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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  perfect city car for families - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By dana - March 26 - 4:20 pm

  I wanted to upgrade to a bigger car than our Honda civic, which was getting a little small for our two kids and their friends. I was very interested in the Odyssey, but learned from friends that the gas mileage in NYC was under 15 mpg. I found out about the mazda5 and am hooked. Its really easy to park (its only a foot or so longer than the civic) my kids love bringing their friends along for a ride, and quite spacious when all the seats are folded down.

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  The Non Mainstream Sedan - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By leo_miami - March 26 - 1:45 pm

  This is a beautiful affordable sedan. It has character and the ride quality is not bad even with the 19" wheels. It looks and feels upscale inside a out. I got it with the Sunroof and Bose package which is a must for this car. The Stereo sounds amazing. The car feels safe and stable.

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  Great Car for great price - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By rosawoo - March 26 - 9:56 am

  Traded in a 1998 Navigator for cash for clunkers. Looked at several options before choosing mazda. This car offered more features for less money. Mazda also gave additional 500.00 back which made it even better. So far this car has not disappointed! Love the dark interior and blue tooth especially for my teenagers who will be driving it the most.

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  What i expected - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Geo - March 26 - 6:06 am

  I bought this car in January 2008 and since then all the other cars I drove in my life were nothing. Its an absolutely fantastic car, very quick, the engine noise fantastic ,the steering is like driving a GTi and the build quality fabulous. Of course like every car in the market has its negatives. I have tried hard to find as many as I can but I only find one. Fuel consumption. Well at least you know it before you buy, it even though that Mazda misleads you with the 12.3l per 100km. The best i have managed is 14.5l per 100 km.

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  LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By darkmattress - March 25 - 1:17 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 years now and it has been nothing but good to me. I always took it to the dealership so anything related to maintenance and the few recalls were taken care of properly. I put a few modifications on it early on (Injen CAI, Racing Beat Catback Exhaust, Short Shifter) and have enjoyed even better performance and fun driving. Granted, this car is not going to win any drag races, but it is has decent pep and loves corners! Very reliable- never had anything beyond regular wear and tear in 10 years.

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  Finally a GOOD car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By rbw - March 24 - 3:36 pm

  The car is excellent. The only complaint would be the low end acceleration with the 5 speed transmission. The top end is best. MPG is better than expected; highway/city combined driving averages 22-26. Now if Ford would follow its sister car maker! Or take notes.

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  Love at first drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maxine Hunt - March 24 - 3:23 pm

  Bought this car with 8,000 miles from private owner, although I test drove a new one and my son owned a 2004 that I liked very much. From the first day I loved everything about this little car. Theres plenty of room with the seats down and thats how I normally drive to accommodate my three dogs. Fun to drive, with no effort. Its almost like virtual driving compared to other cars I tested. The body style is attractive and Mazda apparently offers a nearly endless list of options as this car has it all. My next vehicle will be one just like this. I do suggest purchasing a set of winter tires that adds confidence to winter driving and makes the zoom zoom last all year.

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  Love it - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Pat - March 24 - 11:36 am

  I too had a 2007 PHT Miata, when I saw the 2009s I thought ok don’t know about the smiley face look but I will go look at one. Well I went to the dealer and test drove one and wow big improvement over my 2007, tighter suspension, the seats are great, the stereo with MP3, Bluetooth, seat adjuster, my husband fit in it and more, I loved it. My husband has an S2000 and mustang and he loved this car too, it may not be as fast or sporty as his, but then it was not made to compete with those cars in that class, but I find it more fun then his, this car was made for pure fun and enjoyment and that is what it is. I have it now for 3 weeks and that smiley face is now on my face everyday.

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  Thrills on the cheap! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By revhappy - March 24 - 8:33 am

  I have owned this Mazda for four months now and have loved every minute of it. This Mazda hatch has it all compared to other economy cars in its class. Superb interior fit and finish, European inspired exterior, crisp handling, and sporty stance. The Zoom-Zoom of this 3 really differentiates it from all others. The 2.3L loves to be revved and the manual transmission definitely helps squeeze every ounce of power from the four-banger. I was debating whether or not to get the navigation system but decided against it as is not worth the $1500 price tag because it does not even have the touchscreen like the CX-7. At the end of the day, this car is near perfect for the price at around $20K!

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  Mazda 3 = Good Choice - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By anb153 - March 23 - 9:50 pm

  Ever since I first saw the Mazda 3, I knew I wanted one. As soon as I saw the interior and took it for a test drive, I knew I wanted it. I was a little worried about the way the car sounded on the road, but Im used to it now. For all of the features, I think this car is at the perfect price. My friends and family love riding in my car, and it is definitely more fuel efficient than my old accord!