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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  New class - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By european - December 26 - 6:06 pm

  I looked at the Mazda3 because it is built on the new Ford Focus platform. I owned a 03 Focus and loved the sporty chassis...and sadly the new Focus has not been released in the US yet. When I drove the Mazda3 I was amazed at how accomplished the vehicle was and it definitely has gone up a class into semi-luxury while still being fun and sporty to drive. I travel to the UK frequently on business and read the discerning journalism on cars. The Mazda3 is highly rated along with the new Focus.My experience has supported that and I am now a proud owner of the 2.3 hatchback.

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  18 months and still LOVE IT! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JaloLA - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  Ive had my car for 18 months and keep telling my friends that zoom-zoom still gets me. It is a fun-to-drive car. Handles very well, smooth and just great buy overall! I was soooo glad I didnt get boring looking Toyota or Honda for the money I had to spend on a car. GREAT value for your money!

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  New 2012 Mazda 3 - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By disasterdawg - December 26 - 9:01 am

  Bought with 3 miles on it. Has been great car. Well designed interior and great styling. Performace and economy are outstanding. Mazda is an under rated company. The value of the this car is amazing compared to other imports. Fit and finish are top notch. Recently the car was struck broadside by and Escalade and walked away scratch free. Airbags did the job. The car almost totaled but did not. A really safe and strong car. I highly recommend Mazda, the entire brand.

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  Great vehicle few design flaws - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By jzwix - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and ride is perfect. A slam-dunk upgrade from our minivan. With two kids and a dog, there is plenty of room for all of our stuff. There are a lot of bells and whistles that we werent used to but with a few friendly drives weve grown accustomed.

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  Bet Car Purchase Ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By pagzzz - December 25 - 7:45 pm

  Bought this car new in 2004 and approaching 90k miles. Every mile has been enjoyable. Thought about getting a newer car with better performance and luxury, but decided that this car so perfectly meets my needs, Im going to drive it into the ground. No major problems (aside from nasty pothole related suspension stuff) and has maintained high 20s combined mileage while remaining fun to drive. Wont win a drag race, but can slalom with many "performance" cars. Definitely recommend upgrading stock rubber to slightly wider, stickier set. On my third set of BFGs 215/45R17 rubber. Great tires for this car.

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  Great little car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DougJ - December 24 - 9:10 am

  I started out just looking for something cheap to commute in on the mountainous roads where I live. I decided to go ahead and get a truly fun car, which meant rear wheel drive, which lead to the Miata. Its a fantastic car, well built with the goal in mind of emulating a British roadster-one that runs. Not much power but a lively, fun engine mated to a great gearbox and chassis. It has just enough torque to let you loaf along if you want, but loves to rev. Fantastic handling and feedback from all the controls. Very composed even if you push it hard. Its a joy with the top down! Solid design and extremely reliable. I got this one with 78,000 miles on it and expect to drive it for years.

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  Zoom, zoom, zoom - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By B. Foster, Jr. - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Mazda has finally gotten it right. Dont get me wrong, if you want a big minivan, the MPV is not for you. But, if you want a reliable, fun-to-drive minivan with average room for a family of four+, then the MPV is for you. You cant beat the size, price, and value. Also, Zoom-zoom!!

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  Do Not Buy This Van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Christy - December 23 - 11:36 pm

  This is the worst experience I have ever had with a vehicle. Purchased used. One owner lease. Good price and had all I wanted. Well the engine started coughing. 2 coils replaced, transmission, fan cooling system, and then another enginge. That engine was coughing. Another lower mileage engine around 40,000 installed. Now that engine is coughing since it now has around 75,000 miles on it, the engine not odometer. New driver window motor, 4 o2 censons, and a new cadallidic converter. I have put more money in this van than its worth. Mazda is not coming clean on the engine problems and they should be recalled. Shame on you! Just paid off my van and cant afford another vehicle or more repairs!

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  SEE MY TAIL LIGHTS !!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By jerseyboy5 - December 23 - 11:26 pm

  Purchased last day of September. Big time car buff and researched competing AWD cars for 2 weeks. Looked at Toyota Rav4 with V6, Santa Fe Ltd, Acura RDX. Mazda did a amazing job creating a sporty SUV for $2-5K less than above competing models. Read CX7 forum, had concerns with A/C, however, seems like kinks have been worked out for 2009 and above models.

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  Mazda5 one of the best cars made! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazdamaniac - December 23 - 4:46 pm

  I have a red GT, loaded with every option! Navigation system, power roof, powerful stereo! Great looking body, fantastic build quality, rich interior, and the best production paint job Ive ever seen! Build quality is superb. Ive had top of the line Toyotas, Hondas, VWs, Mercedes, BMW and some Italian cars... none as well made!