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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  Review Mazda RX 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jan Miller - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Love the car -- only annoying feature -- the tire pressure light and the fuel cap warning lights are on all the time. Even if I put air in my tires -- in a day or two -- the light is on and off again. Often after getting gas the fuel cap warning light comes on and I do have the cap on right. Warning lights too sensitive.

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  A thrill to drive; wish MPG was better - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - October 23 - 2:50 am

  A thrill to drive, but gas mileage not as good as Civic (I am getting 25 mpg combined). Engine performance suffers when A/C is on. Missing a few operation features such as auto headlights and auto door locks. Handling is great, looks great, love the snowflake wheels. 2008.5 models get updated interior, and choice of tan seating surfaces instead of all black interior with some paint colors.

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  Awesome Vehicle!! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark - October 22 - 6:33 pm

  So far this vehicle has been the best car I have ever owned, and I have had them all! Comparing among, Fords,Chevys,Cadillacs,Nissan,etc.It has been my favorite hands down! Enjoyable to drive,smooth ride, comfort,handling,cargo space, this crossover is a real winner!

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  fun van, right size for city - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By dude - October 21 - 4:16 pm

  Bought an 05 demo with 5k miles. Really like this van. Maybe its just that it was a full option demo, but I find it preferable to all but the new Honda. But paid $15k less than equally optioned Honda would have cost.

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  mi i love my 6i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mi6i - October 21 - 8:00 am

  I bought my 6i with the sport package and loaded it up with almost all available options. Its bright yellow with black leather. The bose audio system is great. The handling is awesome and it has plenty of get up an go.

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  BMWs handling, unmatched in its class!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Euro Auto Lover - October 21 - 5:53 am

  I used to lease a BMW 328i. Ive spend 3 months looking for my next car to purchase. Gee, I no longer need the European cars since I found that Mazda 3 and 6 closely match the European handling!!!! Not the Matrix, not the Civic, not the Scion, this Mazda3 tops my driving test scores in styling, handling, power and price. The steering is top-notch, it is even better than my previous heavier 328i. The handling is just as good as the BMWs. I dont put my food on the brake going around corners, I even accelerate out of corners in the 3!!! Cars disappear in the rear-view mirror!!! Braking is top-notch, no fading whatsoever during hard braking!!!! It is a MUSH-HAVE fun-to-drive machine!

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  Great Little Grocery Grabber - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By C Cubed - October 21 - 2:00 am

  So far we both love this little puppy. The 130 HP is sufficient for gettin around town, and it is really FUN to drive! Have been able to haul large items with rear seat down, and theres plenty of head & leg room, front & back. Better value than similar cars we considered (esp @ 0%).

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  Wo-hoa! Look at it roll!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mikebythesun - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned yet. Beautiful inside and out, very solid handling, great shifting and steering, and overall just very fun to drive. It looks great, too.

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  MAZDA SHOULD DEEP SIX FORD! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By GALLOWAY, NJ - October 19 - 3:43 pm

  AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 50K, SINCE I BOUGHT IT AS A PROGRAM CAR, I HAD THE 100K 7 YR WARRANTY. REBUILT TRANNY WORKS VERY WELL THOUGH A BIT CRUDE COMPARED WITH TOYOTA. CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE, PRETTY QUICK FOR A FOUR. HEADLIGHTS ARE A FAVORITE; THEY REALLY LIGHT UP THE ROADSIDE (GREAT FOR DEER AREAS). INTERIOR COMFORTABLE; CONTROLS INTUITIVE, GOOD BUILD QUALITY, FEELS HEAVY AND SOLID.

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  Great Value - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dakotabmr - October 18 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this used 2012 Mazda 3 isport , Automatic 4dr, 2.0 28K miles for my daughter her senior yr in high school to last through college. We compared the used Corolla, Sentra, Elantra, Civic for a max price of $12000 and found the Mazda3 the best value. It has a "Good" rating from the IIHS-which is the highest, 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability control, multiple airbags. Good reliability, Great handling, comfortable, easy to use controls and layout. 60/40 split folding rear seat. We get 35mpg/highway, 14.5 gallon fuel tank makes for 450 miles on a tank!. I do most of the regular service, so the oil, air filter, cabin filter, wipers were fairly easy to change out.