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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  Mazda 3i - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Max 123 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle to drive in, its fun to drive, quite interior, with 4 wheel disk brakes, and 15" tires. A lots of space for a compact car. No problem getting on the freeway. There are two suggestion I would like Mazda to look in to its dash light. 1st, the red color light display on dash made my eyes uncomforable after a while and, 2nd the driver/passanger seat need some improvement for back support. Other than that, the Mazda 3i is a fine automobile. Suggestion: Get the car with power door locks. You will want it later if dont buy it with the options, belive me. Over all, I feel it is a better car to drive than, a corolla.

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  none - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By scoobydoobydoo - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it so far. Just wish the milage would be better.

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  A Bullet with a Smile! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rickssr - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Love at first sight was just the begining. Sunlight Silver, Black Leather Interior, MoonRoof! What more could I say. The car just purrs like a kitten and is so silky smooth when accelerating I just have to keep an eye on the tach. As for the Hugging around bends and corners, off/on ramps.... just blew me away. 17" wheels and this car were ment to be. Even at highway cruising speeds this car is such a pleasure and a dream to be a part of I just cant say more.

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  SPORT SEDAN and then some - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Captain Z - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The 6 is an engineering masterpiece for its price. Dont worry. Its not going to be the next Toyhonzukee; the 6 is unique and still rare. My 5-spd is responsive, shifts smoothly, quietly. Handling (esp. in turns) is outstanding; see how sharply it can corner. However, avoid roads in poor condition. The 6 is best on HWY or on smooth roads. Very stylish, comfortable interior; limited space in back seat. Cockpit lights are red; modern and attractive! Buy this car fully loaded (or not) and watch heads turn. It is a "must" if in your class and price range. Very fun to drive. If you want more speed, I believe many engine enhancements will soon become available.

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  Zoom - Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Monique - April 9 - 6:13 pm

  I just love this car. Driving it makes you feel as though you own the road.

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  A truly perfect car! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By claycrenshaw - April 9 - 8:15 am

  Safety, horsepower, fuel efficiency, value, reliability, and FUN, all in one! Every second behind the wheel of my new Mazda3 is incredible. With Mazdas super reliable track record under the belts of my friends and family and the assurance of my vehicle being a Top Safety Pick, I know that Ill be driving my kids around in this car years from now. So many great features and incredibly fun to drive, and I am still in disbelief at how hard my dealer [non-permissible content removed] worked to get me behind the wheel of this amazing vehicle. You can certainly trust them to put you in the car of your dreams! I would recommend this car to anyone any day!

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  Base model Mazda5 Sport impresses - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Minneapolitan - April 9 - 1:13 am

  Traveling in Europe, I was taken with the compact minivan "space wagons." With our second child on the way, my wife and I were ready to give up her Saturn SL2 and get into something w/ easier access to car seats. She was also anxious to get that higher vantage point a minivan or SUV driver seat could offer. So we picked up a 2007 Mazda5 Sport automatic. What went into our decision to purchase the Mazda5 was (in order of importance) the exterior styling, the sliding rear doors (great for tight parking spots), Mazdas superb fit and finish (both interior and exterior), ride (quiet, responsive, comfortable). Price. Small outside, big inside.

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  It worth every $ I paid - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By yli2 - April 8 - 5:57 pm

  My 2010 Mazda3 saved my life during an accident, so I decided to buy another Mazda. Finally choose this old model because I cannot trust 2012 SkyActiv tech. It took me a month getting used to this car since it is much bumpier then previous model. After test-driving VW GTi, I was assured the car was just tuned as it is. This car handles exceptionally well. Clutch synchronizer is smoother than my 2010 model. I get 30-32mpg, better than my 2010 model.

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  No Regrets - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Jim - April 8 - 9:23 am

  I honestly do not know how other people have so many problems with their MPVs. This van was a demo with 10K and now has 155K. Everything still works like new after 7 yrs, even the CD changer has never jammed. This vehicle has been driven day after day with two kids and was fully put to the test. No major repairs except the trans was replaced under warranty at 75K because the dealer insisted it needed it when brought in for an unrelated noise. Very comfortable vehicle and easy to drive on long trips. Lots of innovative features not available at the time on other models. I could not have asked for a more reliable vehicle. If Mazda still made the MPV we would trade for a new one today.

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  Best in Class...With Style - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By RuddigerPez - April 7 - 6:16 am

  Checked out a comparable Accord, Camry, and Altima and only the Altima came close to this vehicle. Though the Touring model isnt the top trim for the 6i, its still a feature-laden auto with many amenities that you will find you cant live without. Stability/traction control, trip computer, MP3 capable stereo and advanced key (no key start and door-locks) just to name a few. Handling/engine power is great, road/wind noise is low, and interior and controls are well laid-out. If you dont think the Mazda6 has the features/power/build quality that you are looking for, be prepared to pay $10,000 more to get what you want.