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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  Super fun sport-like drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barbara Martin - March 15 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 4 Door (with hatch) Grand Touring sedan for two days and am VERY happy to have chosen it over the Toyota Matrix which, although of reputed higher quality, was a total drag to drive. The Mazda is zippy, smooth, and responds quite handily. Of course I wont get quite the mileage, but then Im coming off a 3500+ lb. mini-van so Im still way ahead. I have no complaints at all and recommend this vehicle entirely. If you want a fun yet semi-sophisticated car thats just roomy enough for 4 adults in super comfort and is also incredibly cute, this is your vehicle. I got many more features for less money than the Matrix but ended up with a much better and more nimble ride.

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  Quiet Kicks - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Fun at the Wheel - March 15 - 10:30 am

  I have owned a sports car of one type or another for the last 25 years. The RX-8 rocks. I have had mine to 155 mph and it feels like its glued to the road. Its humorous for the Toyota dudes and the Mercedes sweeties to challenge it. The only thing that comes close is a Mustang GT until you get into the first turn. Then you will see them in the rear view. The Porsche, BMW sports models are plusher but more sluggish in the turns. The Hondas are not in the same league and Nissan Zs. The car can handle a turn like no other. Some complaints regarding the car are the gas mileage (find another car that gets good gas mileage and can go 175+.) For under 30k new you cant beat it.

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  Luving our s Sport - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By clearwaters - March 14 - 6:43 am

  Bought this 09 automatic to complement my 08 5 spd. My mother drives it mostly and amazingly loves the power of the 2.5 as well as the gas mileage. we have noticed the tires seem to pick up a lot of nails, I dont know if that will change when I switch to (probably) Continentals. The interior design is great except for the odd speedometer numbering and map light switches which blend in too much with the interior to "feel" them in the dark. Im amazed that the Auto is just as much fun and Zoom as the 5 spd, thats more than rare! Car handles well, the safety features are incredible. Sad they changed the whole platform for 2010. The Stereo in the 09 w/MP3 kick a lot more Bass!

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  Miata 1999 - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Frank - March 13 - 3:33 am

  This is a great car that is fun to drive. Better body style than the new 2006 coming out

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  Excellent minivan - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By jastin - March 12 - 2:02 am

  Have been driving the mazda 5 for 4 months and absolutely love it. Drive is awesome, little road noise (probably from OEM tire), handle wonderfully. Plenty of space for 4 adults and 2 children as we experienced (the two children rode in the bag seats, plenty of space for them there). A must buy if you want a nice minivan for a fair price, even my wife can stop raving about it.

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  Love my Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Love my Mazda - March 10 - 8:23 am

  I bought a 2004 Mazda 3 unexpectedly. Thought I liked the Mazda Protege,and test drove their new model. I liked it more than the Protege. I have it over a year, no problems, no complaints. A great car for the money. Very reliable. Fun to drive. Cute too!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Lesley - March 10 - 4:33 am

  I love my CX-7 this was the first car I really did my home work on. The technology package is a must have. The class is all on its own considering the investment. As people blow by me in their BMWs and Mercedes, I just smile and hug the wheel. I truly feel like Mazda has stepped up to the plate with the new CX-7. Enjoy Yours! Zoom Zoom!

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  2014 mazda 6 touring - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By tycodyzach - March 9 - 5:45 pm

  went to dealership really wanted a manual touring with blue reflex test drove the car and it kept popping out of 3rd gear on the test drive so i went with the automatic test drove it and decided to get it after signing papers the salesman came out to show me how to set up blue tooth and it wouldnt work then it wouldnt read my ipod so i had to bring it in next day to have them reset the computer and they ordered me a new module for it!! other than that i love it so far only 300 miles into it and still have half tank of gas i commute 20% city 80% highway

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  Best Car EVER! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - March 7 - 4:36 am

  The car is an amazing piece of machinery. I recently took a defensive driving course; the participants were other economy sedans. Out of all of them the Mazda3 performed the best. It stops on a dime and handles extremely well. I was the only driver that went through the entire four hour course without knocking over any cones. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Former Camry Owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karen - March 6 - 5:46 am

  I love my new Mazda6! Ive only had the car a week, so I cant actually attest to its reliability, but, from my limited experience with this car, I cant think of many things to complain about. It handles great, is quiet, the Bose system is very nice, not necessarily exceptional, but very nice nonetheless. Fit and finish seems exceptionally nice. The doors give that solid "thunk" sound when closed. There are many soft touch surfaces inside, and very few cheap plastics. Nice amenities abound, with lights galore. The trunk is huge, with nifty little side hooks to hang grocery sacks or whatever. The car looks good both inside and out. Great job Mazda!! You won this former Camry owner over....