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:

• 

  Didnt think I would like a family van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By James Hamilton - March 15 - 1:56 pm

  With two kids we made the jump to a van. I spent a long time researching choices and opted for the Mazda MPV. Except for the transmission fix which we got corrected without any problem, we have been extremely pleased on a day to day basis with the ease of use, functionality and sportiness of the vehicle. Over a year and 20,000 miles later I have not had a single regret.

• 

  Best Value - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By TEast - March 15 - 2:00 am

  We compared the Odyssey, Sienna, and MPV with the help of this site and local dealers. By far, this was the best value-8K less than comparable Odyssey and 10-12K less than Sienna. I love the sporty ride, the kids love the comfortable "slide by side" captains chairs and DVD and my husband loves that it fits in the garage! Dont let the smaller size discourage you--the well in the cargo area can hold a lot of groceries!Check out the 4 seasons options--has rear heater controls for the kids.

• 

  Wow. Incredible Buy. - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By zoomerdan - March 14 - 11:16 am

  I just bought this car (July 2012) after doing lots of research on fun sporty cars on Edmunds. I needed passenger room, but wanted something fun to drive. Theres only a few cars that fit that category. This happens to be the cheapest- and the best. No other car offers such speed, handling, technology (like bluetooth and Bose radio), solid design and build quality, in a multi-passenger vehicle. I simply love it. The closest competitor is at least 5K more money.

• 

  Well worth the price! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By arl-va - March 13 - 10:00 am

  The Protege definitely beats the pants off the Civic or Corolla in the great Japanese economy car matchup. Styling, responsiveness and power are all in the Proteges corner. The stereo is also impressive.

• 

  Luxury without the price tag - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shelltop - March 13 - 5:33 am

  This is my 1st Mazda. I was driving a 2000 Jetta before. I was interested in this car b/c of its sports car appearance. I was surprised to discover that it has a luxury car interior/feel without the price tag. I got the moonroof package. Its a smooth ride with a kick. Ive only had it for a couple of days. But, it has been fun!

• 

  Sporty Station Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By SunPatch - March 13 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a new car my husband still wanted something fun and sporty, me being more practical wanted something more family oriented for our new infant son. Then my husband introuduced me to the MP5, its perfect! Its fun and sporty... our vivid yellow MP5 is really an attention getter and doesnt feel anything like a practical family car, but with 4 doors and a roomy back seat its the perfect combination of fun and practicality. Our only complaint is the power but if you take it out of overdrive it gets a little more power for in town driving. This car is a must buy in addition to being fun and practical the price is great!

• 

  Amazingly fun, but a bit thirsty - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Nick K - March 12 - 7:43 pm

  Having had the car for almost two months now, I can say that overall Im very, very happy with it. Turning is crisp and the car stays flat even with sudden direction changes. The trans in this car certainly isnt on par with any Honda or even modern VW Ive ever driving. Shifting takes some effort and missing the 2-3 shift is fairly easy by hitting the 1-3 gate. However, the limited slip is fantastic for tightening up the car in a corner. Turbo lag is present, but not horrible. The stability control sometimes intervenes without letting you know, making you think the lag is worse than it is. Overall, an excellent car and if performance is more important to you, blows the GTI away.

• 

  Fun on Four Wheels and a Budget - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By cleverjason - March 12 - 5:26 pm

  After driving the car a while, its easy to forget how peppy this little compact really is. So, to remind myself, I let my friends take it out for a spin every now and then, and when they push the pedal down and let off the clutch, and when you watch the inevitable Zoom Zoom smile spread across their faces, you remember why you bought it. Make no mistake: The 3 is no sports car, and calling it sporty for its class is like calling a Mr. Coffee pot "gourmet." But the Mazda 3 feels like a sportier car than it is, and thats why most people love driving it. If you can get your hands on a SkyActiv with a manual like I did, youll realize those modest 155 ponies pull more than their weight.

• 

  Fun car except 1 Flaw! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ddkway - March 12 - 7:20 am

  Quick, agile car begging to be driven. One drawback is the car has a quick to appear symptom of strong vibration from the front when moderate to strong acceleration is applied. The dealer speculated it seemed like a loose motor mount, but on investigation by their tech they could only determine it was the nature of the car to have wheel hop. It comes on quite easily and is embarrassing and somewhat hard to explain to passengers when it occurs as it is quite loud. Im thinking the addition of traction control to the 07 model was to help rectify this. All the other good comments you see about this car are right on the money!

• 

  I bought a lemon - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Guy Prudhomme - March 11 - 2:36 pm

  Everything is wrong with this car. bad windshield sealant, engine and transmission issues, Driver seat needs to be replaced, rear hatch piston replaced, rusty wiper arm need to be replaced, driver door handle was replaced, transmission oil needed to be replaced (black)2 weeks ago, remote starter will no function below -15, oil pan leak, replaced suspension bushing and one transmission mount etc.