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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  2500 miles in....what a great car - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By geoffb1 - August 24 - 1:25 am

  Ive been thinking at some point I am going to come to my senses and realize Ive made a huge mistake buying a tiny 2 seat convertible. But then I find myself taking the long way home (again) so I can carve a few more turns with the fall foliage flashing by and the top down. And everything is right with the world. This car actually puts a smile on my face. It is an honest car that does what it is supposed to do. If your idea of a great car is one that does everything possible to insulate you from the job of driving walk away now. But if you truly enjoy feeling connected to the road and the machine....give one of these a test drive. On a sunny day. With the top down.

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  Kool station wagon - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By sandmantech - August 23 - 7:50 am

  I have a MPV and love it. Now, I just got this Mazda 5. It is also a good vehicle. I want to have another vehicle that can sit a family of 4 and cargo space for the trips to costco. This is a perfect vehicle and save gas. The price is about the same as Toyota Matrix but can sit more.

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  After One Month - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Mariner - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I didnt think Id like another after my 14 year old Toyota but this one does it. Its great taking it for mountain drives here in Washington State. It hugs the road and never loses its grip in the corners.

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  great buy,fundrive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By kimbar - August 21 - 10:00 am

  After searching for the perfect suv, affordable, quality interior, pleasing to they eye, handles like a car, with the space of a truck, I was very pleased to find this vehicle. My search had ended with the 2003 Mazda Tribute.

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  The RX-8 is the best - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mike Fannucci - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought myself an RX-8 (Red with Red and Black interior) on the 6 speed manual. Let me tell you- This car flies!! It is a very, very fast car, with a very slick look. It shifts well and is very fun to drive. Of course there are faster cars out there, but if you are looking to spend under $35,000 and yet still have the luxury of carrying more then one other person with you, then the RX-8 is definitely the way to go!

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  Mazda RX8 Better than expected - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ATLBUSH - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Waited a long time since I preordered the car, and am glad I did. It lives up to the hype with the handling, the ride and the size inside. It also catches alot of attention. A couple of Porsche drivers and another in a Maserati turned around to look when I drove by just to see what kind of car it was. I definitely like the Velocity Red the best, and the GT package.

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  Sauna in the Summer - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Mom Parker - August 21 - 8:56 am

  We bought the MPV when we were expecting our first child. We were very pleased at first until we realized that the van was not equipped with rear air vents. There are four vents for the entire van. The summers in the south are brutal. We can no longer make our children endure the heat with no air vents. Needless to say we are now in the process of finding a new vehicle. Aside from that we are pleased. The only other complaint is the driver side window motor had to be replaced. We have put 36,400 miles on it and it still is going strong.

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  Sportability,Luxury,Economy - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BLR - August 21 - 6:50 am

  More bang for your buck with this car. I have the 2010 Mazda 3 4 door Hatchback with all options possible. It takes a little while to figure out how to use all the technology features it has. Still trying to figure out the Homelink option.Otherwise very impressed with it. Cargo room is functional.This car has great steering and pep.Makes you feel like your driving a luxury car,yet saving you lots of $$$.Very sporty interior. I have had compliments on it from people as I am in parking lots. The smile shaped grin ,grows on you. Love the pwr.Moonroof Bi- Xeon Headlights that follow the roads curves. LED taillights show up well at night.So far it has been reliable and fun to drive.. Zoom Zoom

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  ZOOM ZOOM FOR SURE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JoeK - August 20 - 4:53 am

  Daily commute is 70 miles and just have to say that this SUV is a pleasure to drive. Average 20-21 mpg (V-6 AWD) much better than my old SUV. Transmission did have to be replaced at 16,000 miles, work done quickly and competently and no problem since. Would definitely buy this vehicle again.

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  Lots of Power - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By gigiaguy89 - August 19 - 8:38 pm

  Nicely set up cockpit with well painted trim. Not a fan of the long front and super short back, but still has plenty of room in the backseat and trunk. Car has lots of power when it chooses to perform. Sometimes, it just wants to run sluggish, other times it wants to shift into the next gear harshly, but most times drives like it should. Very horrible on gas, but when you have a bozo trying to cut you off, it has enough power to keep them in their place (which is behind you). AC runs great and rain sensing wipers come in handy. Glove compartment is HUGE and there is plenty of places to put your little things.