought it on Friday PM and we left Boston for Chester Nova Scotia Saturday AM. My wife and I found the controls and instruments to be well designed and the gas mileage to be reasonable (23.3 mpg at 79 mph) and (25.3 mpg at 75 mph). The car is very comfortable and I found that there was less road noise than in my Passat GLX. Its road handling is fantastic! I have a fairly aggressive driving style and I found that it took the corners of the Nova Scotia country roads effortlessly. Well done Mazda!

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  Luv my latest Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 3rd Mazda for me - November 10 - 6:43 am

  This is my third Mazda in a row. Ive had amazing reliability (obviously since this is my third and I put about 40,000 miles on the car per year) and Im so happy with this one too. Each Mazda gets better and better. Options on other cars are standard on the Mazda and the price remains comparable to other makes. Nice! My fuel economy on my other Mazdas has always been better than manufacturer estimates and so far its the same on this one so Im concerned about some of the comments Im reading about less than expected gas mileage. Ill wait and see on that.