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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  Mazda beats out Volvo S60 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ian_engineer - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a mazda 3, Volvo S60 and the Mazda 6 (6-cyl)version. Volvo was surely a car with tons of creature comforts, but the Mazda kept up in performance, stability, and accessories as well as safety features. Poor turn radius--my mustang fares better, however, the engine power is actually more responsive than the S60 and the price truly speaks volumes for those not needing the Volvo label on the front and those ever so useless headlight wipers!

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  perfect for me - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By john dixon - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Not the fastest acceleration in the world, but between cargo space, comfort, quality, HANDLING, and style this car is perfect. It also comes very equipped at a very good price.

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  My Blue RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TBelle - September 16 - 10:00 am

  OMG i feel like a kid again~ I race everyone i see, this car is such a blast to drive, Handles great~ My Rx8 is as much fun as my Vette was as a kid~ im so Happy with the blue ~ I have the only one in town that color ~

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  Mover over Honda and Toyota... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3lover - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This is without a doubt the best car in its class. The funny thing is, it is also the best car in the next class also. I have the Lava Orange sedan i loaded minus the navigation sys. This car not only gets looks, it creates whiplash on the highway. People constantly stare to see what it is. Many features avail that make it feel more like a luxuary coupe. People constantly think it is a BMW series when they first get a glimpse. This is an excellent choice for a small family or someone who wants the feel of a sports coupe without spendning 25,000. Once you drive this car you wont need to shop around anymore.

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  This car beats the Spec V - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mr. Zoom-Zoom - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I test drove plenty of cars while car shopping. I thought the Nissan SpecV was the car I wanted until stopped by the Mazda dealership and spotted the Mazda3s. This car blew me away. This car is so much fun I actually go driving for fun! The one piece of advice I can give you...Get the stick shift! The clutch on this car is smoother than on any other car Ive driven. Even if you dont know how to drive stick...it will be well worth it.

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  Zoom Zoom Baby!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jkashatus83 - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Always get the looks when your in it. I LOVE MY 6!!!!

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  Boring - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By wassock - September 16 - 8:03 am

  With financial challenges looming I needed something less expensive to run than my Lexus IS250(which I loved).The styling and alleged reliability of the Mazda3 checked the right boxes.Unlike those who chose to write a review after a few weeks, I have waited 9 months so as to be more subjective. In a nutshell, the car is boring, gas mileage has worsened slightly, the engine is noisy, the center display is inaccurate..avg speed has not altered since day 1,outside temp gauge is erratic and virtually useless (the dealer says it is operating normally!) No big deal I know but it should work. That aside, I love the styling, the pearlescent white works well, and the car starts every day.

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  Most fun car Ive ever owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By allfiredup - September 16 - 6:46 am

  This is my first Mazda, after driving Hondas for the past 14 years. The exceptional handling, performance and design of the 3 won out over the improved fuel economy of the Honda. I feel like Im driving a $30k car, not an $18k one. Everyone who rides in or drives it, loves it!

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  Just ... amazing! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By David - September 15 - 11:50 am

  Its as if Mazda looked into the future, saw my family, its needs, and wants, and built a car around them. Seating room, extreme comfort, sporty performance, incredible handling, good gas mileage, good looks, great features and safety, and a ride that makes you feel like you are gliding over the road, with a low price tag. Its not only a sensible, but fun alternative to a soccer mom minivan. Mazda ... I love you!

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  Good looking car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By KO - September 15 - 8:56 am

  I first bought the MZ3 and I really liked it. It was the special edition. I had some registration problems and the dealer had to take the car back and I was a little upset. Nevertheless, the dealer made it right by offering another car and I looked at the MZ6. I didnt like it as much as my MZ3 sp at first but now I am so glad I got it. It is bigger, mpg is similiar to MZ3, heavier ride, and sharp to look at. For the money you cannot find a better car.