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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  Lovin the M3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy M3 Girl - December 18 - 7:06 am

  After reading Consumer Reports and Auto Trade publications, we had to check out the M3. We are not disappointed that we did. This little beauty has lots of room and storage for a compact. It has cup holders at every seat and a huge trunk and glove box. The engine is laid out very cleanly and appears easy to service, especially the little things like windshield washer fluid. The 4 speed automatic is fun, especially the quasi-manual no clutch shifting option to use when you want more control (like humming along on a winding road). The variable distance steering wheel makes it nice too. You can decide where you want the wheel and how close you want the airbag to your face and chest. The car is a 10!

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom zoom! - December 17 - 9:06 am

  I just got this SUV a few days ago. What I can tell you is that I absolutely love it. I had a Honda Element and the Tribute blows it away. The Honda 4 cyl. isnt enough for the weight of the Element. I also had a CRV and the Tribute blows the doors off it. It has exceptional power to it without hesitation. No problem getting on the highways or passing. I have no intention of towing with it. The inside is way above the inside of the Hondas. The Tribute has a more elegant look to it and tons of leg room and cargo space. The long list of standard equipment provided is what also makes the Tribute and excellent choice for the money! ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Test drive one, youll be impressed! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CC - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I did tons of research on crossovers and the CX9 blew away the competition. We test drove the Traverse, Flex, Subaru Tribeca & Pilot. The CX9 handles like a dream, it doesnt feel like a big SUV at all. The safety ratings are great, which we experienced firsthand- we were rear- ended within the first month. The triple-H construction lived up to its design, the other car was totaled, ours fared much better. The CX9 has the lowest percent chance of rollover among its competitors, even better than the Subaru. Dash controls are intuitive, heat & A/C work great. Lots of room for kids or adults in 2nd & 3rd rows. Seat folding is easy (the Ford and Chevy were both more difficult). Test drive one!

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  Good car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By RHB - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had car now for three months. Nice car to drive. Had a manual 1988 626 previously for 23 years and that car, even old, gave much better mileage (27 city, 35 hwy) than this car; probably due to all the added built in features on 6. One cannot choose options as in old days. Performance ok now, cannot judge reliability after 3 months--maybe in 3 years. Appearance is good, trunk nice and big. Could only get black interior with manual and shows dirt quickly; Mazda should provide more interior options with this style. Seats are hard, lumbar feature not as useful for me as my old 626, wrong position. Good car with advanced features but old 626 was much sportier with better gas mileage

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  My Updated Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By HappyMazdaGirl3 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  It was time to trade in my 2002 Mazda Protege. That car was a dream for 9 years she served me well. After being rear ended on the interstate, with 89,000 on her, it was time to say good bye. It was a sad day. I searched and searched for a new car. From a Ford Fiesta, Honda Civic, and the 2010 Mazda and I spent 4 months of research and ended up with Louise (the name of my car) :-). She is very comfy and fits me well. I have not had her long enough but overall she is good. However, I am concerned about the Fuel Economy. I am currently seeing the true gas mpg on this car. Also visibility is good not great but good. If Mazda could improve fuel Economy it be a big bang for the buck

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  Excellent Over All - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mizzbee - December 17 - 2:00 am

  After 3.5 years, I still really LOVE my Mazda 3 Hatch..My complaints are few but to prospective buyers,worth noting. 1.Check engine light comes on about twice a year-- and so far,has only meant that the gas cap was loose. Why no loose gas cap light? They charge to check it on the diagnostic computer. Its a rip, imo. 2. The original tires are awful. Replace them as soon as you can. 3. Dash visibility is poor depending on how you have the steering wheel set. At the height and angle I like it, I cannot see vital things like my temp gauge or speedometer. 4. Interior (wherever you might touch with your arms) gets covered in unsightly White smudges if you wear any type of sunblock.

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  Impressive performance/quality for price - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chad in NH - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Im yet another reviewer coming out of a BMW 3 series and into the Mazda 3. Im stunned to say that this car is just as much fun to drive as my 325i was. Sure, its not as quiet (the 3s has more tire noise on the highway) and doesnt have all the extra luxuries my BMW had. With that said, the Mazda 3 is a far better value. Its truly BMW-like in performance and offers many options that you normally find only in higher price points-like the automatic rain-sensing wipers my BMW had. If youre someone who enjoys driving, the 3 is light on its feet, hugs corners, has plenty of power for its size and great stopping power. With all that and exceptional interior quality, its the one to buy

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  The most fun available for the price - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By toddman - December 16 - 9:30 pm

  I have owned my 2004 RX8 for 1 and 1/2 years. I have yet to have a single problem with this car. I commute over 60 miles each day, in mostly stop and go traffic. I LOVE this car! Sure, it could use more power, but for what? More speeding tickets? If you are looking for a fast 0-60 car, buy the Vette. Even with HALF the power of the Vette, the RX8 can catch and pass one on a road course. I know because I have done so. The complaints about excessive oil consumption obviously come from people who have no idea how a rotary engine works. If you dont know about rotaries, learn about them before you buy one so you will know what to expect. I also own a Mazda Millenia. MAZDA IS THE BEST!

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  One nagging question - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ROOKIE - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  Why does this M5, a Mazda product have to be primarily manuf. in MO? Appears all things fit but am concerned that Japanese tend to on average put together products w/ more costomer care in mind.

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  excelllent but hopeful - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By MainelyMazda - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This has been a GREAT vehicle so far. We love the versatility of a minivan that drives like a car. With two kids starting sports, we needed more room than our wagon could offer.