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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  Still Great After 31,000 Miles! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By thebigbird35 - September 3 - 2:06 am

  I still love this car. Only complaint is Ive needed two alignments and gotta but new tires now. Breakaway mirrors and a bit better gas mileage would have been nice. But other than those quibbles, the comfort and handling and the sheer fun of driving remains exceptional. So much cooler than all the Camrys and Accords out there. Really sad Mazda ended the hatchback line in 07 -- big mistake! That rear space is so convenient for hauling stuff, and the hatchback actually looks better than the Sedan IMO. Id definitely buy this car again!

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  Can you say Zoom Zoom? I can - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MX-5 zoom - September 2 - 11:03 pm

  Can you say Zoom Zoom? And I did not have to break the bank to get into one. I forgot how to drive being stuck inside a minivan for for years. Gave up my Trans Am for family. Well now I have a toy to play with. It just flat out goes. I was never one for the "chick" car and the pictures on the net do not do it any justice. Go to a dealership and look at one yourself. ZOOM ZOOM. Need to purchase a fuzz buster for it.

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  Mazda 3s 2.3 AT - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul Davis - September 1 - 5:40 pm

  I love the way the vehicle drives for a 4 cycle. Handling is great. The build quality of the vehicle is top notch.

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  Zoom! Zoom! Gotta Luv It - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By matapeake - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Just stopped in Mazda dealer to sit in the RX-8 ended up buying Mazda6 - Fun to drive, dont want to get out ouf car. Excellent build quality, faster 4 cyl than Toyota or Nissan, Leather, Bose stereo, Dual exhaust, sunroof, very peppy engine all great. Gas mileage slightly disappointing but then again Im Zoom! Zooming! All the Time. Highly Recommend the Mazda6!!!

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  2003 Protege 5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Monika - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I really like the way Mazda feels. When I saw Protege 5 I was automatically in love. This car offers fun ride and sporty feel, however, it has 4 doors and room for additional passangers. Seating is amazingly confortable. Styling is very cool inside and out. Very functional and fun! It feels as much updated and improved 323 from the past.

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  Zoom Zoom - a great vehicle to own - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Casak - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles but this one stands taller then any other. I love the handeling and comfort that is delivered to me. Stylish, easy to use instruments make this the one for me. Gas mileage is about 20+ mpg around town with the V6. Of course this is with only 2000 miles on the engine. I expect that will get better when the engine loosens. The dealership also makes the difference to me and I have always had great service at Mazda in Orange Park Mazda.

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  No regrets - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By kevin97223 - September 1 - 3:00 am

  This is our fourth Mazda and our second 3. We are loyal to the brand because in our experience their cars are reliable, stylish and fun to drive, especially with a manual transaxle. This car is all of the above, although since it has less than 5,000 miles I havent driven it far enough to rate the reliability. I have no reason to doubt that it will be as reliable as my wifes 2011 3, which has 30,000 miles and has needed nothing except regular maintenance.

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  Solid Sports Sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jpmerrill - August 31 - 8:40 pm

  I picked up this car after my last one died without considering much else. I always liked the utility of four doors but wanted something sporty and equipped with a 5 or 6 spd, the Mazda seemed like an amazing value and I always admired the looks. The v6 is a solid piece, good for cruising and supplying passing power on the highway but a little weak before 3k RPMS. The manual transmission is a treat and one of the slickest shifting operations Ive used. Interior quality is better then what you pay for and the exterior has a fantastic and pleasant appeal. Gas mileage is marginally good, but I did opt for the v6 so any complaint is self inflicted. Overall love the car and the value it offers.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By percy98 - August 30 - 5:16 pm

  We looked at the Infinity FX and Audi Q7 and decided the CX-9 was a much better value. Fully loaded, it was significantly less expensive than the other two vehicles. The handling is superb, brakes are great and headlights light up the whole road. Very fun to drive.

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  Nice B Segment Alternative - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By arevee - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I read a lot about this car before the purchase and find the following to be true. The car handles very well, but does have some roll. The steering and brakes are great and the engine has enough pep for me. I had a Yaris prior to this car and find this an all around better vehicle.