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:

• 

  My Best Decision - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By leftysheehan - July 23 - 10:00 am

  love my van! only flaw is the location of the a/c button. it is not visible to the driver due to the drive stick in thew way. Also the tilt is too difficult to work. Bad place to put it- under the steerint wheel.

• 

  right thurr - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By andru - July 23 - 10:00 am

  this cars the shizzle. its the best thing iv driven yet, and im an indi 500 racecar driver so that says something. i like the leather interior and the handles on that thang

• 

  Simply an incredible car - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By suvsbob - July 20 - 8:41 pm

  Since January, Ive done a lot research for my next new car. Ive shifted my chosen car a few times, but finally locked down to Mazda6. To me, I want a car with character and fun to drive factor. Its pretty easy decision for me to cross out Accord, Camry, or any other popular but souless car. I read every review/test drive out there on 2014 Mazda6. I got excited with all the positive tones. I bought the car last week. God, what an incredible car.

• 

  value with zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By andy lyon - July 20 - 5:46 pm

  The new mazda 3 five door special edition makes the 3 an even more enjoyable delight to drive. Grab hold of the leather bound three spoke steering wheel, press your body back into its supple leather, and turn on the seat heater. You would think that you where in a new 3 series bmw. The value of this amazing machine is far beyond anything else in the market today.

• 

  Zoom Zoom....OH YEA! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By londonblue007 - July 20 - 3:33 pm

  I totally love this car. My brother actually wants to drive it over his Miata with a brand new mazdaspeed engine in it...go figure. Awesome handling, great for pulling high speed corners on New England on/off ramps. Drove to Virginia and back getting 35 mpg on regular gas! I am still in college, and this is the perfect car for someone who is on a budget but wants a new, stylish, sporty car that is reliable. Still runs just as good now, as it did 18 months ago, and it has 28,000 miles on it! I love the looks I get from people when I drive around campus or into Boston....so many people are shocked to see the Mazda symbol....Zoom Zoom!

• 

  Absolutely Love It. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By kenmo - July 19 - 9:29 pm

  I work at a car rental company at an airport, so I drive brand new 2011-2012 cars all day long. This car is on par with these brand new cars, in my opinion. Everything about it is wonderful. The features, the handling, the styling, the utility, the mileage!. Its by far my favorite car to drive out of all I have driven!

• 

  My Experience With my MazdaCX7 so for... - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Siva - July 19 - 11:23 am

  Bought this CX7 2008 model around Jan 09. Got huge discount... I got 6k less than msrp. great deal. Considered crv rav4 outlander forester and then closed in on mazda cx7 for its style and performance. So far I have put 15k miles ..drives great so for. Drove my car from batonrouge la to los angeles ca close to 1800 miles and didnt feel a bit tired... drove (9-10 hrs) for three days and took two breaks at junction tx and wilcox az. the whole trip averaged close to 24 which I am happy. texas stretch I drove at 80mph and averaged 21.4. I am tech guy / contractor so I go to diff places and my mazda cx7 gives me good company. la to san jose @ 60 mph gv me 28mpg. great car overall.

• 

  Goodbye Focus, Hello Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon - July 19 - 4:53 am

  I recently traded in my 2000 Ford Focus for a custom ordered Mazda 3. The difference is night & day. The 3 handles beautifully & the power is great. No problems merging on the freeway here in Los Angeles. The interior design & quality is what you would expect from a car costing twice as much. I especially love the blue backlight for the instrument cluster. Overall, this car turns heads & gives a satisfying feeling even when parked. Highly recommed it!

• 

  Good car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomfan - July 18 - 11:40 pm

  This is a great car to own, but if you are considering a new Mazda3 then you should be warned about the tires. The Toyo tires that come on the Mazda are worthless. I have 25K miles and Ive needed new tires for the last 2K miles. Ive heard similar stories from other Mazda 3 owners. My suggestion: make them put on different tires for you before you take it home!

• 

  Pleasantly surprised - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Dan - July 18 - 2:03 am

  Purchased in January to drive to Florida. Great mileage on the hgwy & around town. No problems so far. Very comfortable on my bad back even without lumbar support. Handles well & is relatively quiet. Would recommend to others to buy.