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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  Original Owner for 3 years - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By SpookiusMortem - September 20 - 7:06 am

  I purchased this vehicle new 3 years ago this month. This is the only car I have ever owned where after 3 years of ownership, I still have that new car excitement about it. I doubt I will ever part with this car and hope it will become a classic. I live in an urban environment and get a good mix of metropolitan and highway driving. Driving an RX-8 in the city is a blast. Its nimbleness and cornering ability make it capable of getting places fast. My favorite thing about driving this car is being able to fly around a corner, and if you feel is start to slip, goosing the throttle a little and feel it grip through the turn as if it were on rails.

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  Long-time driver review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cfmillette - September 20 - 3:13 am

  I am an original owner with now about 29,500 miles on the 2004. Bought with a MazdaSpeed extra stiffening suspension set-up in 2004. I love the car and drive it hard. Its cornering capability for the price can only be matched by a Honda 2000. However, the RX-8 rides SO much easier on your backside that this comparison becomes moot. Do not worry about the "need" for constant oil level monitoring. Just put in a quart every so often. I have had no problems here. Yes - some minor recalls - but everything handled VERY efficiently by local dealership. Gas mileage is not great, but this comes with the territory I think. Cannot beat a 350Z off the line, but get into the mid-range RPMs!

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  Why wouldnt you buy this? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mikey Mike - September 20 - 12:40 am

  Ive only owned my Mazda3 Hatchback (s GT) for 3 months but every single day I have no regrets about buying it. I got the Bose sun and sound package and the tech package (why not?). The push button start and advanced keyless system is AWESOME! The way this thing drives is so much fun! I do 60 mph on off ramps (sometimes gotta take it back a notch depending on the ramp). Ive gotten so many comments from random people like "hey, sweet car!" The fuel economy when Im not zoom- zooming isnt too bad (about 24 mpg in the city, havent tested highway miles yet), my average is about 22 mpg though because I cant help but take off at every green light!

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  60,000 MILE UPDATE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hoveringfalcon - September 18 - 11:53 pm

  IÂ’ve returned to update my review with three years of ownership and 60,000 miles under my belt. I take back what I said last time about the lack of driver seat comfort; a couple months after writing that I found a seating position that works for me. I lowered the seat all the way and that has eliminated all of my leg room problems. Piloting the Mazda is now a pretty comfortable experience if driving for less than a few hours. Steering and handling is still great. I replaced the stock tires with some Bridgestone Potenza summer rubber and this thing sticks to the pavement like glue.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Merrill - September 18 - 10:36 pm

  This car has been a great deal for the money. Very happy with the details and the "fun to drive" factor. I have put 1200 miles on it already (I drive a lot) and no problems whatsoever. Small vibrations in the passenger chair could be due to my children putting their feet on the back; I dont know. But overall, a great car.

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  Wonderful Car - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Bob Atkinson - September 18 - 8:43 am

  One of the best cars I have ever driven, a Joy!!! My only gripe is the Navigation needs upgrading, but its still very good.

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  2000 MPV - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By okiebaird - September 18 - 2:00 am

  My mpv has been great I have driven almost 50,000 miles in the last 20 months and have not had any trouble or problems. It would be nice however to have a few more horsepower to drive through the Colorado rockies. All things considered it took to the mountains fairly well, but alittle more power would be nice.

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  A comfy little SUV with looks and power. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JWW - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a small SUV and based on reviews and recommendations of friends I decided to pursue a Honda CRV. I also liked the Tribute and the reviews were good as well but no one I knew had ever heard of it much less owned one. I set out one Saturday to check out the Tribute on my way to find a CRV and I never made it to Honda. One test drive and two hours later I was driving one home for about $400 below invoice. The power and ride are great and my 66" body fits fine. The stereo with in dash cd and rear subwoofer sound terrific. I only have a couple of thousand miles on it as yet but I cant wait for warm weather so I can really see what this baby can do!!

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  Mazda Tribute ES - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By WBL68 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  A fun machine to drive. Very smooth and speedy performance. Smooth shifting auto transmission. Comfortable seating. Excellent visibility and control knob placements, interior space unimpeded by a floor console shifter.

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  What a great car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sunny - September 17 - 1:13 pm

  My Mazda Miata MX-5 fulfilled everything I wanted in a convertible - sleek, sexy and sporty. Its a blast to drive. I cant wait to until 5pm when I can leave work and have some real fun. Handles wonderfully, stops on a dime and Im usually the first off the line from a red light.