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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  Most underrated car on the market - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By blizzy - March 9 - 1:06 pm

  Personally, I love the Mazda over other cars in its range. The 2.3 is well made, with a spirited engine and solid performance throughout the RPM range. Redline performance is amazing, the engine sounds like a V6 and outperforms many would-be "speedsters" on the road hands down. The thing I love the most is the steering. It tends to become more precise and effortless at higher-speeds, which makes fast-paced driving easy. And the safety features are important as well. My biggest complaint are the crappy Goodyear tires - they get loud after a while, and Goodyears quality is horrid to say the least.

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  Mazda3 rules - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By yoda - March 9 - 12:06 pm

  I want to say that I love this car. I bought mine with a special package. I see that Im the only Mazda3 out there that has Injen Intake system in it and dual chrome exhaust pipes. I still love this machine no matter what. For the review, it handles very well. Far better than my old car. Boxy. I love the space it has in front for the driver and passenger. I love how they made the Mazda3 with the controls for the radio and CD player on the steering wheel with the cruise control as well. I also like that this Mazda3 has more than 2 cup holders. More storage space. The most comfortable seats ever.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lemZ3 - March 9 - 10:03 am

  Downsized from a BMW x5 to this fun little ride. I needed a smaller more economical commuter and this was the only one that packed all the fun toys I enjoyed in previous vehicles. Handles great and definitely has enough punch to get out of its own way. If you are looking for a small-affordable commuter with all the comforts of a car costing thousands more, this is the car for you. If you get in blindfolded youll never know youre driving a sub 25K mazda.

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  Fun Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy Zoom Zoom - March 8 - 8:43 am

  Bought my 3 for cheap reliable transportation, so far not diappointed. Love the response and drivability. I am a 300+ 61" male and I fit in the car nicely and comfortably. This car is roomier inside than it looks... Happy Zoom Zoom!!!

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  2004 30,000 mile review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By longtermtester - March 7 - 8:26 am

  After owning this car for almost 2 years I have noticed a few things.. First of all when I got the car I assumed that over time the steering and suspension would lose some its tightness and precision. This has not happened. The car handles like it did the day I purchased it. Im still not sure how I paid $20G Canadian and got this level of handling. My own fear stops me in a fast turn. Not the car. Very smooth. Secondly, when I bought it I was worried about the reliability and craftsmanship of Mazda vehicles. So far, only the regular maintenance has been performed. So to wrap this up; 2 years, fun to drive, no problems. Great car!

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  Mazda CX-5 Touring - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By scruffy6 - March 7 - 3:20 am

  In 2010 my wife and I bought a Mazda 10 (me)and a Mazda 3 and were impressed them. When the 2013 Mazda CX-5 came out I bought one for myself and two weeks later bought the identical CX-5 (different color) for my wife. The CX-5 comes in three trim levels and we bought the mid level Touring. The Touring level has all the important bells and whistles, yet is 2-3 thousand dollars less. All we did was add after market leather, which is very good quality. Gas milage is so far 28.1 cty/hwy and thats only with 1,500 miles on the car. looked to other similar cars and not impressed. Also relied heavily on Edmunds for reliable review of the vehicle which has always been right on.

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  Ive loved it for the last 4 years. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sranco - March 6 - 10:23 pm

  Bought this car used in the summer of 09 with 129k on it. It now has 157k on it and I still love it. It has great handling and decent power for a 4 cylinder. These cars have a very good suspension IMO. It can handle tight turns at good speeds without offering too stiff of a ride. Mine has 17 inch tires, which probably makes a bit of a difference over the stock 16s. The interior is also well appointed and really comes alive at night with the interior lighting. If you like to play golf this car will also suit you well, there is easily enough room for 3 golf bags. The back seat can be a little tight though.

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  Not a bad little vehicle - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris - March 6 - 11:56 am

  Have owned my 2006 auto for a little over a year now. I average about 110 miles a day in this car. Gas mileage has ranged from 27 to 33 highway, depending on speed and use of AC. I had the windows tinted. I do notice some rattles now that I have close to 30K. The road noise is excessive as well. Someone else mentioned this too that the black interior is a bear to keep clean, it shows everyting. The heater doesnt seem to pump out consistent air temp and the A/C light goes on when using the auto feature, even if its cold out. Dont understand that logic. All in all though, you get a lot of vehicle for the price.

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  good - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By bander - March 6 - 12:43 am

  a lot of power from just 2.3L engin and a lot of standred option

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  Best car I have owned, hate to see it go - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Peter - March 5 - 7:50 pm

  I have owned the Mazda Protege LX for seven years now, I purchased the vehicle in 2004 with only 20k for the mileage and I currently have over 195K on the vehicle now. Besides normal wear and tear parts that you expect to wear out, I havent put more than like $100.00 into this vehicle. I always changed my oil regularly and did other minimal scheduled maintenance like filters, plugs, trans fluid, etc....and this vehicle owes me nothing. The gas mileage was good, I was getting about 28mpg on the highway and about 22 to 24mpg city depending on how fast I was driving. I also put sporty aggressive tires on it and it greatly improved the driveablitity, I put the Yokahoma "S" Drive tire on