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 dynamics, so-so build quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - March 8 - 8:33 am

  The driving dynamics of the car are hard to beat. Snappy transmission, soft clutch, responsive steering, linear brakes, and agile suspension. The engine power is adequate, but well matched to the car. The interior is well appointed with leather seating, heated seats, moon roof, premium stereo (which is decent, but not great), and HID headlights. The materials feel of high grade, and the design is sharp. The only gaff is the crammed info LCD. The build quality leaves something to be desired. The interior looks fine and the gaps are minimal, but after only 400 miles, Ive already got a ridiculous windshield rattle (ticking might be more apt) and buzz in the headliner near the moonroof.

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  2002 LX Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By kcowan - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. The only problems we have experienced have been with a sensor on the airbag system.

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  Mazda 3 is surprising for a Nissan Guy - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin C - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved Nissans. I thought I would never drive anything else until I drove this little car. Pretty exciting little thing. The only thing I could say I didnt like was the price tag, but after a little negotiating it was a sell. So far the gas mileage has been excellent and I could not ask for a better car out of a 4 cyl.

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  Nice car, just not for me. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By margaretanne - March 6 - 10:55 am

  I bought this car new a year ago, and traded it in today. Really like the exterior on this car: fun design, sporty look. It was just not for me and I began feeling claustrophobic and cramped. The seat belts were extremely difficult to buckle ~ the buckle was placed REALLY low, esp. in the drivers seat. My kids couldnt buckle the belts for themselves and we would have to dig for the buckles under the booster seat. The fabric on the seats started wearing badly, and the finish was bad on the console. I would buy this again, for a young adult. Not really for a family.

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  Love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By perfectofc - March 6 - 9:00 am

  I bought my 5 and was one of the first in Canada (and North America) to buy it. Ive been waiting for this car for a long time - finally someone has the guts to bring a European-style Space Wagon to North America and do it right! This is a great little car. Dont call it a minivan, because its not. Its a station wagon, or a hatchback. The one thing you need to realise about this car is that you can either carry 6 people OR you can carry 4 and lots of cargo. Engine-wise, it has lots of pep, more than enough for the car. It gets better gas mileage than any other 6- seat vehicle out there. Its also damn fun to drive, especially the 5-speed.

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  Great family Car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Dan - March 5 - 5:46 pm

  Weve owned this car for 6 years. We put over 110000 miles on it. In the whole time that weve owned we only had to replace CV boots and a timing belt. It is comfortable and has great trunk.

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  New Mazda MPV Owner - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By GeO - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Test drove Hondas Odyssey, and Chyr Town&Country found for the price the MPV was a better buy. The new 3.0L V6 has enough ZOOM for the smaller sized MPV. The handling is great for a van, drives like a car. Would like to see a AWD model in the near future. Felt the Odyssey wasnt all that for the money they wanted, and the time it took to get one. Also the chyr though more on the luxurious side was way over priced.

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  Excellent Car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By christophe111 - March 3 - 9:10 pm

  I bought my Mazda 3 brand new 7 months ago, and dont have a single regret. I love the handling, and wanted a manual, but decided an automatic was better suited to my long commute which often leaves me sitting in traffic. Everything has worked perfectly, and other than routine maintenance I havent had it to the dealer for anything.

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  3,000 miles and counting.... - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By dwbinnwa - March 2 - 6:21 pm

  As a 6 foot 4 inch man, I was worried about this vehicle. However a test drive proved I had nothing to fear. I can easily get in and out with plenty of room once nestled in the soft leather seat. The styling is impressive, with an aggressive looking nose and a well done interior. The sun roof, reverse camera, Bose sound system, and easy to collapse rear seats are also positives. This SUV isnt going to throw you back in your seat when accelerating, but it is quick enough for my purposes and havent found myself wanting more.

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  Feelin Like a Million Bucks! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By memrie - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is my first vehicle purchase since graduating from college in 02 and Im 100% satisfied. I bought the 8 not for the rotary, the excellent handling, or the 238HP but for how it made me feel when driving. And you know what, I feel like a million bucks everytime I see and get in my 8. I love the questions and compliments from random people about this car and have never tired of telling about it. The RX8 is the total package.