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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  Too much fun! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By M&M - April 6 - 4:53 pm

  We are completely pleased by the performance, practicality, and quirkiness of this car. Perfectly balanced and, with snow tires, a blast to drive in the winter. Gas mileage is a stinker, but it seems to be getting better as the engine breaks in. The sound of a rotary engine is wonderful: Very Jetson-like at low revs and silky-smooth all the way to redline. The manual transmission shifts easily, the clutch is light. All the bits and pieces that make this car wonderful add up to a swift, stable, safe car that even novice sports car owners like us can drive with confidence. Everything works together really well.

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  Downsized from Suburban - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By thead2 - April 6 - 3:53 pm

  I downsized from a 2003 Suburban and was concerned about giving up 8 passenger seating so I was glad to find the CX-9. The third row is difficult to get little ones in and out that need adult help in getting fastened, I would not want this to be an every day thing, but I am a grandparent, so when needed it will work. The built in dvd system was a hit on day 1. I have had it not quite a month, and so far I am very pleased with it. Gas mileage is not great, however I knew that going in. It has great power which was important in going from my V8 Suburban, I havent gotten myself into trouble yet. Its very comfortable, seats are great. No issues yet, overall very pleased.

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  Safety - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3Owner - April 6 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased the 2008 Mazda3 Sport for my teenage son based on the excellent safety ratings this car received. I purposely chose the "S" model as side air impact bags were standard. Unfortunately we had the opportunity to test the SRS system in a recent accident which leads me to this review so others are not taken in by the false safety ratings that Mazda publishes. The car suffered significant damage on both passenger side doors and in my case the air bags did not deploy. I suffered serious injuries that could have been prevented if they had. When I called Mazda No. Am. I was told there was no one I could speak with and should persue through a lawyer or my insurance. Beware!!

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  Silver bullet - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By serezhkin - April 6 - 1:51 pm

  Its been a year since I got my MS3 with Tech Package. I come from 96 5series/ 01 Infiniti so I expect a lot of features, quality interior and ample power, plus I wanted utility. MS3 delivers all this, and for only $25k. Checked out WRX (poor interior) and GTI (not many features and low power). MS3 won hands down. Love every minute of driving it, even a year and 6k miles later. The ride is pretty firm - you feel a lot of the road through the sit, and bumps can shake your soul out , but it corners like on rails and steers like a go cart. The torque steer is very manageable, and is a minor bother in 1st gear only. The audio system is great, climate control works like a charm. Great job, Mazda!

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  The little van that could - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Zapped - April 6 - 11:20 am

  Have had the vehicle now for 4 years. We have had very few problems with it. Overall, its quiet, responsive, and fun to drive. Been in other vans, and this is miles ahead of the others. No regrets!

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  Pleased - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By njlamber - April 5 - 9:30 pm

  I have had for more than a year and every morning I drive to work, I enjoy this car immensely...I have only had to have the rotors turned and my alignment may be a bit off (normal on a new car). Fun, fast, and handles awesome. Some Suburu came flying around me the other day going into an on ramp and i accelerated up to triple digits and it held the road just fine with three other passengers. Handling makes this a fun car to drive..also the smooth V6 is fun also.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jmcmillen3 - April 4 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had my Aurora Blue Mazda3 5 door for 6 months and love it more with each passing month. The design and handling are the standout features. The interior is one of the best Ive ever seen. The hatchback utility makes for a great alternative to SUVs. I nearly bought a Honda Civic Si sedan but the Mazda3 had more overall features that I liked and could live with on a daily basis.

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  The Little Strato Blue Wagon That Could - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Davicho - April 4 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my MZ5 used with 41000 miles which is a little more than normal but seemed very well taken care of. I sold my 2003 Honda Accord Coupe and bought it to replace it, and I do not regret it one bit. I totally love this little wagon. Sporty in and out, awesome handling, peppy, room for six or fold up the seats and have an enormous carrying capacity. Love the slider doors, although many people including my sons tease me for driving a minivan, nonetheless, all the attributes this wagon brings to the table over compensates for the mini-van label, I prefer to call it a "Sport Wagon". My average MPG city and highway combined is a steady 22-23 and I have gotten 28- 29 on pure highway driving.

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  Fun sports car for fairly mild $$ - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tkmmusic - April 3 - 9:46 pm

  What a fun car to drive. Even makes going to the supermarket enjoyable. Very reliable, definitely sporty (but not brutally so) -- as a matter of fact, other people that have driven it or have ridden with me have all commented on its smoothness. It also has a surprising practical side -- you can carry quite a bit of stuff in it when necessary. Im very happy with it.

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  Best Car I Ever Had! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotaryboi4ever - April 3 - 5:03 pm

  I bought my RX-8 this past July and I really love it! Being a mechanic, I think that the rotary is way more reliable than a piston engine. The gas mileage kinda hurts, but its worth it to me. Only problem I had with it was the A/C amplifier going bad, but it was an easy fix. Out of all the cars I have owned, this is the best one ever! The 8 is definitely my favorite one to drive, and I always admire other ones I see on the road.