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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  New to Vans - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By jef2one - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Traded an ailing Buick LeSabre on an 03 LX. Overall my wife and I enjoy it and are very pleased with the purchase.

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  BoomBoom not ZoomZoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Shabam - July 16 - 1:13 am

  I loved my RX8 when I bought it. 2 weeks after purchase I had to replace the purge valve. 1 month later replaced the ignition coils and wires. 1 week later check engine light came on. Had to replace the engine. Recall for oil dipstick allowing water in oil. Guess what, Ive got water and metal shavings in my oil. I see engine #2 coming up. All this in only 6 months! Extended warranty highly recommended for this vehicle. Love driving it when it runs! This is not the Mazda for me.

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  07 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By MAzda3 - July 16 - 12:56 am

  The car is great. The paint is terrible. It chips and scratches too easy (my purse chipped my paint). The interior sucks. The floor mats are cheap, the plastic door panels are poorly made, scratch way too easy and the plastic piece around the gear shift, well the silver paint is coming off of that from the heat. So yes I like this car, it runs great but the quality of the interior and the paint is very poor. Although I do like the car I would not buy it brand new again. Go for the used its not worth as much as it costs. Depreciation on this car is terrible.

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  Excellent Car in its Class - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan - July 14 - 11:03 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Mazda3 after looking at all of its competitors in its class. For the money I paid, I really feel like I got a steal. This is a fun car to drive and it looks and feels like I paid a lot more than I did. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a great car at a great price.

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  Poor MPG - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By John - July 14 - 10:53 am

  I bought this car with 53000Miles on this car in 2008 and ever since its had all four brakes(Everything) replaced,4 stabilizer bars,5 struts,belts twice,timing belt,Sparkplugs and wires,4 tires at $280 each and I rust proof and do oil changes with synthetic every 3000 Miles and am getting 14MPG and the A/C barely works and the fan makes loud noises and have gone way over what I thought was a reliable car that should at least get 20 MPG. I forgot the car is bad too because if you drive alot you will be very tired od hitting potholes and trying to merge onto highways with the automatic.

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  I love this car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Angie - July 14 - 5:03 am

  I went from an 09 Subaru Legacy to this. I could not believe the difference in handling. Such a minuscule amount of body roll. Such great grip on the road. This car is amazing. And to top it off, it has such a great look! This car deserves the giant smile on the front. I would smile all the time too if I was this car. And I smile when I drive it. Im so happy I got it. Beautiful inside and out. If you prefer the slushy drive of your basic economy car, then this car is not for you. For true driving enthusiasts that also want something practical for everyday driving.

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  best hatchback for $20k period! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By logan42 - July 12 - 11:46 am

  Beats the stuffing out of the Focus, GTI, Matrix, PT Cruiser, Hyundia, Kia, you name it! I never thought Id be able to own a car this nice for under $30,000.

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  Five on the Floor - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Tributetotribute - July 12 - 8:00 am

  Just traded in a 99 Explorer on this little SUV. So far so good. Its 4 cylinder, five speed is very peppy. We have 2WD which is all most people need. Love the mpg. We added leather and moonroof to class it up a bit.

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  Brake Problems/MPG decline - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By gryphon84 - July 12 - 5:12 am

  I loved this car but after 18 months the brake pads went bad. According to the dealer there was no reason and since the warranty on those expires at 12,000 miles or 12 months we were stuck with having to pay for all new rear brake pads and rotors. There is no reason they should have failed and Mazda Customer Service said "Too bad not under warranty". The MPG has also steadily declined after 6 months even with regular maintenance. I am disappointed since we bought it for its supposed fuel efficiency and safety. After this experience I do not expect this to be a reliable long lived car and will not buy a Mazda in the future.

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  Kick in the Pants - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Blackhawkbill007 - July 11 - 11:20 pm

  I have this car for a couple of weeks and this car is awesome. I was looking for something that was sporty and fun, and I found it with the RX-8. I was a little shocked about the actual MPG (so far 16 MPG after two fuelings) but the handling is incredible. I have got it up to 123 mph so far and it handled like an Indy car. If somebody is looking for a sports car that is not the dime a dozen then this is it. Everybody that has seen it has been impressed and the back seats believe it or not are roomy. So if you are 30 something not ready to commit to a family car then this is perfect. You can fit the car seat when needed and take it out and have fun whenever you want.