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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  Nothing compares - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Enthusiast - July 30 - 11:43 am

  Dismissed the Corolla outright because of its appliance-like nature. Civic seemed too unrefined in comparison, and was turned off by so-so reviews of the Cobalt. At this price range, theres nothing that even comes close to the 3. This car is simply superb! The exterior (especially of the hatchback), is distinctive; the interior is comfortable, attractive, and refined. Performance from the smooth 2.3L engine is more than adequate, and its a joy to row through the gears. Too early to report on fuel economy, but this car begs to be driven hard, so Im not expecting stellar mileage. Dont take my word for how great this car is - read the reviews by the professionals and test drive it!

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  My first NEW CAR AND I LOVE IT - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By demartini - July 29 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car bought it on Nov 2010 brand new, i got the Stormy Blue and in the night it looks like Black, 360 degrees i love my car in the outside and inside. Very reliable never had an issue with my car as of yet. i have recommended Mazda to all my friends of just how reliable my car is. She is perfect!

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  What a bargain! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Climbhi - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Incredible brakes and handling. The tiptronic transmission makes an otherwise so-so 4 speed automatic more than tolerable. The car is built incredibly well. Fit and finish are Lexus quality. Interior driver controls are excellent, ride is smooth and communcative, outward vision excellent. Talk about a car that is easy to drive. It provides a sense of sureness.

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  Buy Now! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DMC - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun, fast, great value. Why doesnt every car maker produce cars like this? Nothing else in its class even comes close (and Ive owned all of the others).

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  Outstanding Car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Delbert Mazda - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed. Great handling, very reliable, good performance. I love the silver with the dark interior. Closer to a hatch than a wagon.

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  awesome vehicle - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By eric buzaglo - July 28 - 8:13 am

  this car is exceptional. the mazda rx-8 is both beautiful inside and out. its 17 inch wheels are magnificent. very unique car. i hope mazda keeps up the good work. bravo!

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  My Mazda 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lori - July 27 - 7:10 am

  I like my Mazda 6, its fun to drive, seems reliable, and is a good-looking sedan. Two negatives: 1 .I notice some acceleration hesitancies. 2. Its a thirsty car (high gas consumption).

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  Quick, cool, and great mileage. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Lover - July 27 - 5:46 am

  I have 34k miles on the car and have not had one problem yet. The car continues to have the same acceleration as the day I bought it (2.3L). The comfort is amazing for a large adult who is 64 tall. I have family members who are taller and enjoy driving it. The suspension is sporty and responsive. I drive on the highway most of the time and get 32-34 mpg. The look of the car is amazing!!

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  Zoom for the money! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy - July 26 - 11:06 am

  At 53 sold my impractical touring motorcycle so I needed some sport w/practicality. Drove VW Rabbit, but 2.3 Mazda 3 was smoother and have owned both in the past, Mazda more reliable. Most important is Electronic Stability Control, have not been able to get it to skid, it is like glued to the road like a Porsche 911 but more balanced. Precise steering. Acceleration is good, better than I expected and it is fun to pass 3 cars at a time on two lane highway. Needed manual and sun roof to keep sport feeling but is clumsy with cell phone in traffic. Very quiet at hwy speeds, 3,050 rpm at 70 in 5th, redlines at 6,500 rpm (top 149 mph??). S Touring has lots of features, cruise, etc. Doors solid.

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  Dollars per horsepower unbeatable - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By DG - July 24 - 7:13 am

  I love the power, the handling, and the overall package. The car drives extremely well. The only issues after 1500 miles have to do with the carbon from the tailpipes that ends up all over the rear of the car. I have owned several turbo cars and carbon build up on the pipes is common. This seems excessive. The car emits a lot of smoke on hard acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gear. Overall, it is the best value for the money in terms of horsepower and quality.