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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  buy one - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sorento2006 - April 20 - 1:44 am

  just took delivery yesterday of my graphite grey sedan with fog lights,spoiler,bose,sunroof.when i took it for a test drive,going over 60,the computer showed 41.6..wow !on the 30 mile trip home,got 47.8 at 63mph.the ride is tighter than expected,but much better than the 2008 amanti i traded in for this car.lots of features & wow factor.thanks mazda

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  JUST DONT DO IT!!!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By EBONY - April 19 - 6:06 am

  There has been something wrong with this engine I noticed it right after I brought it, I have a clacking sound when starting it, every now anf then white smoke from the exhaust, oils burning, I have gotten oil chages regularly, I think the turbo is going bad, I brought it from Monroeville Chrysler Jeep and Dodge they over priced it and when I took it back the next they denied any problems. The turbo I hear is 3000 to fix , do not take the risk.

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  For the price you cant beat it. - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By SeJac - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a 79 Ford P/UP for the past 7 years. It was aging but the gas mileage was killing me, ecspecially with prices going up. I knew I wanted to stay with a P/UP just not a big one anymore. Well I found it, and at the price I got with the rebate, I stole this Truck :-) I can fillup and drive all week on one tank of gas now, I am saving half the payment just in what I use to pay for gas in my old P/UP. If you want a small truck and didnt think you could afford one, give yourself a look at this one before the rebates end. You wont go wrong, The Lord has truly blessed me with this truck.

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  Could not be happier with my choice - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By lisadent - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I looooooove this car

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  The best van for automotive enthusiasts - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By cartwright - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda MPV is grossly underrated by automotive writers because of their reverence for the Honda Odyssey. When my wife and I test drove the MPV and Odyssey back-to-back, we expected to be impressed by the Odyssey but we were stunned by its clumsy handling and braking. The MPV handles, maneuvers, and brakes about as well as our 98 Honda Accord EX. In contrast, the Odyssey is ponderous, handles sluggishly, and fishtails under hard braking. The MSRP of the MPV is overpriced relative to the Odyssey. Fortunately, Mazda continually offers incentives. We paid $1500 under invoice.

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  Not a winter car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Richard - April 18 - 7:40 am

  This is my 2nd 626. Its been a reliable car and gets exceptional fuel economy. It has no frills, but gets me where I have to be... except in the snow. Like my first (1998) 626, it slides all over the place in snow. Ive tried several different tires, including snows and theres no drastic improvement. I fear driving on snow-covered roads! The only cumbersome maintenance issue is having to replace a pair of bushings in the rear suspension every 20k-25k. You know when theyre worn; the noise is deafening.Ive got 105k on the car and really havent had to put a lot into it. I plan to run it as long as I can up to 200k.

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  We love our Trib - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Boyce - April 18 - 1:06 am

  We have really enjoyed our Tribute. Nice and quiet and a smooth ride around town. So far we have not made a road trip in this vehicle so my observations are for around town only. Fuel mileage has been consistent at 19mpg. Power is adequate for our driving styles.

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  Spacious and reliable - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rome45249@gmail.com - April 15 - 9:05 pm

  These cars are great on gas mileage they have a pretty good amount of room and maintenance is very low

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  Early days, but seems a great car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ian - April 15 - 8:23 am

  Ive only had this car for 3 days, so early days. But first impressions rarely let me down. 2 features I prefer over the S Touring V6 model mine replaced. Wheels/tires are now 215/55/17s, instead of 45/18s. This makes more sense, as Missouris potholes will be much more tolerant with the 17 inch wheels. The handling/roadholding/ride is tremendous. Ive looked at Camrys, Accords, Fusions, Malibus and Sonatas. The Mazda, overall offers the best value. I got about $4250 off the retails price, including an above average trade in for my last car, plus a discount on the extended warranty (6 years/100,000 miles). I love the cloth seats, cant stand leather!

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  Luxury build, Mazda Pricing - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3dallas - April 15 - 2:53 am

  I trade in for a new car every 2 years so have lots of comparison. My last car was a BMW Z4 and this car handles just as well but with better interior build quality and runs on Reg unleaded. Im glad I got the upgraded 3S engine b/c it never feels underpowered, its quite quick. I love all the standard GT features, but didnt opt for the tech package as I dont want my car bossing me around, let alone the added cost. I just completed a 300 mile highway road trip and got 37.8 MPG, driving 70-85mph. However, MPG for me drops considerably in city driving around Dallas as I average 25-26 in town. Ive had no problems with Mazda Connect or Navigation, everything works flawlessly for me.