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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  Good Van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By andyengineer - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Used for 160 mi/day commute for five months, took extended family (4 adults, 2 kids, & luggage)to mountains, then took out seats and used it as a moving van. I am impressed. The acceleration is adequate under load (1000+ lbs.) and downright zippy when empty. It has excellent safety features, good comfort, and does not suffer the wallow of other vans when I ride in the 2nd row.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8z - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Drove the Z, G35 coupe, S2000, this was the best in the class. Minor flaws though, gas is not that great but no sport cars really are. Rattle in doors, but easily fixed by dealership. Alot of room, great speed, not much torque but the car is feather light, you wouldnt notice the difference. Ive owned a Supra TT, and though the 8 is not as fast, its definitely a fun car to drive ! I recommend it highly to anyone who wants a nice 30k sports car

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  Couldnt help myself - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mpg993 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive been looking for a small sporty car for a while now. After many hours of reseach and test driving several vehicles, I just had to buy the Mazda 3. I test drove the Honda Civic, Civic SI, Toyota Matrix, Mini Cooper S, Hyundai Elantra GT and the Mazda 3. With exception of the Mini Cooper, the Mazda 3 is by far the funnest car to drive. It just feels good to drive. The hard part is deciding between the sedan and the hatchback. Both are beautiful inside and out. I opted for the european sedan look. The handling and acceleration are excellent. If youre looking for a great small car, go test drive the Mazda 3. You wont regret it!

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  Highly Recommended - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By patuta03 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a sedan that was a little sporty, but still worked economically and the 3 works perfectly on both fronts. The styling is great and for the options, fuel economy and safety reputation, it really cant be beaten. I got a 5-speed and it has more than enough pep to get going...you end up hitting 80 and not realizing it. The inside is beautiful and very fun to play around with.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By acefl - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had the new 3 for about 3 weeks now. I love it. I think the car is good looking from the inside out. Has that IS300 look to the outside, and inside looks nice with the led luminated insturment cluster. I think is great that mazda put so many options into an entry level sedan.

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  Fantastic 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By meiro - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Extremely well built, alot of features for the money. Very comfortable, tons of space. Great appearance with sport package, sport grill. Bose system is A+. Luminous gauges are beautiful! Really an exceptional automobile. Looked at the Acura TCX, Audi A4, VW Passat, Saab 9-3. V6 is smooth and very quick.

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  Why not - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miat - June 28 - 5:23 pm

  Wanted something stylish and fun. It is all that and then some. My husband and I run to see who will get to the Miata first. Style and the retractable top makes it own statement. Not used to so much fast response, takes a second then you think, why not, no one is around. Blast to drive, great jaw dropper on many faces when that top retracts. Looks good, drives great, just a great car.

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  I love my Mazda3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jess - June 28 - 11:36 am

  I decided to buy myself a birthday gift in 2005 and got this car. It had all of the features I wanted and is the best looking hatchback on the market. It is so much fun to drive and has never had a single mechanical issue in 2.5 years! I will drive this car for many many years, even if I could afford a higher performance vehicle. I mean it isnt as much fun to drive as a Lotus Exige S, but for a hatch that can easily fit snowboards (and a bunch of furniture from Ikea) it is the best option!

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  99 Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Miata_man - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a new Miata 3 years ago and, overall, I love the car. Its a blast to drive and handles very well. I understand that they added a six speed transmission, which it badly needs. Some minor issues with the car would be loss of power when the air conditioner is on and a rattle that occurs sometimes in the gear shift. Things that should be expected with this car are a small trunk and a lot of road noise at high speeds.

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  Zoom-aoom-zoom--Its all true!!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Souplady - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in April 2001 and it was love at first sight and has been ever since. It is an almost perfect car/SUV. It is fun to drive, fun to look at and fun to own. Lots of people seem to notice my car when I am driving it. I did a tremendous amount of research on SUVs before buying this car and was very pleased that I was able to find one at a reasonable price. It has a lot of get up and go and yet lots of room for all your stuff. I have had my car over a year and except for oil changes, the car has not given me one bit of trouble, not one!! Go for it---zoom, zoom, zoom!!!