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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  Biggest Bang for the Buck! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott - February 5 - 4:23 pm

  Shopped everything in the midsize range and nothing compared. My wife drives a 2002 which is a great car (paint dings way too easy) but the Mazda6 gives us the sports car we were looking for. We tried the MazdaSpeed6 and loved the turbo and the all wheel drive but could not justify the price jump. We went for the 4 cylinder over the 6 for mpg and the balance on the 4 cylinder seemed better. The automatic was nice but the 5 speed added more get up and go. I chose the moonroof package to gain the Bose sound system which is awesome! I drove a Grand Am and the Mazda 6 is so much quieter and more comfortable that Pontiac should be ashamed. The comfort and inside/outside style screams value.

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  Mazda 3 Sport GX - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By vincentf - February 5 - 11:29 am

  Well when I first got this car I was super excited, because I got a great deal and I was sick of driving my corolla for the past 7 years before that. Everything was fine first couple of month and then things started to annoy me. I started having very bad condensation problem on the inside of the car. Went to multiple dealerships and they couldnt fix the problem they suggested I always keep my AC on which i thought was stupid. Next thing is the squeeky breaks as well as my squeeky driver seat when in a certain position. Last thing was I had to replecase one of the belts after 28k and it wasnt covered by warranty i had to dish out $120.

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  This is a great car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Hamilton - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on Sept 3. I first saw this car in Hong Kong in 08 and wanted it ever since. Ive driven the 11 Fiesta but preferred the feel of the 2. Although it has only 100HP, its not a concern when you drive it. Driving position took about 50 miles to perfect but now its set it stone. The Fiesta and 2 are very similar in size, inside and out. The interior controls are different, the 2s radio controls are easy to use, I like simplicity. The Fiestas radio has a learning curve, not very user-friendly, one needs SYNC to use it. *Extra $595 to get SYNC* Overall, great car for anyone looking great ride at a great price.

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  fun fun fun - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By baker - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I am in my mid 60s===not the typical buyer of this type of car . This car is a hoot to drive . Just a lot of fun . Reminds me of my younger years when I would just go for a ride to have fun . Responsive handling and more than enough power .

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  First Model Defect to Arise! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Traveling Consultant - February 5 - 6:20 am

  I have been a very happy motorist for the first 60,000 miles put on my Mazda CX-7. This is my third review for this car. My car averages between 19-21 mpg. I do lots of highway traveling and I usually travel 200+ mile trips. My OEM tires lasted for 28,000. My second set of tires (not factory but dealer recommended and cheaper) will probably be replaced at 80,000. Until 60,000 I had absolutely no issues with this car. About 60,000 the fuel sensor started coming up. I have identified I trigger this failure when stepping on the gas during exit ramp to highway acceleration events. There have been three such sensor failures, seems to be a recurring defect.

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  Mazda3 fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By doc - February 4 - 1:33 pm

  This is a well designed car which strikes a fine balance betwen the competing demands of an economy car. The performance is well above that expected and is equivalent to a 2 litre Alfa Romeo with better economy and reliablity. It looks like a little BMW at a fraction of the price and runing cost. Economy is excellent 45mpg on highway at 60 - 75 mph. Only the sound proofing could be better. Handling, brakes and active safety are excellent. I would however like a six-speed to lower the revs at cruising speeds.

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  Just a 3 - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - February 4 - 11:20 am

  Edmunds pushed me to buy a Mazda 3. I had intended to buy a Civic to use as a commuter car. Honestly, the car is what Edmunds said it was but it is still somewhat disappointing overall. Basically, the Mazda 3 lacks the zoom- zoom promised by Mazda. This is just a commuter car with poor fuel mileage. There are some nice aspects however such as attractive interior and exterior styling. But overall it is not worth the money. Its just a Mazda 3 after all.

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  The 4-seat Miata - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By mejazz - February 3 - 10:05 pm

  I am a Miata fan - had 3 of them in the past but had to let go due to having 3 kids. The RX-8 provides similar driving thrills but with the ability to seat 4 peoples so i can use it to pick/drop kids from school and still have fun driving. Everybody talks about rotary engine issues but Mazda offers 100K miles warranty on engine so dont see much point. Yes it requires topping off oil every 2nd or 3rd fillup but thats not a big deal at all. Infact, you will enjoy it - you will feel more involved with your car. I do miss the convertible part of Miata. Hoping they will build a rotary Miata someday.

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  Very Utilitarian, But Loud Tire eater - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By ronwho - February 2 - 8:05 pm

  We bought our 5 new. 4 years 66K later, wife has a love-hate relationship. It is very utilitarian and it has been very reliable. Weve only had to replace a broken strut. (Free with our MEPP extended warranty) It gets decent mileage- about 23-24 mpg. However, we have to replace tires every 18 to 20K. Low profile tires pop when you hit a big pothole (unavoidable in OK) with one bent wheel so far. Interior road noise is so loud that we have to yell to the back seat. I mean REALLY loud. The AC loses some cool when you accelerate hard and my wife will only run it on recirculate to get cold- but it does get cold. We are buying a CX-9 and giving 5 to teenager. Will see if 9 is better quality.

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  Best Miata Ever! - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By pch1 - February 2 - 7:56 pm

  This car is extremely fun to drive. Grips in the corners and gives you great feedback. Would love if they put a turbo charger on it, but the 4 cyl engine still pulls nicely. I test drove both the manual and auto 6sp. I ended up with the automatic because it shifts quickly at near redline when driving spiritedly, and I do more highway driving and did not want the suspension package that was on most of the 6sp manuals.