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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  2003 MPV is fun AND functional - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mkxlh883 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a stylish FUN minivan packed with practical creature comforts and some kick, then grab one of the 2003 MPVs. We opted for the ES with several more options including the GFX package, which transforms the MPV into a real eyecatching vehicle. We compared this to the Honda minivan, and found the MPV to have soul, better handling and was an overall better value.

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  Great car - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Angie Horvath - September 2 - 7:48 am

  A little more than I wanted to pay but worth it.

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  Good Car !!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By edblackmon - September 2 - 7:33 am

  The car has been real good to drive. It has a youthful look. Just enough room for small family. Gas is good with A/C. No problems with vehicle.

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  Exceeded Tough Expectations - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By carliker - September 1 - 11:30 pm

  I needed a daily driver so I could keep my sports car for the weekend. I didnt really expect the daily driver to be as much fun as the Mazda 3 is. I do believe its not only the best compact sedan to come out recently, but one of the best overall. Ive always been an auto enthusiast so Im quite picky when I test drive a vehicle. With better than expected acceleration, great gas mileage, low costing insurance, clean looking interior, attractive exterior, you wont do better near this price point.

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  Drag a wagon - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Robert Garvey - August 31 - 3:56 pm

  After being lied to about the invoice price which resulted in paying 26,500.00 we did not get the features we wanted. It took three weeks to get delivery because they claimed it arrived at the dealer with "slashes (keyed)" over the front panel. Then it had to have the windshield replaced because a rock hit it while driving it back to the dealership.by then we were no longer eligable for the $2,000.00 rebate. After receiving delivery, it still has a small dent in the chrome on the hood. It rides like a childs wagon being pulled down the street. It hits every imperfection in the road like a speed bump. It makes it impossible to try and make notes or write in the rear seat.

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  Great alternative - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dave - August 31 - 7:00 am

  Traded a 2004 Kia Sorento 4x4 and looked at over thirty different vehicles before purchasing the Mazda5. I feel it is without a doubt the best on the market for the price and features available. I would like to see auto locking/unlocking doors, power seats and tinted windows. Offer a turbo version and just try to keep these in stock.

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  2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wish I bought one b4 - August 30 - 7:16 pm

  In 01 I bought a new VW cabrio. It was so bad it brought tears to my eyes. Got rid of it 3 yrs later. The Miata is SO good it was almost worth going thru the pain. The sheer joy of driving this car simply cannot be described... it must be experienced. Talking about brakes, engine, etc., doesnt do justice to this car. The first time you drive it alone, with the radio off and just cruising for the stake of enjoyment is when it hits you. Its not a car, it becomes a part of you. Im 55 and love Subarus, but getting this as a toy car changed my feelings towards Mazda. The Mx-5 is the best balance of a sports car youll ever find. (Plus Im getting 32 mpg while having fun too!)

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By oldman32 - August 30 - 11:33 am

  The Mazda 3 hatchback can only be described as a incredibly awesome car for the money. Its got it all: performance, style, value and practicality to boot. Go for the 5- speed, you will not be disappointed. ZOOM ZOOM!!!

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  Best Car Yet?! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By nomi85 - August 30 - 3:50 am

  Mazda Rx-8, a simple way of saying "everything Ive wanted and more". Before the Rx-8 I drove a Mercedes S500, Honda S200, Lumina SS, Mustang, and the Bmw 330ci. None of these cars but the Rx-8 gave me complete satisfaction when it came to driving, comfort, and (my favourite) style. When on the road you may not be the biggest car, the most powerful, or even the most "bling" or done up, yet once youve driven by these other cars have felt a sense of defeat, a sense of "must bow to the prophecy of the Rotary Engine" (LOL) . Basically I love it, youll love it.

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  Wondering??? - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By heathermonk - August 29 - 5:46 pm

  We bought a 2011 CX-7 in February 2012 and have loved it! Just out of curiousity, I decided to see what the KBBV was, I was shocked to find out its worth about $6,000 less than we paid for it.The only problem there has been is today, temps of 96 outside, I go to get lunch and the air conditioner was acting CRAZY, it went from barely blowing to blowing as hard as it could and went back and forth the entir time, my husband has a 10 am appointment for it to be checked out tomorrow, so I guess we will see. As far as the mileage, I have had the cruise control set at 60 and the display is showing I am averaging 37.5 MPG which is very good. Try to update you all soon. Wish us luck?!?!?!