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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  Zoom Zoom, Indeed - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By GBA47 - December 30 - 11:16 pm

  Okay, so at 62 Im a little outside the core demographic, but who cares. This thing rocks. Highest grin factor since my 1972 Capri V6. But Mazdas are supposed to be like that. What has completely blown me away is the rock solid structure and superb build quality. Wow, what a car. Mileage so far is at 24.5, with a best of 29.9 and worst 20.5, about what I expected. It should improve as I get more miles on it, and if I can keep my foot out of it (nah).

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  This car Rocks! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By sword182 - December 30 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this as my first brand new car back in 07. In the three years I have owned this car I have had no problems with it. I changed the oil and rotated tires, thats about it. The BOSE systems is pretty decent, but remember it is a stock system. I know a lot of reviews say this car sucks in the snow and rain, it doesnt if you have a good set of tires. The stock tires that came with this car were awful. I live in Colorado and snowboard religiously, I take my 3 up all the time and this car has never let me down. I did however go to tirerack and bought a 4 winter tires mounted on 16 inch wheels which fit the car well. This added the rubber needed for good traction in the winter.

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  Minivan Meets Sports Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By klepto - December 30 - 10:20 am

  If you have a young family, youre hip, you want economy, reliability, something with soul, and dont want to look "tied down", then this is the car for you. My wife drives this thing, and I cant wait to drive around the corners on the weekend. Although this car has a ton of utility, I drive for sport, which speaks tons if you want to avoid the mediocrity out there. With respect to the recall, dont let that scare you. Everything is being recalled nowadays. I have a current generation Honda CRV that was also recalled with a similar fire hazard. It was recalled and fixed. No Big Deal. In fact Mazdas service topped Honda, because, not only did the give us a rental, but $500 on top! WOW!

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  Minivan for the Non Minivan Mom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Robert - December 30 - 1:10 am

  We looked at everything in a 7 passenger configuration, at the end we where left with the CX9, Honda Oddyssey, and Audi Q7. The Mazda beats them on almost every level. If this car had captains chairs it would have no comparison, not even the Acadia/Outlook.

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  Fun Family Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Daisy - December 29 - 1:13 pm

  We looked at everything from the Ford Edge, the Pacifica to the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4. While each of these models have some cool features the Mazda5 had the basic cool features, PLUS family roominess, fuel economy, sleek looks, and zoom zoom for less money than all the others we looked at. We are so, so pleased with our purchase. Mazda has the quality that provides peace of mind too. The most fun about this vehicle is the fact that we get a fun to drive family car with fuel economy. It only took $31 to fill er up from less than 1/4 of a tank so that is nice and we got about 330 miles out of it. LOVE IT!

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  Wish I had done this years ago! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Billiebad - December 29 - 8:16 am

  It should be illegal to have this much fun! I love this car. Qualifiers - this is a third vehicle and will not be driven in the winter, mid-Nov to early March. But the fun/quality/value rating is very high. Not a ton of storage but there is a functional trunk which will hold one bag of golf clubs with some effort - woods come out and are packed separately in the trunk. Performance with automatic and a/c is well within expectations. This is not a race car - it is an extremely fun car to drive. If over 40, test drive the stick and the A/T in normal driving conditions. The A/T enhances the fun - it is easier to enjoy the convertible without the stick. Personal preference though. Zoom zoom!

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  Best vehicle for the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By BuffaloSoldier - December 27 - 12:46 am

  Amazing car for the money. Looked at Corolla, Cobalt, Civic, RSX but this car had everything for the right price. Drive feels very firm, like an Audi A4 or Volvo S70 that I have driven. Interior is very comfortable and exterior is gorgeous.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Speedrcccr - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive. European styling, large wheels and nice taillamps make this car look like a Lexus IS 300.

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  Bloody unreal - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dsfh - December 26 - 10:00 am

  superior car looks unreal great interior stylish good cd great sound nice colours stylish good cd great sound nice colours

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  good car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By joey brinkman - December 26 - 10:00 am

  really good car suggest you buy one immediately excellent stereo BOSE