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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  very reliable - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By delesher - August 18 - 2:15 am

  The car has been very reliable although mileage is not very good for a small car. Plenty of room inside and can carry a lot of stuff. I have had it since new and have approximately 50K miles. Nothing but routine maintenance.

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  Amazing Vehicle for the Money ! - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Sammy - August 16 - 10:26 pm

  Bought a new 2010 Mazda 5 SPORT Automatic this weekend and I love the car! My wife and I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and another due in September and we only need 1 car, so I added the "Popular Equipment Package" and "Fog Lights" to give it a "sporty" look and feel and I think the "car" looks and drives that way! The car handles very well in the city and has ample pickup for me. The seating/storage configurations are amazing and I marvel at the interior space that has been designed, its just "smart". I am not worried about having 2 kids and lots a cargo for long trips in this beauty. If you are considering this car, not concerned about having AWD, its an amazing vehicle for the price !

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  Love it !!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By snowman80 - August 16 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased this car last week while looking at a mazda3i basic.The dealer didnt have what i wanted so i ended up test driving this model instead. needless to say i fell in love with it.Good power for a 2.5, responsive steering great clutch and shift feel.i highly reccomend this car to any dailey commuter looking for something classier looking then a Prius with more spunk. im averaging 30mpg right now which is better then advertised.

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  awesome mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cuda67 - August 16 - 1:48 pm

  I"ve had this car since 2008 it had 178,000 miles on it now it has 250,000 mileson it. The still drives like it was new. The hatch back is so awesome and gives the car a sporty profile. I still get 29mpg with a 4speed AT. The car has more then pad for its self in value.

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  Great, except... - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By frank - August 16 - 12:51 pm

  Driving everyday for 4 months now, there is a lot to love about the car, provided that you understand what you are buying--a sports car. Grading its comfortable ride, storage area, etc, makes no sense--buy an Escalade if thats what you want. I love this car, just like I did my first Miata 15 years ago before I moved to a Mustang GT. This time around, I was torn about getting a new Mustang or going back to the MIata--really different cars, so no way to compare exactly. My only gripe (which I have found from others on Miata forums) is that the left drivers seat headrest speaker buzzes, apparently due to vibration of foam in the headrest rather than the speaker itself. My dealer brushed off the complaint, stating that speakers just do that with a lot of bass (we were talking about the spoken voice on talk radio!), so I have just adjusted the fade toward the front speakers. So, I love the car, except.....

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  2010 sGT HB - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjm826 - August 16 - 4:50 am

  I bought the sGT HB in gunmetal blue w/ Sunroof/Bose Pckg. and Tech Pckg w/ auto. tran. at the end of May. So far, I have no complaints. The car is very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. I was downsizing from a FX35 SUV and looking for a vehicle that was much smaller, w/ better mpg but that still offered some of the versatility and sporty driving of my SUV. This Mazda fit the bill. It handles my dive gear, bicycles and kayaks w/ out a problem. Love that hatchback!! I looked at several other HBs but none matched (IMHO) the all-around value of the Mazda. I have owned BMW, INNfinity & Acura in the past. This Mazda offers compatible, if not greater, value for the dollar. Pd. 23,800 + tax.

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  Tesss view - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By tess - August 14 - 7:10 pm

  Excellent! Room for two car seats. Only small SUV with 1. leather (easier to wipe off childrens mess) 2. sky/sun/moon roof (after a convertable, I really needed to see the sky! it makes watching out door events fun for the kids who like to stand up to see whats going on--& no, the car isnt moving; 3. roomier than the jeep or ford, 4. interior is better looking than the jeep or ford 5. handled a top rack and a bicyle rack, 6.options for the Tribute offer more of what I wanted than either the honda, ford, or jeep. The instrument panel in the jeep is highlighted and better for visual acuity. Over all, Id buy another one, lots of fun and easy to take care of.

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  whaleybobs tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By whaleybob - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Solid ride, fun to drive, plenty of room. Would like a little better fuel mileage. We are really enjoying this car. Great value for the money.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By EliJ - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I like very much this car. Although its my first sports car and I cannot compare with others, the combination of having 4 seat, cool suicide rear doors, great handling, good power and very nice interior and very competitive price compared to others makes it a great choice. I did not mention the fact that everyone is looking at me since Im one of the few in my area with this car! this is a GREAT feeling!

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  love it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dijital - August 14 - 10:00 am

  love this car. my only problem with it is the fuel economy. seems sometimes low, but what do you expect? it is a sports car.