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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  Almost Bought a Pilot - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By so happy - December 19 - 12:03 pm

  I just bought the most beautiful CX-9: Liquid Platinum with Sand leather, AWD Grand Touring with NAV, Bose, Moonroof. I traded in a Honda Odyssey and was just about to buy the Pilot when I saw an ad for the CX-9 and decided to go "rule it out" at the dealer--Ive never been a Mazda person. One drive and I was sold, the Pilot really doesnt compare if you want a car that turns heads while hauling the kids, groceries, and gear. The gas mileage so far has been about 16 around town. The AWD has a slightly grippy feel so if you dont need it, Id stick with FWD for the slightly added pep and better fuel economy. If you are looking for a functional car with tons of style look no further!

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  Decent Car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By shizzel12 - December 18 - 1:46 pm

  Good quick car to get around the city and beat other cars to a parking spot. handles good and can take tight turns that you couldnt do with most vehicles. For a 4 cylinder this car can move when you need it to. Most 4 cylinders dont have the best highway driving but this car accelerates good at higher speeds and passes with ease. I dont recommend it though if you will only be using it for highway driving because the ride is a little bumpy. I dont really care much for the mpg because for a car this size you expect it to have better gas. When i bought this car i was a little skepticle but it turned out to do what i needed it to do and i gave i just sold it in good condition with 173000 miles.

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  Had Mine For 6 Months - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By awesome3 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Love my car. More than enough power to pass cars quickly even with A/C on. Extremely manueverable, great handling. You get a lot for the money. Its the best value car out there, and I looked at them all in this car class. Very good room inside. Very good attention to detail. Velocity red is metallic, very hot paint. You can spin the tires on dry pavement in this car. Car can do 80mph as easily as it does 40mph. This car will move.

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  Zoom Zoom!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sengupta - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a 2002 Corolla when a sudden need of a second car made me to decide for one. Well, it did not take much time for me to decide about the Mazda3 (I/Auto/AC). I negotiated through Edmunds.com, went to the dealership, test drove and came out driving my new Mazda3. The very first drive back home made me realize that I did not make any mistake by not comparing or test driving other cars.

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  I love my Hatchie! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wrathwitch - December 18 - 5:40 am

  This little beast is fun to drive! I was previously driving a SUV and its nice to drive a zippy, responsive and sexy vehicle. No more soccer mom for me I have upgraded to Cougar! In all seriousness this car has the speed to pass fast and safe as well as smooth and quiet when you are not dare deviling. The only thing I dont like is that the vehicle feels floaty at higher speeds (130+ km/h). I suspect this being due to lightness of the vehicle. You can also feel her move when there are high winds on the road.

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  I like, Im impressed, but not satisfied - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Black Mazda 3 in IL - December 17 - 10:13 pm

  Bought the car new in 12/04. I agree that the car looks nice and is fun to drive. At 34K the transmission was replaced. Now at 36K the car wouldnt start! It has happened twice and the dealer(s) cannot find the problem (roadside assistance will only tow to the nearest Mazda dealer and will not tow back to the dealer where purchased even if its 12 miles farther). I love the car, but I cant zoom if it wont start.

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  Mzda3 "s" is GREAT!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By vinceB - December 17 - 9:06 am

  I recently purchased this car in early November--a 5 speed manual, 2005 model w/ airbags/ABS/moonroof package. This car has very few faults. For the money, this is like driving a mini Infiniti G35 (because we own one of them as well). I put in a nice alarm system, added rear tint, and upgraded the weak factory stereo system. Overall, Mazda 3 s .......Im impressed!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve Breen - December 16 - 10:50 pm

  Ive been a pickup truck guy for years as my daily drivers. My need for a pickup has declined in recent years, and I was getting weary of constantly putting gas in the thing. So, I began researching cars that were: 1) Cheap to own and operate 2) Fun to drive 3) good features and finally 4) great value. Well, this car actually exceeds across the board. I looked at the usual suspects in this group, and nothing has the personality and depth of features that this little Mazda has. I actually look forward to driving now, as this thing is a blast to drive. For as little as it costs, it just seems like a steal!

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  Zoom This! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By You Need It Folks! - December 16 - 3:10 pm

  I test drove them all. I spent an entire week-end fighting off sales people until I came upon the Mazda CX-9 and I went looking for the sales person. What an incredibly beautiful automobile. I never considered Mazda in the past but they have my attention now. This car has it all and is less expensive than the over-blown German cars. I wanted to go American this time and came close with Ford Edge but Mazda beat it and all the others hands down. You wont have buyers remorse with this one folks.

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  Wow, I really like this car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By robin82732 - December 16 - 6:20 am

  Well I just bought a used 2007 Mazda 3 and I have to admit, I like this car. Boarder line love this car. I went from a BMW 5 series to this car because of the need for better gas mileage and my BMW was getting a little long in the tooth. Although, not as quite and as luxurious as the BMW it has all the same features and then some. And, over 30 miles to the gallon and when you commute 80 miles a day that adds up very fast. All in all, I really love this car. Sporty, handles better than the BMW and surprised at how well the 2.3 preforms. I was a little worried about the whole handling in the snow thing but the previous owner put on some great tires and it is AWESOME! Highly recommend this car.