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:

• 

  great gas saving mini van - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By lee - June 23 - 11:20 am

  I purchased this van due to it came out with 6 seats and great cargo space. Also, it has all safety features I need with very reasonable price. Its fun to drive and gas saving (23-28) , great driver position and great individual seats. Its easy to operate all feature and great rear air con control. Dont expect you could drive like Mazda 3. Instead of, its great car for family like us ( 2 adult plus 2 teens). Great cargo space if you fold down the 3 row seat. So far, we all like it a lot.

• 

  zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jeff - June 21 - 3:56 am

  Bought this for my wife as a xmas present. Have not driven it too much -- about 300 miles, but I love this car. Fun to drive, fast, holds the road, great looks sporty. Have not found any flaws with it yet, not sure how the gas mileage will be. IÂ’m sure if I kept my foot off the gas it would be about what they say, love the 2.3. Matched great with AT.

• 

  Awsome! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DJP5 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the P5. Great tuner car with above average handling, priced to buy and great styling. A+

• 

  Looking for a roadster experience? - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By R. K. Parker - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda Miata is the best-looking, most fun-to-drive car for less than $25,000... Plain and simple. While not producing loads of low-end torque or high horsepower, Mazda has put together a total driving experience that rivals that of its much higher-priced, German counterparts. The wonderful steering feel and crisp transmission contribute greatly to the astounding overall handling characteristics of this car. A bit cramped with the top up, but once it is lowered, all is forgiven! If you are looking for a reliable, unique (10th anniv edition - I love mine!) and fun-to-drive car, look no further.

• 

  Perfect Answer to Your Boring CuteUte - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By zaimon - June 21 - 2:00 am

  In the time Ive spent with my Tribute Ive mostly had the best owners experience! At first there were a few trips to the dealer to handle minor annoyances in certain parts, otherwise nothing major. The sporty handling and performance of the v6 leaves little to be desired. The 4wd system reacts quickly and works well in ice and snow! One major criticism, FUEL EFFICIENCY. Ive never been able to get decent fuel mileage (averaging 18.1 mpg) on this car, although I admit I dont drive too conservatively, I would expect more out of the car, however. If theres a price to pay for excellent handling and performance, fuel consumption would probably be the one Id choose.

• 

  THE ZOOMSTER HAS SPOKEN - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ZOOMSTER - June 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A REAL SPORTS UV!!! AND WHEN I SAY SPORTS I MEAN ITS A REAL MAZDA. EVERY THING THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN THAT MAZDA BUILDS HAS SUPERIOR HANDLING OVER THE COMPETITION. THIS ONE IS NO EXEPTION. THIS IS THE FUNNEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT EVEN HAS A SPORTS TUNED EXHAUST FROM THE FACTORY. MOST PEOPLE THINK IT IS ENGINE NOISE BUT TO ANY ONE WHO OWNS A MAZDA ITS MUSIC TO THIER EARS. MOST OF THE 200 H.P. KICKS IN @ HIGHER RPMS BUT DONT THINK IT IS ONE BIT GUTLESS. ZOOM-ZOOM

• 

  The BMW from Hiroshima - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By teamsc10190 - June 20 - 10:40 pm

  This car is so dialed-in and direct it is a sheer pleasure to drive. I cant wait to get behind the wheel at every opportunity I get. If youre undecided which compact car to buy, drive this one and your decision will be made. I love this thing! This is really a great piece of work. I want to run out buy another one.

• 

  Blown Away - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By LexES300 - June 20 - 10:26 am

  I had a 93 Lexus ES300. I loved that thing to death but the tranny started slipping; you know the repair on that wouldnt be cheap. Anywho, I went into the dealer thinking Id get a 3. Well, rebates and a heck of a deal later I drove away in a Lapis Blue 6s Grand Touring PKG. I love it. Still not up to Lexus refinement, but everything about the car I love. I get looks and compliments all the time. Everyone wants to take my car everywhere! The 6 is really almost in a class or its own. My sister got an Altima a week before I got the 6 and Im convinced, no matter how much smaller the 6 is, its better than most in its category.

• 

  best vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By freespirit - June 18 - 4:43 pm

  My Mazda tribute is is my baby, Handling is the best engine performance is great power right when you need it . You dont have to worry about handling curves because it is very smooth . Gas mileage on the highway is about 25-27 mpg. City mileage is poor 14-17 mpg.. All in all I love my Tribute

• 

  No more Toyotas - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By sabres fan - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had Toyotas my whole life and that is over. Having traded in my Tacoma (loved it) so my wife could have an SUV (Ford Escape) I was stuck in a Camry. BORING. Did some research and read reviews. Test drove Corolla Sport, Civic and Nissan Sentra. Never would have considered Mazda but I was looking for something sporty but not a "sports" car and I knew it as soon as I drove it that I found what I was looking for. Dumped my boring Camry and LOVE the Mazda 3. More room then any of the others and WAY sportier inside and out. Handles real nice and solid on the gas mileage. Pick-up could be better but once it is going everything is smooth.