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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  Downsizing - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By drumnow - August 16 - 3:06 pm

  Traded down (size wise) from a Chrysler town and country, also have Jeep Cherokee and Mazda miata. As far as size, there is a noticeable difference. Some things also seem cheap compared to the Chrysler. But we bought this car because of the price and gas mileage and sliding doors. Mostly for the gas mileage. Wish we could have found a galaxy grey with leather this late in the season.

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  Can you trash it? - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Street Breed Rx8 - August 16 - 2:50 am

  I drive my 05 GT every day and take it to the strip every weekend. Its a great automobile for the person that likes to go a little faster with a little more style. Amazing grip on the black top. Aggressive look, cant go wrong with a 9,000 rpm redline. When you first start the RX-8 the motor makes the best sound in the world. I thrash my RX-8 every day of the week. The Greddy turbo is a great turbo to add to the RX-8 upwards of 70hp gain. and it makes you forget about the absence of torque. Top end never fails. Had it stock up to 143 mph. No problems with maintenence so far. However be careful where your feet are. a couple wrong moves and the RX-8 will flood in a heart beat. Best car ever.

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  Mazda3 very Audi-like - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rex - August 15 - 3:20 pm

  Replaced a 2002 Infiniti Q45 with this little gem, which has almost as many "goodies" at about 1/3rd the price. Was looking for a disposable "commuter car" with decent mileage and some measure of driving fun. I considered Prius (boring), Civic Hybrid (cheesy), Audi A3 & A4 (great cars for people that like to drive), Acura TSX (just a fancy Accord), and BMW 3 (too, well, pretentious) before trying the Mazda, and had just about settled on the Audi A3. I had never driven a Mazda and was very pleasantly surprised. Good (not great, but considering the price, good) performance and handling, gorgeous interior, and enough electronic toys to make the morning commute almost entertaining. Two thumbs up.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - August 15 - 6:00 am

  Mazda has earned its reputation. This is a fun to drive "pocket rocket". The 2.3L engine has the get-up & go of a sports car, and the car handles to match it. I typically drive it at 80 mph on the highway every day, and get 28 - 30 mpg depending on how much I drive it in town. When I had to make a 2000 mile trip recently, I easily chose this to drive rather than my SUV, and did not regret it.

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  A LITTLE WIND NOISE - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By PROTEGE OWNER - August 15 - 2:00 am

  EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE PROTEGE 3 MONTHS AGO AFTER I TOTALLED OUT A HYUNDAI 01 ELANTRA I HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT IMPRESSED.

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Riason - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Loaded except for Moon Roof. COuld not justify $15000 more for luxury SUV I really wanted but you know what they say about hindsight. Looks and handles great and no mechanical problems but long trips are unbearable due to road noise, no cruising range (300 miles max), and occasional luggage rack vibration. IF you seldom drive more than 100 miles each trip then you cannot beat this for a mini SUV. Great for younger crowd. For longer trips or boomers, look elsewhere.

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  One Great car for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3_4_me - August 15 - 2:00 am

  A few months back i walked in to Lithia Mazda of Fresno, California and purchased a 2004 Mazda 3s. Since then it has been that greatest car i have ever purchased. I love the way it looks inside and out. It reminds me very much or my old BMW 325i. I also cant seem to stop driving it. I love this car a would rate this car a 10.0

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  In Town Mileage is over stated - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Guzler - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I have a Mazda 6s with a 6 cyl and automatic. I have to keep looking at the specs as I can not get near the miles per gallon in town as they are stating. I am barely getting 12 to 14 miles per gallon. Maybe I have a heavy foot but I try to be easy on the pedal and still the mileage in town is poor. I was pleasantly surprised then to find out that the highway miles per gallon was close to what they had estimated and so not all is lost on gas. But if you are looking for performance and not gas mileage, then this car is for you. Fun to drive and some real pep when you need it.

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  Still Happy after 60K miles - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By garv214 - August 14 - 8:03 pm

  Bought my car new back in 2001 and have enjoyed it thoroughly. A blast to drive in day to day driving (great handling). Replaced the tires at 40K with Firestone Fusions (uprated to 205mm) which fixed the poor wet weather traction of the Dunlops. A couple of common minor gripes: burned out headlight bulbs (4 so far - what is up with that?), wind noise from the roof rack is present, passenger window rolls up more slowly than drivers side, and had to replace the coil to correct an engine miss. Overall, the car has been a joy to own. I get 28-30 mpg routinely, can fit 4 adults comfortably, and haul a bunch of stuff as needed. Add good looks and great handling and you have a real winner. =)

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  Pretty hot hatch - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By junglist724 - August 14 - 4:35 pm

  I recently got the i touring hatchback version of the mazda3. The steering is very precise, unlike a lot of other cars. Skyactiv is a must. The improvement in performance and fuel economy is worth the extra cash. Stay away from the base trim for the 4 door. The car is pretty fun to drive even at low speeds.