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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  Sports Car meets SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kevin S - April 26 - 5:10 am

  Great vehicle all around. Unfortunately Im only averaging around 20 mpg. The remote start doesnt work with the keyless feature (Mazda working on solution).

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  Mazda cx-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By chels_moore - April 25 - 11:40 pm

  Awesome car, lots of fun to drive.

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  My 4th Mazda, and not my last - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By amandakl - April 24 - 7:22 am

  I am in love with this car. I have owned a 2004 Mazda 3 sedan, a 2008 Mazda3 GT sport (hatch), and a 2013 Mazda cx-5. I traded my CX-5 in for the 2014 Mazda 3 and do not regret it at all. The car handles like a dream, hugs the road and corners perfectly. The interior is simple and modern, and the exterior is striking. I am getting 6.7L/100 (or 43 MPG) with combined city/highway, which is more than I expected to get. If you are looking for an affordable car that is fun to drive, gets great fuel mileage and is reliable, this is it. I have the GS (middle model) with sunroof package, and comfort package. I also had custom white leather interior installed.

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  Rewarding little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lamis - April 23 - 11:56 pm

  Bought this M3 to have some fun and save on gas in daily city driving. For the fun part, its delivered above and beyond expectations. Handling, braking, road attitude, looks are great, surprisingly quick for a 2L AT, nice and roomy interior. Sadly, I must have gotten the thirsty one on the lot, hardly gets 25 mpg in the summer and 22- 23 in the winter. Suspension is perfect for zipping around town, but highway rides longer than 1 hr get a bit uncomfortable. Overall outstanding value.

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  Update...now had car 2-years - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By joellein - April 23 - 6:22 pm

  I wrote my first review shortly after I got this car in late November, 2010 (see posting below: "Great car if you like large"). Anyway, this is still functioning as a great car for me. It still seems too large, but I cannot complain about much at all. Its got almost 30K miles and the only trips to dealer service have been for tire/wheel rotations; I do my own oil change-really easy to do on this car. I love the car for long road trips; its quiet, has power (not a lot extra, but certainly enough), and is really comfortable.

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  2012 Mazda 3 with 1200 miles on it now. - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sirturkey - April 22 - 6:00 am

  I got my Mazda 3 when it had 15 miles on it, and now it has around 1200. I love this car. I upgraded from a 2004 Passat. The SKYACTIV-G engine truly performs. Ive been getting a combined 34.8 mpg with mostly city driving but with a few long distance bouts. On my distance trips, Ive been getting 40-44 mpg at around 70 mph. I generally drive like a grandpa but its difficult NOT to accelerate quickly in this car! The seats are not nearly as bad as what other people say. Im 60 and they fit me rather well. As for the complaints about the interior controls, I find them rather intuitive. In regards to weird noises from the engine, I havent heard anything.

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  Awesome Mazda 3 2.5l. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By chaps6 - April 22 - 3:10 am

  I bought the Mazda with 34k miles on the clock. It has all the bells and whistles...sat nav, bose, keyless entry, zenon, bucket seats etc. I have now done about 10,000 miles without a single issue. I hope to have this car for at least another 100k miles...perhaps pass it onto my kids when they are old enough to drive. It feels incredibly safe, very assured on the road and pretty sporty. It’s no race car but it really handles well and has create torque when you put your foot down. I looked at all sorts of other cars first…golf, accord, mini, jetter, passat, hyundai’s etc…none came close to the reviews this got…which is why I bought it.

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  Not Bad! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By flow_motion - April 21 - 1:07 pm

  I bought a used automatic Mazda 3 Sedan January of last year. It had about 103,000 KM. One year later, its now at 123,000 KMS +... This car rocks! Its been very reliable, has caused me no trouble. The dealership have been extremely curtious, and polite. Ill definitely buy another Mazda! I agree with one person though, the accessories at the dealership are way over priced. Nonetheless, this car definitely packs in the "zoom zoom". The auto transmission shouldve been 5 speed rather then 4. Gas mileage in the city isnt good for a 4 cyl engine. Those are the negs... The pos outweigh the negs 10 fold! Love the red interior lights!

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  Wonderful car, except... - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By T Block - April 21 - 12:46 pm

  it is awful in the snow and on ice. Sporty performance, fun to drive, roomy and a very efficient interior, cool looking dash at night, and I believe one of the best exterior designs on the road regardless of price. I love this car. I know I could get better mileage if I drove it conservatively, but whats the fun in that?

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  Hard to part with, unbeatable car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Miatajeff - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My Seventh Mazda, this little ES is a wolf in sheeps clothing. I love the conservative styling, the comfortable interior, the unbeatable handling, the perfect reliability! This car has been outstanding, with nary a problem since new. Cheap to own and to maintain, a joy to drive, I am having a hard time parting with it. I have been looking at new cars and am going to take a step up to a Volvo, but I cant bear to part with my Protege! Suggestions: put Nokian tires on all fours and the cars foul-weather handling improves. The only complaint I can muster is that it is a loud car- lots of raod noise, but that is minor compared to its graces.