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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  After 7 years this is a great car! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By joelybeau - June 28 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this car to drive to and from my workplace. The road I take is all curves. This car will still make any of the curves at twice the posted speed limit; however I never would break the law ;~) This car has been the best "fun per dollar" ratio of any car Ive owned. No mechanical problems ever, period! Put gas in it, change the oil, keep the tires pressurized correctly and drive it. If you are looking for a fun low priced car, get one of these!

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  Game Over - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By fenstersponge - June 28 - 3:11 pm

  Already put over 1000 miles on my new Mazda6 GT. I agree with an earlier post stating that this car is easily best in class. I drove everything multiple times and read tons of reviews. Drove Passat (gas and diesel), Accord, Fusion, Altima. It was down to the Passat and the Altima. The Passat was roomy and solid, the Altima had all the bells and whistles. Then I drove the Mazda. Game over. This car looks terrific both inside and out. Very classy interior. Lots of soft touch materials. Switchgear feels expensive. Take my advice and spring for the GT. The leather seats are AMAZING. I got the almond leather. Does not heat up in the July heat.

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  My mini-minivan - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By rlaw - June 28 - 2:13 pm

  Seats six comfortably, gets great gas mileage and it really fun to drive. Its actually my wifes van but we both couldnt be happier. Kept our 2003 Protege because we still love that Mazda.

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  Perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Drew - June 27 - 5:43 pm

  Traded in a Protege5 for the Mazda5. I am married with no children but the look and reliability made me really want this car. I got the Touring edition with 5 speed and Navigation. I was going to get the black but the black on the Mazda5 is a flat color with no metallic. I chose the carbon grey and am very happy with my choice. I have no complaints. This car is fun to drive with plenty of power. Great road response and a great Navigation system. I will recommend this to a family or even to the single person which wants extra room in a sporty car. Buy this car!

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  A Steal 2 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By J Chin - June 27 - 3:06 pm

  Just got one last week and I cant stop driving it. Definitely a one of a kind car - rotary engine. Cant wait till I break it in - then I can start having some real fun with the 9000 RPM redline. Still cant get over the looks I get when Im slowly cruising down the street.

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  I am amazed!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric - June 25 - 2:56 pm

  I have been a mustang driver since I have been driving. I chose the mazda3 because of my current job. I do alot of traveling and needed better gas mileage. It is fun to drive, looks great, and with all the sport options it has this car is a real head turner. I am still a mustang guy deep down, but I could get used to this. Mazda hit a home run with this one. With their motto "The Soul of a Sports Car", it makes losing my beloved LEGEND easier.

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  So Far, Exceeds Expectations - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By annika2 - June 25 - 2:51 pm

  I traded in my sweet little 2010 Mazda 3 for this guy, and Im in love. I would have kept the 3 (I was this close to paying it off), but I needed more room for the family. Namely my 64" husband. The CX-5 is beyond roomy, and its really comfortable. But driving it, I dont feel like I lost much of the quick response and easy handling that I had with my 3. The only thing Im not sure about is the audio/phone computer thing. Its clunky and ugly and cheap and feels like an afterthought. An unwise afterthought. BUT...its been working for me when it eventually gets all connected and set up with my phone. No problems so far streaming Pandora, or playing the music from my iPhone or calling out.

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  Solid and stylish and fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Johno - June 24 - 5:50 pm

  Loving this car. Ive had it for 1/2 a year now and it still feels and looks brand new. Its very roomy for a compact. (Im 65" and there are still a few inches of room above my head.) My biggest gripe with the car is the road noise. Its invasive at times. Theres no wind noise and the engine is quiet and responsive and the car handles extremely well. My last car was a 1990 Mazda MX-6 and it performed well for 14 years with minimal repairs. Im hoping this car will last as long.

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  An Excellent Car for a Surprising Price - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By TexasGuyJD - June 24 - 12:36 am

  This car has many refined features and amenities of much more expensive cars. I would much rather drive it than my moms pristine Lexus. This car is nimble, versatile with the back hatch, fold downs, and comfortable. I get compliments all the time on it. It is Metropolitan Grey Mica; sun/moon roof, heated power seats, Bose stereo independent suspension and a computer for about anything you can thing of, this thing just ROCKS. It is plenty quick and comfy at 85+ on the expressway if thats your bag. I stayed away from the turbo charger because the dealer in my home town wasnt certified to work on them, so I didnt want to chance it. I get 30+ M mixed driving! The AT, with manual mode is fun.

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  One of the Best Minivans - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Big Papi - June 23 - 9:40 pm

  Bought our 03 LX in late 03 when they had great rebates. This van has done it all for us. It tows a popup camper (our LX has the tow package), hauls the kids AND the grandparent thanks to the 3 row seats and has conquered the New England winters. We also like the size (a bit smaller than the Honda, Toyota). No serious mechanical problems, all the little things were covered under warranty. V6 had plenty of power and is rides very well on the highway. Do yourself a favor and check out the used MPVs - they are a bargain!!