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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  Oh so silky. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jeff W - September 28 - 10:00 am

  A sports car that is pure yet practical sounds like an oxymoron, yet the RX-8 is truly that. This is a sports car not a muscle car, meaning it can handle better than most cars twice its price, but dont try to race WRXs or Mustang Cobras. The elegant style and uniqueness of the rotary engine set this car apart with its competition. I recommend ensuring that the ECU gets an M flash, which further enhances the smoothness, low-end HP and fuel economy.

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  Mazda 3S - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JS - September 26 - 2:16 am

  Wife and I have been looking for a new car for more than a year. Test drove Honda, Toyota and the Mazda 3S. Didnt take very long to fall in love with this car. More solid from stem to stern. Handling, braking and road authority in a different league. Very smooth, fast and safe. Begs to be driven. Mazda must have taken apart a BMW 3 series. This car must be German. A lot of car for $18K! Well see how reliable it is over time. Paid extra for the 100 K warranty.

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  Great Alternative - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeriko - September 25 - 2:03 pm

  So I was in the market for a used car and was having trouble deciding what 05 or 06 model to go with and then my wife just said, why dont you get a new one...so I did. I went with the Mazda3 s Touring Wagon for room and the addition of the side curtain airbags, but was surprised by all the little standard features: MP3 input, storage trays under panels in the back, and cupholders everywhere. I bought the car and immediately took a 1,200 mile road trip and it ran great, although the gas mileage came in a little lower than I had hoped (27 mpg), but that might more due to my driving style. I think this is great car so far and lends a lot of versatility to move stuff.

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  What are you waiting for - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chick - September 25 - 4:20 am

  This car is freakin awesome. Wanted one since 89, cant believe I waited so long. This car takes turns like she was on rails flat and smooth and no surprises. The brakes are just as impressive. Soft top operation could not be easier. The clutch pedal could be stiffer, its a bit light for me.

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  zoom zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By brian - September 22 - 1:36 am

  Looked at civic, accord even charger. Do yourself a favor and drive the 3. The front end will grow on you. Rides like a Z. Im almost 40 and love aggressive ride and throttle response.

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  2009 Red Touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By pat555 - September 21 - 9:23 am

  Got the vehicle for 2 weeks. It has plenty of power thanks to the extra gear, and it handles well. It is easy to park, thanks to the large side mirrors. It stops quickly, but with a noticeable nose dip. The sliding doors and the hatch are easy to close. The vehicle accommodates two car seats easily. The back seat is fine for small adult or teenager without a growth spurt.

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  Well Crafted Machine - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jazzman - September 20 - 11:56 pm

  After 3 months of driving this car it feels even better now than before. One reason is the dealership overfilled the tires to nearly 50 lbs. Recommended pressure is 35. After realizing it, the ride became much smoother and less rough. Glad I checked it. Average mileage is around 27. Can probably do very good highway if you can stay at 60 but this car likes to move fast. The 2.0 liter engine has done well, very smooth, fairly quiet. Getting on a highway with a full load may require using the tiptronic manual shifting to open the engine a bit. Rear door access for adults is tricky but I bought this car for me. Ive got a 2009 Mazda 6 for carrying the family (thats a great car). Test drive it.

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  Cant be beat - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chai Charin - September 20 - 8:46 pm

  29 year old with 3 kids ages 6, 4, and 2. OK, my last car was a 2001 BMW 330I with the sport package that I leased for 3 years 12,000 miles per year. For more than half of the money I am still in disbelief how much I like this car. I got mine in Rally White, added sport pkg, moon roof, auto dimming/compass/outside temp mirror,rear wing spoiler, dealer installed black leather heated seats, anit lock brakes, after market 20% tint on side and rear, 17" stock sport wheels and tires, PIAA xtreme white headlights. This car handles and drives like a 330I BMW. The sport shifter is a blast although I wish it had 5 gears; it does the trick with 4. Everything is an A+ with 29 MPG with 4,500 miles

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  Darn near perfect. - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DamienG - September 20 - 2:03 pm

  Went from a 1991 Miata to this. BIG upgrade. A tiny bit more sterile than the jittery, vibrating 1991, but better in every way. Enough power, extremely well balanced yet controlled. Turns commutes into an enjoyable experience.

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  Smooth ride - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By James - September 20 - 12:36 pm

  Car is a fun car to drive while still getting the gas mileage that I need during these $3.00 a gallon days. Very nice interior with only one knock, and thats the red gauges, it makes it hard to see during the day. Other than that I love it. Navigation makes a nice add on and the Bose speakers and 6 disc in dash cd player gives me all I need in that department.