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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  Great car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Elara - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The 8 is the most exciting car Ive ever owned. Its plenty fast (0-60 in between 5.9 and 6.2 seconds, depending on who you talk to) and its amazing handling and 9k rev range are just fun. Take a trip down a winding road, and the car sticks like glue. Better yet, you can put four people comfortably in the car. Weve taken several 500+ mile trips with 3 people in the car, and no ones had any complaints. The engine itself is amazingly smooth and quiet. All in all, a great car.

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  Awsome - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By heybailey - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, didnt mention Build Quality or Reliability because Ive only had it a few days.

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  Mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LeBron - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Good Performance/Handling. Quiet engine. Solid structure. Excellent design inside and out. Dont know about reliability yet.

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  Brand new Mazda 3 -- had it for 2 weeks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thornwell - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Golf, Jetta and 2003 Protege. This was the best package I found for the price. The ride is very nice, and not jelly-like (see Honda Civic base model).

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  Great car! Fun to drive! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By xdatou - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I looked around all brand cars of same class before I found the Mazda 6 is the best of all. I already drove more than 3K miles in three weeks, so many funs and never have a problem. This is my first new car. I love it.

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  Best Value for Its Class - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By anenders - September 1 - 9:23 am

  I love my Mazda 3. The interior is well designed. It has many fun features such as rain sensor, bose speakers, heated leather seat, moon roof etc. I still could not believe that I could get mine for less than 20000 with 0% interest.

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  Best I have ever had - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Danielle - August 31 - 11:00 am

  I just bought my Mazda and I completely fell in love with it after the test drive. It is stylish and affordable. The gas mileage is excellent! I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  This has more zoom-zoom than my 3i! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By 05mazda3s4dr - August 31 - 2:20 am

  This car rocks! I have to say I am happy that I traded my 3i manual for it and I love it! I am happy with the pep of the engine and how fuel efficient it is. The ride is not as compliant as my 3i but I love it. It doesnt shake you up or jostle you; it is very inspiring to drive this car into curves. The manual is easy to row and the engine has enough low end grunt, although it needs more torque and lower rpms, but hey, I aint complaining!This has to be the best car for the money. It has power, the interior doesnt look like a 20K car, and the quality of it inside and out, I have to say, is better than Civic, Corolla, or Sentra.

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  Mazda Tribute Lemon - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim - August 30 - 11:20 am

  After buying this I had to take it back the next day for a leak on the transmission. They had to replace the rear seal and plug. Since then I have had the brakes, battery, brake booster, window controls, cruise control, gas tank, gas cap replaced (along with a few other items). Now the transmission went out, wonder if it is related to the original leak. $3300 for a transmission, what a rip off. Please do not buy one, or any Mazda. Service here is not the best either.

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  6000 miles in - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JR - August 30 - 8:36 am

  6000 miles and 2 oil changes in and the car is still a blast to drive. The 2.5L is more than adequate for any driving style; averaging 29-30mpg with some fairly spirited driving city/hwy mix. The car has fairly large blind spots which you have to keep in mind when driving; However, I havent found it that much of a bother. If you do your own oil changes, you will love the drain/ filter setup mazda uses. The materials in the cabin feel like what you would expect in vehicles in higher price brackets; Much better that what ive seen in the vehicles in this class. The seats are excellent; I dont mind staying in the drivers seat for a few hours at a time. Overall a great choice.