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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  What a ride! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Diane - January 6 - 2:00 am

  We love our new Mazda 6. Its alot of fun and sounds great. Turns alot of heads.

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  It is a Pro - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By grahamcracker - January 6 - 2:00 am

  My Protege 5 is everything Ive ever looked for in a new car. It looks good, handles well, is dependable and gets fabulous gas mileage. It has all the interior space we need when traveling cross country or just to the recycling center. Ive gotten compliments on its looks.

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  Dragon-Slaying Machine! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Killerking - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have taken the car on "the dragon" aka Deals Gap (www.tailofthedragon.com) and had 2 strangers making movies of me! Thia car handles like a bullet on rails! The dragon has 318 curves in 11 miles ao believe me, I KNOW how these cars handle! Also, the attention you get driving this car is unbeleiveable.....Not too many people wanna run you in this car, they know better, esp. around corners. Mazda issued a service repair order to replace the oil pan, so my dealer did it and all is well now. If you want a true high-revving sports car, then look no further........get an RX-8.

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  Exelent - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By b_o_b_6_9_ - January 4 - 11:09 pm

  i have owned the car since it was relesed and since its done about 140,000 miles and hasnt had any issues , only thing i had to replace was the tyres and brake pads other wise its all good

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  Drives like a go-kart! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By venguyen - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  I upgraded my car from a very practical and fuel-efficient Honda Civic. I LOVE driving the Mazda 3--not just because of its unique styling, but also because of its incredible handling. I rarely brake around corners anymore--it drives like a go-kart. Very stable, incredible handling. The only thing I dont like about my car is the poor gas mileage. Other than that, it really is Zoom Zoom.

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  Terrific Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Richard Stone Mtn GA - January 2 - 10:53 am

  Ive been driving Alfa Romeo sedans for 30 years, so I know what kind of small high-performance sedans I like. I dreaded giving up my last Alfa, but when I drove the 3s hatchback, I realized that I had found a worthy successor. This car tracks like an Alfa, but I found the engine far smoother, torquier, and more powerful than a comparable 2L Alfa I4. After spending February in Turin, Italy and seeing the latest offerings from Alfa, then coming home and buying a 3s Touring, I realized I had found superior bargain. If Alfa ever comes back to the US, theyll never be able to match this Mazda in build or performance for under $20K. I love this car! (This is my first Japanese automobile).

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  One fine Zoom Zoom SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By CJMS - January 2 - 1:33 am

  I bought my CX-9 recently. The price you pay for the car makes it a great value. Bose sound system is great. The car is very quiet, pickup is good on the freeway. The advanced keyless system is a must.

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  CX-9 - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By vts747 - January 1 - 2:15 pm

  Feels like smaller sporty car. My 12 hour long, 850 mile long road trip last summer wasnt as exhausting as usual, thanks to smaller steering wheel, sporty seats and carlike handling. Steering is sporty and precise. Seats feel carlike and comfortable for a long trip.

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  Downsized from a Chevy Minivan - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Linda M. - December 31 - 10:26 pm

  We purchased this a week ago, and so far, so good. I got tired of lugging around a big minivan at 15mpg local, just to do mostly local errands, little league, lugging furniture from IKEA, etc. My family of 3 takes a 3000 mile road trip every year or two, and I did not want to sacrifice the comfort & cargo area of a van. The Mazda 5 seems like the perfect solution. Better mileage, sleeker (drives more like a wagon than a van) and I dont have to give up the cargo space I am used to having. I have used less than half a tank of gas so far, and cannot yet evaluate the true mileage. Much easier to park than a full size van.

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  Real Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Muhammad Kaisar - December 31 - 9:40 pm

  After tring Altima,Accord,Civic,Gallant and camry , i felt nothing like driving mazda , the cornering , the sharp turn superb handling