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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  LOVE my new Mazda!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cubbiesfan10 - March 31 - 2:46 am

  I was having a VERY hard time with the thought of getting rid of my Toyota Corolla S for a new car since I have never had any problems with my Toyota and absolutely loved that car. But it was time. After owning my Mazda 3 for one week I can honestly say purchasing this car was the best move I ever made. It has a very sporty feel (the low profile tires and sport-tuned suspension make it fun to drive). I feel like the car hugs the road and has VERY good pick up for being a 4 cylinder. I was VERY impressed at night when I noticed tiny indigo blue LED lights illuminating my cupholders and arm rests. This car is very well made, fun to drive and priced extremely well for all that it comes with!

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  Great family hauler - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By mrf - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This is a great van. Reliable, comfortable and not huge. Car-like handling and decent mileage (get 23 mpg on highway trips). Van has been excellent in build qulaity and reliability, and we have a very early-production model (April of 1999). Lots of folks gripe about the power...my opinion is that a minivan is not a hot rod, so it has been more than adequate. Besides, the 2002 models get a larger engine.

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  Wheeeeeee - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dennis Didier - March 31 - 2:00 am

  No excuses, just poain fun. would like 15-20 more horsepower, but at what expense?

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  WOW! SO MUCH CLASS FOR SO LESS - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By alahiri - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Just bought an Shimmering Sand LS with ABS, Alloy wheels, Sunroof, Side Airbags. The interior is also sand. It looks elegant. Road-holding is excellent. Quality is unbeatable. Its roomier than Corolla, Civic and Sentra. It also costs less than almost everyone in its class except the Korean makes. Test drive if you like class and performance at an affordable price.

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  best car for the $ - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sorento2006 - March 30 - 11:29 am

  i did a lot of research before deciding on this car,and everything i have read from road tests is almost true.i got my 4-door with fog lights,spoiler,bose/moonroof package.looks great in dark grey.

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  Zoooom Zooooom - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2008RedMiata - March 30 - 11:00 am

  Owned a 1990 Miata that I drove for yrs without any troubles. Decided to upgrade. Glad I did. Much more room than the original design. I just drove it 2000 miles in 5 days getting an avg of 33 mpg (28 mpg in the city). Comfort was better than anticipated for two people plus gear. This is not a "grocery getter". It is a fun car to drive to the drive in or in the mountains for a weekend get away. Zoooom Zooooom!!

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  2009 GT with Techno Pkg - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By ultimate_meenie - March 30 - 9:30 am

  Having a fun car to drive is a top priority for me, at the same time I like something practical; cx7 fits the bill perfectly. The power is good and the handling is excellent. It looks, feels and drives sporty. The tech package is great, lots of nice features for the money. My biggest disappointments so far have been the excessive road noise and lack luster Bose stereo. In terms of gas mileage; Mostly city-18MPG and mostly highway- 22MPG. In my shopping I think Rav4 \Forester are the best all around choices; Santa Fe, most refinement and bang for the buck, CX-7, best sporty crossover; poor man’s FX35-X3-RDX.

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  Mostly makes me smile - 2016 Mazda CX-5
  By michaelveloz - March 30 - 1:27 am

  I traded in a new competitor C-SUV recently for the Mazda GT and overall I am happy with the purchase. It makes me eager to drive it! The exterior styling and color (sould red) are very sexy looking (comapred to my previous crossover SUV), the interior is clean, and elegant feeling. The driving experience is so much more engaging and fun - great handling, great braking, decent acceleration. The tech gadgets all work well, including the infotainment system.

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  Most fun for your money by far. - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lee - March 29 - 9:03 pm

  The MX5 is all about the driving experience. Hugging the curves, wind in your hair (if you have any), hearing the exhaust - its all part of the enjoyment the Miata gives. Sure, its a little small, but thats the main reason its so fun. Under 2500lbs of auto makes going, stopping and turning quickly much easier. The engineers of this car nailed the 06+ design, as they have for the previous 2 generations. I use mine as a daily driver, and in the winter I just throw on some snow tires and go. Its 50/50 weight balance handles it great. If youre thinking of getting a Miata, go try one out. Youll be hooked.

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  Excellent overall - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By guinzuz - March 29 - 2:50 pm

  The fit an finish on the car is outstanding. Both exterior and interior styling are top-notch. Car is sporty to drive even with the smaller 2.0. Very practical and reliable. Driving position is very comfortable. Visibility is excellent. I would highly recommend this car.