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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  Zoom Zoom....OH YEA! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By londonblue007 - July 20 - 3:33 pm

  I totally love this car. My brother actually wants to drive it over his Miata with a brand new mazdaspeed engine in it...go figure. Awesome handling, great for pulling high speed corners on New England on/off ramps. Drove to Virginia and back getting 35 mpg on regular gas! I am still in college, and this is the perfect car for someone who is on a budget but wants a new, stylish, sporty car that is reliable. Still runs just as good now, as it did 18 months ago, and it has 28,000 miles on it! I love the looks I get from people when I drive around campus or into Boston....so many people are shocked to see the Mazda symbol....Zoom Zoom!

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  Absolutely Love It. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By kenmo - July 19 - 9:29 pm

  I work at a car rental company at an airport, so I drive brand new 2011-2012 cars all day long. This car is on par with these brand new cars, in my opinion. Everything about it is wonderful. The features, the handling, the styling, the utility, the mileage!. Its by far my favorite car to drive out of all I have driven!

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  My Experience With my MazdaCX7 so for... - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Siva - July 19 - 11:23 am

  Bought this CX7 2008 model around Jan 09. Got huge discount... I got 6k less than msrp. great deal. Considered crv rav4 outlander forester and then closed in on mazda cx7 for its style and performance. So far I have put 15k miles ..drives great so for. Drove my car from batonrouge la to los angeles ca close to 1800 miles and didnt feel a bit tired... drove (9-10 hrs) for three days and took two breaks at junction tx and wilcox az. the whole trip averaged close to 24 which I am happy. texas stretch I drove at 80mph and averaged 21.4. I am tech guy / contractor so I go to diff places and my mazda cx7 gives me good company. la to san jose @ 60 mph gv me 28mpg. great car overall.

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  Goodbye Focus, Hello Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon - July 19 - 4:53 am

  I recently traded in my 2000 Ford Focus for a custom ordered Mazda 3. The difference is night & day. The 3 handles beautifully & the power is great. No problems merging on the freeway here in Los Angeles. The interior design & quality is what you would expect from a car costing twice as much. I especially love the blue backlight for the instrument cluster. Overall, this car turns heads & gives a satisfying feeling even when parked. Highly recommed it!

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  I think i got a Lemon.... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jentz - July 19 - 3:50 am

  At first i luved my car.It handled great.took care of my car. serviced it ontime. after 1year (44k) of owning my 3 its been in the shop. I had to change the bushings, all the belts, a new alternator, and now the fuel pump. But i still luv my car. If its gonna give me more problems after fuel pump is replaced..never again im purchasing another Mazda. I have read in forums similar to what my car went through.

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  Good car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomfan - July 18 - 11:40 pm

  This is a great car to own, but if you are considering a new Mazda3 then you should be warned about the tires. The Toyo tires that come on the Mazda are worthless. I have 25K miles and Ive needed new tires for the last 2K miles. Ive heard similar stories from other Mazda 3 owners. My suggestion: make them put on different tires for you before you take it home!

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Dan - July 18 - 2:03 am

  Purchased in January to drive to Florida. Great mileage on the hgwy & around town. No problems so far. Very comfortable on my bad back even without lumbar support. Handles well & is relatively quiet. Would recommend to others to buy.

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  The more I drive it, the less I like it - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeH - July 18 - 12:33 am

  There are way too many problems popping up with my Mazda6. So much so I am trading it in on something else. Headlight lenses that collect condensate. A/C that causes condensation on the dashboard. The car is 6 months old and its got problems that shouldnt be occurring in an auto.

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  My Mazda hasnt disappointed - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cheryl - July 17 - 9:43 pm

  I was really apprehensive about trading in my trouble-free manual Camry, but I couldnt be happier with the Mazda 3 Hatchback. Its a blast to drive, the seats are comfy, and Im pleasantly surprised with the gas mileage. I have a smile on my face every time I get in the car!

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  Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By J.W. - July 17 - 9:46 am

  With 10 days (700 miles) of ownership of my first new car I am very pleased. 2 tanks of fuel averaging 27 MPG (70% highway, slightly aggressive driving) so far (manual transmission). Solid car with great git-up. I love how the car handles. Some types of road, amazingly quiet, other types lots of road noise. Compared most all other compacts, this was the best all around car we liked. Other cars had things that stood out, but nothing had as good of a package like this 3 did. Great handling with decent ride. I love this car so far.