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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  What a car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RodmaninFL - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is great. It is agile and the back seat is useable for adults. We have learned the back seat sequence of steps - open doors, front seat forward, person in seat back. Once in it is comfortable. I have discovered storage bins in several places and there is a pass-thru even though some reviews say not. I am still disoriented by the radio controls but the rest of it is great. The nighttime interior lighting is gorgeous - neon blue, red and dome spotlight. A VERY well designed car.

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  This car is awesome! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By katrina - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car and fell in love! I handles like a front wheel drive vehicle with the beef and clout of a rear wheel drive sports car. Highly recommend driving it. It is an absolutely fun car with a splash of practicality!

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  This Car Rox - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By DisneyDestroyer - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my new 8. The seats fit like a glove, the engine takes off and is hummmmmmmm smooth. The ride is easy, but the tires stick to the road like flypaper. As my cousin said, it has a high odam factor. As in people pointing at it as you drive by, going "Oh, D@MN!"

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  The best Mazdaspeed 3 built to date! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By TJ - November 6 - 9:53 pm

  Got the Celestial Mica Blue w/ tech package. Tech package is totally worth it... push button start, bluetooth, Bose system, navi, and Sirius for 6 months. The color is exotic! The new body style is incredible. Curvier lines, RX8 type wheels, lower appearing stance, functional hood scoop, and dual exhaust make this the best MS3 ever built to date. And the inside is super contemporary and high quality. No torque steer and super clean shifts. Honestly, the best bang for your buck. GTIs, Civic Sis, even the WRXs and EVOs truly cant compare w/ the overall build quality (interior/exterior) and the "best bang for your buck" factor that the MS3 offers.

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  Nearly perfect car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Roger - November 6 - 1:00 pm

  I bought this car specifically to improve upon the gas mileage I was getting in my Maxima. Even though its rated for 35 mpg, I routinely get better than that when its warm out (37-38 is not uncommon). What Ive found really impressive is that at high speeds, the mileage doesnt seem to be sacrificed. On the drive from Salt Lake to Laramie, I must have averaged around 80-85 mph and still achieved better than 35 mpg. The stereo is great for a stock stereo and the MP3 jack is a nice touch. I previously owned a 2001 Protege ES which I thought handled slightly better than the 3, but the 3 is a much better looking car. Somehow with the same engine as the Protege, mileage improved big time.

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  vehicle for todays family - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Norm Favit - November 6 - 3:46 am

  I have 2300 km on the M5 and Im confident I made the right choice for a long term vehicle. Id recommend the M5 for a growing family that puts a lot of miles on the car as the fuel economy is excellent relative to vehicles of similar seating capacity (just finished a 470km road trip with 7.9 l/100km).

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  Great car (ok, minivan) for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Not your average mom - November 4 - 4:30 am

  I swore Id never drive a minivan but here I am doing so and actually enjoying it. It is versatile and very easy for the kids to get into and out of by themselves. It gets good gas mileage even in the cold winter months. I have never gotten below 22 mpg on a tank of gas. I love the fact that it is getting more popular and that when I first got it, people were asking me what it was. I love all the spaces to hide things in. Ive been accused of having everything but a toilet and sink in it but you wont see any of it. If you live in a really snowy/icy climate you will want to get snow tires. Stock tires perform as expected on the snow but are next to useless on ice.

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  Mazda CX -9 Soars - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By kathrynb - November 1 - 11:07 pm

  When I began my SUV search I hadnt considered the Mazda brand until I read the outstanding reviews. With a family of five to transport plus lots of sports equipment - yes, Im a soccer mom, I wanted a lot of space for people and cargo but didnt want to feel as if I was driving a bus. Mazda delivered with style, functionality and performance. Mazda had superb ratings and having now owned my car for 3 months I finally can attest to the incredible driving experience. It is pure luxury and is a pleasure to drive. The car is very roomy with lots of leg room for the driver (510" and husband 63") and the vehicle soars across the road. A driving machine that is pure joy to drive.

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  Very Impressed - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By kdevivo - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 6i after looking at Accord, Camry, Altima and Passat. Passat too expensive, Altima has cheap interior, Camry boring and new Accord has too many complaints. Mazda6 is nice all around package. Surprisingly smooth and quiet on highway. 30mpg at 75mph. 3100miles-no problems. Paid 17500+tax. 4-sp auto smooth. Lot of fun to drive.

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  Sticking with Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By SisuGirl - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Having owned (and still do) an 85 RX-7, I couldnt wait until I got this car, and I love it. The red lights, the seats, all the features are wonderful. The 5 speed manual is a must in this car if youre used to driving sporty manual cars. Its not too big for someone used to the RX-7 size. The handling is awesome and pickup at higher gears is pretty impressive as well. Mazda has done good.