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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  miata zoom - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata fun - December 14 - 2:00 am

  very fun as a second car

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  What a ride! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SSSparky777 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my Titanium Grey 6M RX- 8, and what a sweet ride it is. In my opinion, no other sports car can offer the performance, comfort and useablity that the RX-8 manages. If you are in the market for a sports car - and you seek to avoid the semi-mandatory lower lumbar surgery that accompanies a 350Z - you owe it to yourself to drive this car. You will not be disappointed.

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  Titanium3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sirealz - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Went with fully loaded options and still got a great price!!!!

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  Very Impressive!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Max Reyes - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought the titanium grey with the ABS brakes and xenon light options. So far my wife and I absolutely love it. It has a very sporty look to it and I get alot of "it looks like a mini Lexus or a Infinity FX". The ride is awesome with ample power and the interior has a nice feel and look to it. The 17" stock rims are definetly a plus! If you are in the market for a small sedan, you should check this vehicle out. You will be impressed.

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  Best car for the money! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bobsfl954 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Hey. I just got the new Mazda 3 s 2 days ago, and let me tell you, I love it. My purchase price was around $21,000 because I got it with the Xenon Lights and the 6-disk in dash with the sunroof. You would be amazed on how much better your night time driving is with those xenon lights. The car looks like a 30K+ car for around the 20K mark, I really dont think you can go wrong. The performance is excellent. I was very surprised when I drove one because I was expecting much less from a 4-cyl. Bottom line is: "If your thinking about getting the new 3, go test drive one and that will make up your mind really quick."

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  holly molly - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By gaetz123 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I had a Mazda Protege in 2000, a Protege 5 in 2002, now I just changed for this new Mazda 3.... there is nothing like it... not the same car at all... it has a lot of horse power and feel like a Mazda 6 to drive. go for it!!!

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  New Protege...No Way! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ZooM3 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my new 3 (hatchback), and there is no comparing this car and the car it replaced, the long-lived Protege. Everything about this car is great! The styling, the interior, and all of the standard features! I traded in my 2002 PR5 without a second thought. After one test drive I had already made up my mind! The car is so great in the styling department...Its almost like BMW and a Benz got together and produced the new Mazda 3. Excellent build quality and materials. To drive it, is to love it!

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  Mazda 3 Rocks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Prax - December 14 - 2:00 am

  It is 2004 and would it be too much to ask for a compact that doesnt wimp out. Finally it was Mazda that delivered. I just got the Mazda 3s hatchback in Velocity Red with Black-Red Cloth interior, Auto, ABS/SBS, Moonroof/6-CD package. All for $500 over invoice. I bought it primarily as a commute car for myself and my little daughter. She absolutely loves it too. I suggest this as a great little runabout around town in style and comfort without looking/feeling like a harrier mom.

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  zoomzoom-enthusiast - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 2 rocha - December 14 - 2:00 am

  as a previous mazda owner i had no choice. own another stylish mazda

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  Not just a girls car... Street Legal GoKart!!! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By thewheelman1 - December 13 - 11:32 am

  I have owned my 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata for about a year now but have been racing miatas for about 5 years now and i would recommend these cars to anyone who wants a car you will never be bored of driving, outstanding reliability, the handling is matched with that of $100,000 cars, I have personally seen miatas smoke Z06 corvettes and Ferrari by half a mile on the road course, and by whole seconds on the Auto-X course. These little cars receive little respect from muscle car owners, but the real drivers car owners (ie. Porsche, Lotus, Aston Martin) they know whats up... As a daily driver, midlife crisis car, or a professional racecar the miata will always come through.