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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  Love it, Love it! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Sherri P - October 8 - 5:43 pm

  I have owned my pearl white CX-7 for one month. I have had several new vehicles and this has been the most fun to drive. Lots of compliments. The handling is superb. Got 23 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Fun to drive, stylish and fast - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By rodolfo schalscha - October 8 - 4:10 pm

  Compared with other cars, I decided that is the best value for your money, very comfortable, quality, leather and sunroof a must. 5 speed manual transmission, one of the best.

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  Excellent Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By amco - October 8 - 10:20 am

  I have had my car now for 3 weeks and I am loving it! The look, feel, price, options and handling of the car leave little to be desired. Although the fuel economy on the 2.3 is not amazing, I am averaging 22.5 with some pretty lead footed driving (not too shabby). The utility of the hatchback is awesome, I cant believe how much you can cram in the back when the seats are down. The cockpit is one of the nicest around, and I love how the controls look at night. Overall, I am very happy with this car.

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  Ol Dads Retirement Present to Himself - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ol DaD - October 7 - 9:06 am

  This is my first new car since 1971 so I did lots of research and drove many cars before deciding on the Mazda 3. I needed the utility of 4 doors & a hatch, but wanted a car that was economical & fun. My driving is evenly mixed interstate & city, 5,000 miles since July. So far Im very pleased with the car. Its fun to drive, quick, handles like its on rails & never below 30 MPH. Mine is Copper Red, the interior is Beige & Black, very sharp. I have seen only a couple like mine in Indy. The 5-speed is precise & smooth. The traction control permits a squawk in 3 gears, with it off first gear will smoke the tires. Check out the competition, bang for the $$ Mazda wins;-) I would buy it again!

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  I Love this car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lost in Utah - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I went from a SUV to the Mazda. Living in Utah I have come to rely on the SUV during winter months. I really liked the look of the 6 and decided to test drive one just for fun. Well that was all it took. I love this car !!! It is sporty and reliable. And has enough room for 2 car seats and one passanger in the back. The features in this car are very comfortable. This week we got a large snow storm (24 inches) and it handled like a dream. I love the option of the standard transmission for slick roads. I havent regreated my decision to let the SUV go. In fact I talked one of my friends into buying the same car. And she loves it just as much.

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  PUPPIES HUMAN DRIVER REVIEW - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By PUPPIES HUMAN - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY NEW VAN FOR MY "PUPPIES". IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND HAS MORE SPEED THAN I THOUGHT. THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE WITH THIS ONE AND THE TOYOTA OR NISSAN IS UNBELIEVABLE, AND THIS VAN IS M U C H NICER.

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  Zoom, zoom, OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Fyerstrtr - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Did alot of test driving and research in the SUV area, and I can honestly say that this is THE SUV to have for every reason! The reliability, handling, comfort, and design are impeccable! Arguably the best ever built!

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  Great car!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By csonon - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Accord EX-V6 for a Mazda 3. I love this car. It is very fun to drive because it can handle excellent in the turns and it has some power.

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  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AaronStone - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car at a great price. When i saw the features and the styling of this car i almost over looked it thinking it whould be in the mid to high 20s i took a look at the sticker price, drove it, bought all in one night... AWESOME VEHICLE.....

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  My 6 - Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ogreen32 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 7 months and I have loved every minute of it. It was a true head turner. Outstide of the looks, the performance is top notch. I have the 4-cylinder manual transmission and it is just a fun car to drive. The cornering is tremendous, the kick at 3000 rpms is a true crowd pleaser, and the overall responsiveness of the car is great. Anybody that wants to know about this car should check that out and most of youre questions will be answered. Well Ive gone on long enough about the car, but there is just so much to say. If you have any further quesitons feel free to go to the forum (www.mazda6club.com).