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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  loved and lost - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Brandon k - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car and wow,not what I was expecting. The 2.0 four cylinder feels more like a six,maybe thanks to the five speed attached to it. Handling that feels like a little sports car, thats what my insurance company said too. Great audio system and overall lovability. But like most cars it couldnt handle black top, but loved ashalt and black top is where i wrecked it, thus loved and lost.

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  Glad I waited! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Randy Leonard - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I had been debating on what car to buy for several months and had decided to buy the Infiniti G-35, but after seeing the RX-8, the decision was made. I have the first one in the city I live in because the dealership just opened last Saturday. As a matter of fact, I was the first person to buy a car there. And I love the car! It has a lot of power and the look is great. Ive had several people ask me about my "fancy imported sports car". It also drives great and is one of a kind. No regrets here.

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  Smooth operator... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jogr - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I drove the RX8 and thought "Quality. Smooth. Effortless. Confident. Willing. Unique. Wow, its at 9,000." My girlfriend hated the RX8 on paper. Then she saw and sat in the RX8 and said, "OK, you should get one of these." Despit what Vreveron the Honda saleman says below, this car is quality. The seats are excellent. The shifter reminds me of Underdog, my Miata. The engine needs no explanation as it makes piston engines seem irrelevant. Its like an electric motor with noise: you cant feel how fast its spinning. The handling, while not like my modified Miata, is "wow, if I have to drive a sedan, I want it to drive like this!"

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  Love the Mazda3 GT - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dean in Dallas - October 8 - 11:13 pm

  I have had the 2007 Mazda3 for 9 months now and I really like it. It has acceleration, is nimble, and is very fun to drive. I got most of the options including xenon lights, sunroof, compass in the mirror, leather, on board computer. Basically I got this car with all the options youd find in a BMW. I have owned two BMWs in my life and believe it or not, this Mazda3 is as much fun to drive as those BMWs.

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  Big 3 better watch out. - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By jR - October 8 - 8:00 pm

  After test driving the "Big 3" sedans (Camry, Accord, Altima), I decided to give the new 6 a try. The redesign has done wonders, both exterior and interior. Quality of the interior is much better than the others, especially in my GT. It has features the others dont was well like LED tails, standard BT and a blind spot monitoring system. The 4 banger suits my needs, but it might be the weak point of the car. I felt the Honda had the best, followed by the Altima, then the Camry. Im only a few hundred miles into the car, but I have ZERO regrets about my decision. Mazda has taken a step forward and should draw a lot of attention w/ this one.

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  10,000 Miles In - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By civitaresel - October 5 - 4:43 am

  Cross shopped WRX, Ralliart, GTI. None offer as much equipment for the money. Ive deemed third gear the yellow light gear as its the one to go to in order to blast from 35 ish to 65 or so. Merging is a joke, even in Philly where no one moves over (Im a burgher), simply engage the yellow light gear and go. Constant 75 mph on Pa turnpike for 300 miles yields 28 mpg as calculated at the pump. Even in sixth you easily pass any car with vigor. Exhaust is very quiet at highway speeds. Seats are comfortable but if youre anything other than slim to medium weight (Im 510 and 175 on a fat day) they will most likely be to form fitting for you. Overall, very pleased with the purchase

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  Doom, Doom, Doom! Please Do not buy a Mazda! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mazdausasux - October 4 - 5:09 am

  I am one of the many 2007 Mazda cx-7 owners who has serviced my vehicle according to the manual. The turbo, drive chain, and A/C failed...Mazda USA claims that sludge caused the failure. Mazda will not honor their warranty. I have every receipt for service. The dealer is supporting my claim that I have maintained the vehicle but Mazda USA will not stand behind their product. Mazda USA even went as far as to insinuate that I may have paid for oil changes that were never performed. Would one of Americas largest retailer do this??? I think Mazda has a long history of oil related issues and will do and say anything to avoid doing whats right. DO NOT BUY A MAZDA!

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  Still Happy After a Year - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By cobracoach - October 3 - 2:03 pm

  I traded a Tribute on this car and have not regretted the decision, other than my need for towing my lawn mower on occasion. Fuel economy is consistently in the 27-28 mpg area and have two tanks to go 33 and 35 on trips. Ive owned several Hondas and find this comparable to Honda quality and performance, and greatly superior to the 1999 Odessey I owned. Space is adequate and the hidden cubbies are fantastic. Others complain about the short seat, but I find them extremely comfortable. I got stranded one time when I couldnt get the gas cap off and the tank was almost on empty and I was 100 miles from home. Had to break out the cap, but problem has not reoccurred.

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  Mazda 3s 5 door BEST in class! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By GTPONY - October 3 - 12:26 am

  Though I have only owned the car 3 weeks, I am astounded at the quality, performance, styling and value of this car. The car i9s tight and rigid, no rattles, and exits the freeway FLAT. The automatic has a manual shift "tip" option thats great! The 2.3 is the same engine in the Mazda 6 and really MAKES THIS CAR MOVE. This is a sporty, quick, tight car... not an econobox. I agree with the consumer and car magazines.. this car is best in class! Any downsides? Well the car has 17inch low profile tires, so you do feel and hear the road somewhat... but personally I like the feedback and response the tires give me.

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  Love my ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Sparky - October 2 - 11:43 am

  Ive had my Tribute for 1 1/2 years and LOVE it (except the gas mileage). Does great in the snow, even w/o the 4WD engaged. Wonderful ride quality, although there is a little wind noise at highway speeds.