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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  Fuel Pump Sensor/computer is shot - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By phxbarb - March 30 - 7:38 am

  Everything has been fine until now. Nothing major. Yesterday driving along fine. Park. Go to store, come out. Starts, shakes, stops. Starts, shakes, moves a little, stops. Absolutely no warning anything wrong. Now a bill for $600 to get a sensor thing installed. What the?

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  Perfect Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ally - March 29 - 2:53 pm

  I got this car about 6 weeks ago and I couldnt imagine being happier with any other car. It gets good gas mileage, great handling and is still very comfortable. Im a busy student who works as well and I make frequent longer trips from LA on the weekends. Its great for just going around town and cruising down the freeway. The interior is well designed with everything in reaching distance. I love this car!

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  I love my Mazda RX-8!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Lori S. - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My RX-8 is extremely fun to drive! It makes driving a pleasure once again, you just feel great in it. This car gets noticed by all. Its an exciting fun time. I can still take passengers, unlike my 2 old RX-7s, so more than just one person can ride with me in it. I was so happy to see the RX-8 come onto the scene and knew I had to test drive it, but I waited until I saved the money since I knew Id want to buy it right away. "This car is AWESOME!!".

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  love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ccato - March 29 - 10:00 am

  love it the new mazda 3.....it has been a godsend

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By steed - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice Car, A TOTAL G-RIDE, great torque

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  Zoom-Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Car Buff Steve - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2.3 S sedan for a month now and love it. I agree with one of the other consumers who wrote about the rear body refinement needed. Looking at the car from the rear is does look very high, but all the other angles look great. This car turns heads as it is new and different. Great looking car and fun to drive.

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  Its Great - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By carsdepot - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is so awesome. I have test driven jettas, GTIs, Focuses, and none of them come close to the Mazda 3. The handling of this car is far superior to many cars costing over $10000 more. I got on with leather, 6 disc CD player and many other options for under $19000. Its great!!!

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  Mazda 3S Hatchback 2004 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aldo - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Price goes high with just a few basic extras. Real price in dealership, from $20-24000.

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  What a ride - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Wyzby - March 28 - 2:20 pm

  After owning a Lincoln Navigator and Honda CRV, what a treat to have a powerful yet nimble car to drive. It has the size and power but lacks the clumsy sloppy handling of other larger SUVs. We love the interior and its performance on winding roads is spectacular. Our minds were made up on another CRV but I am glad for the small difference we looked and bought the CX-9

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  Nothing but problems - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Kassie - March 28 - 1:13 am

  This is my third and final Mazda that I will ever own. I have had nothing but problems with it in one way or another since I drove it off the lot.