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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  This is an upgrade for me - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By faust3 - December 18 - 10:38 am

  great mpg but i am not a floor it driver. gives me the awesome sports car look without paying for the gas. I just wanted something more sporty and fun to drive but not have to fill the tank every week. color i got was meteor gray mica and looks sharp. it is a head turner at a lower end cost level. i had a basic nissan versa ( crank windows ) which i just wasnt thrilled with. wanted some up to date inside car features with a sporty looking car on the outside at a low 200 payment. i call this the lexus i can afford. I also purchased the hatchback because I just wanted a car where the seats come down for more room to haul a picture or something large and long.

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  awsome car all around!!! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By madmiatablue - December 17 - 2:56 am

  This is just one amazing car!! stock it is totally drivable without any complaints but throw on the jackson racing supercharger, lightweight flighwheel, 16" rims with some moderate chassy stiffeners, roll bar, and the 6 speed from the 10th ann. ed. (plus some other little nik nacs) and you have one sweet ride, no firebird in the land will give you much challenge! and it is still very streetable!! i have two and the one i told you about is the onee i drive, the other is race only in scca miata spec showroom stock B. i recomend these to anyone under 62"

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  First New MX-5 Miata, but not first MX-5 - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By caolsen - December 15 - 12:00 pm

  My experience with Miatas has been racing and autocrossing Spec Miatas. The legendary build quality and sheer tossability of these cars makes them so much fun. The addition of the Power Top finally made this an option as a daily driver with on street parking being my norm. So when it was time for a new car, the MX-5 Miata was it. The car has the same zoom zoom-gist that Ive loved in my other Mazdas. The Suspension package and DSC system on the GT models means that with the addition of snow tires and cheap rims, this will be the daily driver unless the snow is over the lugs. And with the top down and stereo on, you cant beat it for cheap therapy after a long, hard day at work.

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  lharsh - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lharsh - December 14 - 10:17 am

  I just purchased the 2014 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring and am thoroughly impressed with everything I see. The styling is far above the other similar SUVs of Honda, Subaru, Toyota and Chevrolet. Before buying I looked at each model based on price, styling, gas mileage, specifications and all the standard features of each model. In my opinion, the Mazda came out ahead in all categories. My first tank of gas came in at 27.9 miles per gallon driving a mixture of highway and local miles. I would recommend this SUV to anyone that wants a fun vehicle to drive and still have good gas mileage.

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  beautiful blue - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jimboo - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for two weeks now. What a trip I have never seen so many people stare at a car unless it was a Viper. Handles great, I am always looking for a reason to get in and drive.

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  Features without the Price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TwoBit - December 13 - 10:00 am

  When I was test driving cars I had never even heard about the Mazda 3. Friend mentioned it, I was trying to be very opened minded when looking for a car. I tested it and fell in love. I love all of the features and price range. My friend has a 2003 Acura TL type S and there were features mine had that he wish his had. Power is good. Good gas milages for the size of the car. I LOVE this car.

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  Just bought it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By may31 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It was a toss up between the TSX and the 6. I couldnt take the hassle with the hard to come by TSX and the 6 was more bang for the buck. It has a lot more room, especially in the trunk. Perfect for the family I hope to have soon.

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  great price, great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jethro2004 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with the car, though the gas mileage has been far less than the epa tested (the only major issue with the car, probably would not be an issue to me without the high gas prices). The only quality issue so far is a rattle in the rear hatch which the dealer promptly fixed.

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  Nice, Very Nice - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Family Guy - December 13 - 4:33 am

  To me this vehicle represented a great deal. I wanted a Japanese made minivan since they last longer than other brands. I shopped price and options. Honda, Toyota, and Nissan, all had nice vans, but they would not move on price. Well Honda and Toyota were pretty much firm, Nissan came down a bit, but Mazda will give the best deal. My guess is the other vans are a bit larger so they are in more demand. Heck, this vehicle is loaded and I saved at least $10K as compared to the other brands. My 4 year old loves it.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Storman - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I look at the BMW and Mercedes i was so disappointed that these to cars did not come with all the bells The new mazda6 is great bigger,faster. I live in the hills and it handles well the engine is so quiet.