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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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By celica_122 - May 9 - 8:36 pm

  Cup holders are a hassle. Small interior. But I wanted a roadster and got one. The most fun to drive of any car I have driven. Someone traded a BMW Z3 for a Miata the day I was at the dealership, so what does that tell you? This is (in my opinion) the best roadster you can buy. If I get depressed I just go for a ride in my Shinsen!

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  great everything - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By lovethezoom - May 9 - 4:50 am

  This is a car for everyone. Its powerful, fast, comfortable, reliable, and looks absolutely great. I have a 2005 black Mazda 3s with 6 CD player, moonroof, spoiler, and ABS package. This car is amazing.

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  A Japanese "3" series: no big shoes! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Vincent - May 8 - 7:36 pm

  Perfect car? There is no such thing! But if you are like me who enjoys a fun and nimble car for "daily, all-around" driving, look no further! Very satisfied! As a mechanic I have checked and driven thousands of cars, just dont like leather seats!

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  Taking it all in - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By OCDaddy1958 - May 8 - 6:23 pm

  To be sure there are many vehicles out there that can provide exhilaration, but perhaps none at this price. I guess I dare not even put out there what I paid for this base model, but lets just say my 401K is still in tact. Something important here about the RX-8: The engine in the base unit is identical to leather upholstered top end unit, and without the constraints of a traction control system. This is sheer joy as you corner like a thoroughbred, for a pony-ride price. I bought this as gas was going through the roof, and made a steal, and now that gas is reasonable, Im having WAY to much fun for my age, but I try to control my enthusiasm when the wife and kids are on board.

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  Best car I have owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mr. S - May 7 - 10:20 pm

  I have looked at these cars since 2003 when the new model line came out. I am glad I waited this 2006 model is great. Plenty of power for what I need. Plenty of room and what can I say about the looks - wow! I got about everything that can come with it, except leather. Also it has a very comfortable ride for a car of its size.

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  Green Power! - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By Trivalley guy - May 7 - 1:16 pm

  Owned a gas guzzling Jeep and paying $90 per fill up was just not cutting it. Looked at another SUV and was reading about the Ford Escape. Stumbled upon this gem. Sister car to Escape and Mercury Mariner, but a better design (in my opinion), and better pricing. Couple that with the $3000 tax incentive and I was sold. Solidly built, quiet, flawless transition from battery to gas and back. Decent sound system. Averaging 31 mpg since we got it. NICE!

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  good deal - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By SettledForMyProtegé - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My ideal car is definitely not a four door, but being a mere college student with hardly any money, my options for buying a new car were fairly limited. For this reason, I took up a wonderful deal on my Mazda. Aside from the fact that I feel like a soccer mom in my car, I have to give credit to my little Protegé. I have only had a couple of problems with it since Ive had it, but the problems were minor (including a cd getting stuck in the cd player and my alarm system being too sensitive) and were fixed promptly at the dealership.

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  2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (2-seat Roadster) - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wayne P. - May 6 - 9:20 pm

  You dont drive this car - you pilot it. Handling is so intuitive, you rarely think about it; almost drives itself. It is so nimble, you can drive circles around anyone, anytime. You dont climb in, you strap it on & it becomes part of you. One caveat: its not for someone over 6 feet tall. Can reach anyplace inside from the drivers seat (+ right outside mirror). Great acceleration & braking. It was made for curves & hills. OUTSTANDING! These guys thought of everything, and more. Dont expect silly/distracting gadgets - this is for those serious about driving. After 30,000 miles, not one problem. Mileage overall: 26mpg. Fuel: recommend 93 octane - 89 ok.

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  Always bought used decided to buy this new - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Greg - May 5 - 11:29 pm

  This car is a great value for the quality, technology and overall usability you get for the price. I have always purchased used vehicles in the as I am not one to take the significant depreciation hit of new cars lightly, but the combination of an excellent interior, all the tech features you can ask for combined with great gas mileage were enough to sway me to purchase new. One of my main concerns prior to purchasing the vehicle was that it would feel woefully under powered, fortunately this has not been the case. Coming from a driver who has only had 6 cylinder vehicles in the past and places a premium on good acceleration, I must admit the small displacement engine in the Mazda is more than adequate for everyday use. I have not been left wanting for more power at any point. That isnt to say more power wouldnt make this an even better car but nonetheless what Mazda gives you is plenty. I must admit the main selling point for me was the interior and technology. The fact that you get such good quality materials as well as safety features that are implemented in a way that I felt were superior to other brands I tested including luxury models is truly surprising. Do yourself a favor and try one out in the higher trim levels before going off and buying a significantly more expensive luxury sedan or SUV, youll be pleasantly surprised at what Mazda has to offer.

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  ZooM FuN - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By milan - May 3 - 10:06 pm

  I have two Mazdas 6; one automatic V6 and my favorite V6 with manual transmission. To have every day fun on the road you really need manual. It jumps over the any car you name it. The automatic has that "manual" feature but it isnt same feeling like real manual it has delay. With manual you press less gas pedal and have immediate respond. Automatic you press half of the way and still nothing happens. The automatic is for nice and smooth ride. Have fun drive manual. No any problems with car -- 34000 miles.