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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  Cant Wait for the Hybrid! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MPG > HP - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The perfect drivers car. Not much for drag racing, but look out corners! Now if only it could be mated with an advanced hybrid propulsion system, wed all be in a much better place. I wonder what kind of mini- "Hoover Dam" a tuned out rotary generator motor could be for powering four wheel located electric motors, ala GMs skate chassis? 50-100 HP at EACH wheel?

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  One month & 1,000 miles - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jay - March 2 - 11:26 am

  I turned in a Honda Accord since I wanted a smaller car for going to the post office etc. First off the Accord had problems which it shouldnt have had. Problem with a window, power steering and needed new brakes early. The Mazda is good so far. The finish and upholstery inside is very good. I like the dashboard. Much better than the Civic. I miss a little bit the cruise control and power locks but again only a little bit.

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  Fun car to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By cognitive6 - March 2 - 12:36 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It handles well and has a sports-car feel, except its a sedan. The steering wheel blocks the view of the top of the gauges, and theres an annoying sloshing sound (from fuel tank) when stopping and starting when tank is full. The car feels solid and few vehicles can compete with it in styling. In fact, its sleek design makes appear smaller than others in its class, but its actually longer than most.

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  An Affordable Fun Family Friendly Sporty Mommy Vehicle - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By sardidii - March 1 - 1:47 pm

  You get what you ask for! I LOVE this vehicle! I had NEVER bought a Brand New car before in my 38years. I DID my research. I wanted a Fun, Safe, Reliable car/wagon/crossover thing that was perfect for a family of 4 with a dog. I wanted something that was safe, fun to drive, good on gas and affordable. I also wanted to have the ability to haul another person just in case i had to. I ended up with this gorgeous Mazda5 and I am so happy with it! I have been asked several times already by people in Parking lots what it was. I fit comfotably in it and i am tall. The sliding doors make it easy for the children to get in and out of. It is fun to drive!

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  Definitely the best bang for the buck! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By johnnyBgoode - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Mazda that I have purchased. I owned 89 Mazda 626, a 09 Mazdaspeed 3, 08 MX-5, and now this 10 Mazda 3 GT Hatch. Its a great car with good MPG. The features of this car in its segment absolutely blow the competition away. Trust me you wont be disappointed in what this car offers. Its very quiet inside the cabin and the engine is smooth and quiet as well. The features are insane! My car has: adaptive front lighting, fog lights, 6 spd manual transmission, 6 disc Bose audio system with 10 speakers, moonroof, bluetooth, leather seats, heated front seats, LED tail lights, automatic bi-xenon headlight, and many more too list. Truly the best bang for the buck!

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  I love my white mazda 3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Homer61388 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a brand new 2010 mazda 3 i touring with the white pearl paint. Its a gorgeous car and the quality and the amount of car you get for the money is outstanding. And the deals offered by Mazda cant be matched! Its not only a good-looker but delivers with the safety, comfort, handling, and decent acceleration/performance vs. exceptional fuel economy. All in all, its the BEST car in the segment all around.

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  Welcome to Zoom-Zoom Nation! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ucbearcat1975 - February 27 - 9:10 pm

  Just got the car last night but consider I just had a 2008 Mazda3 i Touring for the past 2 years. I will come back & write a review after a few months, but 1st impressions. New Mazda3 is incredible! Handling, check! Superior fit and finish, check! Int/Ext Design, check! Turns heads, check! Bluetooth, check! Fantastic Bose radio, check! More power (167 hp compared to 148 in the 08), check! More Zoom-Zoom spirit & performance, CHECK! Makes me smile and want to drive, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK! This car is a pure joy to drive so far. I used to want a BMW 3 series, but I now look at those cars & think to myself. BORING! Sticker $23,645. Got mine w/roof for $19,900 + T/T.

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  Already Rusting??? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nae - February 27 - 11:06 am

  I purchased my 2005 Mazda the winter of 2004 love everything about the car, the feel of the car on the road, the suspension is tight, it has great get up and go for 2.0 and great gas mileage. It could use better interior lighting i.e. the window controls need more lighting and the my cigarette lighter light went out already? In 2007 I noticed my 2005 mazda 3i was beginning to rust around rear wheel wells and the undercarriage. I have taken my car into numerous Mazda dealerships for rust problem and have been told due to environmental factors they will not fix the corrosion? I highly doubt I will purchase another due to exterior quality it sad everything else is great about this little car.

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  A blast to drive - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug - February 26 - 10:46 am

  I love my RX-8! It is simply a blast to drive everyday. What the rotary engine lacks in low end torque it makes up for with a high revving engine that sounds wonderful. The interior is great - sight lines are excellent and quality is high. It is a very livable car for daily driving, and the rear doors make it quite practical for a sports car. However, if gas mileage is important, this is probably not the car for you.

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  Left my family stranded on the highway - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By konigsmark - February 25 - 10:59 am

  So far our experience has been awful. First, we live 5 hours from the closest Mazda Dealership. So I drove down early in the morning and bought the 2012 with 26 miles on the car total. On the way home, I start smelling gasoline. I figured it must be a new car smell, Ive never owned a new car. Then the next day after purchasing the vehicle, the transfer case explodes on the highway. The car is filled with my family and we were out of cell phone range. Thankfully, some people stopped to help and a couple hours later our brand new car was towed to Pueblo, Colorado (5 hours away) to be repaired. I just want a safe car for my family.