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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  WoW - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Dalpaa - July 10 - 6:13 am

  I was a fan from the moment I got in and stepped on the gas! Very well done for the price.

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  My first car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Brian - July 9 - 7:33 am

  I picked my P5 up used from a dealership for about $10k. Couldnt be happier. It fits all my stuff for college, while it is a blast to push through twisties. Decent fuel economy.

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  The Mazdaspeed 3 changed my mind - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Rube - July 8 - 3:26 pm

  Wonderful small car.... I thought once you go big you will never go small. The mazdaspeed 3 change my mind. You get track car performance in a small vehicle with great utility. I dont have to compromise.

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  Best of the Compact cars - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By monster289 - July 8 - 12:36 pm

  Ive had my car for a week now. Maybe I should have sprung a little more money for the leather and sunroof and Bose stereo, but thats OK. Im trying to save some money anyway! Car has great power for a 4 cylinder. It pulls a hill on the freeway in my area in 5th gear at 60-65 no problem. Flat cornering, great steering, awesome shifter/clutch.

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  No auto car wash + auto car cover only cons - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Suresh Nandiraju - July 7 - 5:06 am

  I have this car for a month now. The mileage right now I get is solid 30mpg (highway and city combined). I expect it to be even more when driven properly, not using the fun manual transmission (MT) and accelerating like crazy. MT is a blast in this mid size "sports" sedan. I was very much attracted towards the sporty look of this sedan. The drive is comfort. Brakes are awesome. And there is great acceleration when you need it. I recommend this over any other compact car that people may be buying especially when they are spending too much money on compact car. This car is not that big as other mid size sedans. Its the perfect size for people up to six and a half foot tall.

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  2 for the Money - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By gabagooo1 - July 6 - 7:15 pm

  With 4000 mile gone, I must say that the Mazda2 is a great car. You will read that it only has a 100 hp engine. You will read that it is small. Yup, both are true. But the 2 is a blast to drive, is peppy and economical. We are averaging 38 mpg in mixed driving. If I had wanted a packet rocket, I would have bought a Mazdaspeed3. The 2 has tons of personality, storage space and room for driver/passengers. I am 511" - 340 pounds and I fit in it fine. Great car. Love it.

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  Another happy M3-5 door lover - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdamad - July 6 - 10:53 am

  6 months -12,000 miles - no complaints as the 2nd owner. Purchased new and aggressive (Michelin) tread tires which improved the cars character considerably. It was great in snow and ice this past winter with the new tires. Garaged or out overnight, always starts right up and goes. Space for salesman stuff or space for family stuff depending on the need. Happy with the purchase and would do it again.

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  The perfect convertible - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Baz - July 6 - 7:00 am

  Great car, needs only two more inches of leg room, not enough to fully extend the arms. Quality is on par with my old Audi and better that the Mercedes 350SLK I recently sold. Good but not great value for money, I bought it for the hard top which is a great compromise. The only issue is the short gearing which might bother some, at 75 MPH, the engine is running at over 3,500 RPM which might be bothersome but I have gotten used to it. Great looking car for reasonable money, the only other car that are this much fun will easily cost an extra 20-30,000 dollar. The 6 speed manual transmission is a bit notchy, it has improved slightly with time, and the gas mileage is quite reasonable.

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  Therapy - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KMB@NS - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that is just plain fun. If you do not enjoy driving this vehicle, there is no hope for you. You may never want to put the roof up, even when the cold weather arrives.

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  Luxury on a Budget - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JAW - July 5 - 12:23 pm

  I have bought dozens of new cars. You might say I am a poor mans Jay Leno. On Feb. 16,2010,I purchased a 2010 Mazda 3 GT 6sp man. sedan in graphite with 2MC,and 1TE.I got 0.0% financing and Mazdas $500 rebate.The 3 GTs MSRP is $24890,I paid $21920 plus $910 for tax,tag, and fees,total was $22830 O.T.D. I enjoy the driving dynamics, and the creature comfort features, which would cost between $5000 and $10000 in the BMW 3,Mercedes C,Infinity G,or VW CC I have owed. Thus the Mazda 3 GT is definitly Luxury on a Budget.