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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  Great fun car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Braden - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda3s Grand Touring hatchback is just a hoot to drive. I downsized from BMW sedan that I liked to drift, and while the Mazda3 cant drift it can dart and squeeze through traffic like the BMW just couldnt. The car is very practical, very fun to drive, the engine loves to rev and everything on the car is very intuitive. if youre looking for a small, fun, practical car - hard to beat this one as I looked at everything. closest to it is the VW Golf/GTI - and then youre talking German size repair bills in a few years. no problems with the Mazda so far and it has 15k miles on it.

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  Sooooo not the minivan - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By mamams - August 29 - 6:44 pm

  I just purchased my CX9 and let me tell you, I am loving it. I did not want to get out of it after my first drive to work. The interior is very comfortable and the small touches that Mazda has added are really nice. For instance, there is a little well in the center console for your USB or charger cord to rest in, so that you can fully close the console. The all weather mats were standard on my model and I love them too! I drove others, such as Ford, GMC, Chevy, and never felt like I was LOVING driving them. Once I saw the CX9 reviews, I thought I would try it, and am so glad I did. This car is VERY fun to drive. I am so ready for my first road trip in about 3 weeks!

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  Best choice for compact sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kayla - August 29 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my 3 Memorial Day Weekend and I couldnt be happier! I traded in an 03 Civic LX coupe and was looking for a 4 door that had that "sporty" look. I didnt like the look of the Civic sedan or the redesigned Jetta. I had a 97 626 and was already impressed with Mazda as a manufacturer. In my opinion the 3 will probably replace the Jetta as a sporty, powerful compact sedan. Quality parts, smooth, quick pickup in the 2.3, very attractive inside and out. The sport automatic is a great plus for moving in/out of traffic. I wanted a red car but did NOT want a light interior so the black w/red detail in the seats was another plus. The only con to consider is the rear leg room (tight for long legs).

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  Much More Than I Expected - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By LoveMyMPV - August 29 - 12:40 am

  I started out loathing all mom-mobile minivans but this Mazda MPV ES has changed all that. Quick, nimble, comfortable and economical (29-30mpg @ 60mph), I dont really miss my Mercedes. The ES model is comfortable to drive on long trips and the upscale radio pulls in more stations than my Mercedes ever did. The power sliding doors and fold-under 3rd seat are extremely convenient, as are the slide-together 2nd row seats (make them a single bench or 2 buckets). Theres always enough power on tap, especially off the line, and passing power seems more than adequate. Its size makes it ideal for fitting in a garage with room to spare. All-in-all, Id buy it again.

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  Two months into my adventure - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By doug - August 28 - 4:23 pm

  My only complaint is that the car seems to hesitate when you applied pressure to the gas....and this is the 2.3

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  One Happy Owner - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By One Happy Owner - August 27 - 7:44 pm

  Well after a week of driving my CX5 I am finally sitting down to write my review. I wanted to give it time to see how I felt and I am very pleased. I went into Groove Mazda on Labor Day looking for a new ride after 13 years of driving my great car. It was time to say goodbye and hello to Mazda. Right when I walked in, I was greeted by David who soon introduced me to Jason. He was super helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable as he told me all about the models. I asked a lot of questions and he went out of his way to answer them all. The CX5 Touring rode very smoothly and had a very so many new bells and whistles. The size, the monitor, the legroom, AWD option, and the cost impressed me. When I finally made my decision on a different color from white to gray, Jason found me my car. It took a few days to come in, but he called me right away. The staff at Groove Mazda especially Jason and Sarah can take the sourest of kumquats or most cantankerous of customers and help them find the right fit with a friendly no-pressure touch. Lisa helped me figure out finances the first day, yet Alex really helped answer more questions and worked his magic to help me get the best deals possible. I appreciate all of their help and just love my new car. A week in and I am still figuring out some of the buttons and how to lock my hatch, but know where to come for assistance and a friendly face. The CX5 Touring has great ratings and I have just added another one.

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  I LOVE my Mazda3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By traymee - August 27 - 10:43 am

  I have been driving trucks for the last 6 years and just bought my Mazda3. Before that I had some very fast sporty cars (Mustang LX 5.0 and Pontiac Tran Am) and as far as just plain fun to drive cars go, this one is great.

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  Excellent little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carlos - August 27 - 9:46 am

  I needed a small car that gets good mileage because I drive 25 miles each way to work. My M3 is fun to drive, sporty, and very fast. I get 29 mpg combined miles for each tank and can go almost 350 miles between fill ups. The stereo sounds great and the instrument layout is easy to reach and use. It is a bit smaller inside than I would prefer, but otherwise I love this car!

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  ZOOM ZOOM I LOVE MY MZ6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JOHN GOODMAN - August 26 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased this car after 5 wonderful years in a Miata. I was shocked at how well it performed. My wife started to drive it infrequently, but loved it, so she took it away from me. I went back to the dealership and leased one for me -- a 5 speed straight geared one. I love it too.

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  Just what Ive been waiting for! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By D2 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car fits the bill for me! It is a perfect combination of price, performance, looks, and economy. I have always liked Mazda but until now couldnt get the right mix of features and options to satisfy. I have only had the car for a couple of weeks but I can tell you right now, it;s a keeper!