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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  MPV 2004 - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Mims - April 11 - 4:26 am

  Horrible performance with this vehicle. Has been in for service 7 times within 2 years. 4 times requiring tow. Very dissatisfied with vehicle.

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  From a GTI to a Mazda 5 GT - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - April 11 - 4:16 am

  As a father of 4, it was finally time to move on from my little five speed VW GTI. We needed an alternative to my wifes Chevy Suburban that would fit the entire family, while getting decent gas mileage and being fun to drive. The Mazda 5 fits the bill. Got the Grand Touring in Silver with black leather. While the quality of materials is a definite step down from the VW, the car is a great value for the price. This car offers everything I need in a tidy and sporty package: room for six (with some compromises on the part of all), very well equipped for the price, good looks, he "wow, this is cool" factor from my daughters friends, solid handling. Very happy with my purchase!

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  Best Bang for the buck - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikeabbott - April 10 - 6:13 pm

  After doing a lot of research I bought mine brand new and after 4 years it still puts a smile on my face. I have no plans to sell this car anytime soon. Mechanically the car has been sound. A couple of sensors had to be replaced under warranty, no big deal. Performs well for 4 door sedan and is a blast to drive on the twisties. Interior is fine for a under 20k car and more than one passenger has commented on the lighting and sleek interior design.

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  2007 i Touring Automatic - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Laura - April 9 - 5:43 pm

  Just traded in my Jeep Liberty for a economical car and decided on the Mazda 3i touring. Well worth the upgrade for the electric windows and locks. I have only had the car for about two weeks and dont miss my SUV at all. This car is great on gas. I drive 100 miles a day commuting and I got 370 miles on my first tank! What a difference from filling up every 250 miles.

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  6 month review - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By photoguy22 - April 9 - 9:51 am

  Review of our car after 6 months of ownership. Our 2014 CX5 GS AWD continues to be a good vehicle and everything continues to be pretty much as expected. The gas mileage continues to be low 20s around town and high 20s on the highway. The engine performance is still mediocre at best - Mazda really needs to work on this... Lack of interior lighting in the rear is a real miss. Bose Audio system is very nice! Have had an ongoing issue with the tire pressure sensor telling us air is low when its w/in 1 lb of standard. Apparently it is very sensitive - too much so! See likes/dislikes below for various features. Over-all, still a good choice!

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  After 5 months of ownership. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 04mazda3i4dr - April 8 - 7:53 pm

  I have had this car for 5 months now and I am still impressed by it. It has excellent fuel economy and it is so quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. No buzzing at all from this car and it feels like it will last you for a lifetime! And this car does have the zoom-zoom factor. Out guns almost anything on the road and it has composure that a few compact cars have. Good ride and balance, flat cornering, and the shifter is awesome. Always keeps you in the sweet spot of the engine.

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  Just LOVE this car! 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rudy_w - April 8 - 6:56 pm

  Just a tremendous car if you appreciate handling and enjoy driving. Has me looking forward to highway on-ramps and off-ramps. So stable and planted in corners! Good power, nice 6-speed Auto Transmission (love the paddle shifters on the Grand Touring), mileage is excellent -- easy to get between 35-40 on the highway at normal speeds, and even in-town, it usually gets around 30. It rides firm, no question: if you want a cushy ride, this isnt your car. But it rewards you every time the road starts to curve, and always delivers really good mileage. Good interior space, nice flat trunk, nice back seat. This is absolutely a must-see if youre considering any of the other family sedans.

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  Nice Quality! - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Lars - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car a year ago used. Had previously owned a 626 and MPV and heard good things about this car and its value. One of the best cars weve owned! Fast, smooth, quiet and handles well, too. Nice leather seats and luxury features. Too bad its discontinued!

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  Great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jim Morison - April 8 - 10:00 am

  No complaints, love it, girls love it, everyone loves it, but the best part is - did I mention - girls love it.

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  Achieving neither goal - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fast ed - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car with good handling. Have previously owned RX-7s and this is definitely a different car. Actually, I was expecting more from Mazda with the amount of time they spent in R&D. It accelerates well off the line, but its high end acceleration and speed is still average. With all the cars out there improving HP, I would have expected better from something trying to be a sports car. It could also drive smoother if it is trying to pass as a sedan. Thus, this car tries to be several things but masters none of them. If you need cargo space it has absolutely little as most large items(golf bags) will not fit in the small trunk opening.