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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  Its what I wanted! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Color Black - June 28 - 2:03 am

  I researched this car for 3/4 months prior to my purchase. It was hard, but I finally got the price I wanted. The car is great! You have know idea how fast you are actually driving till you look at the odometer-45-60-90-108 mph all feels the same. Be ready for the looks you will get in this car.

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  I love my CX9! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By JJ - June 28 - 2:03 am

  I traded in my BMW 3-series because it was giving me nothing but problems. As much as I love European cars, I just could not deal with the constant repairs once my car hit the 80,000 mile mark. I decided to trade my car in since it was still in good condition (after all repairs), now was the time! I was leaning towards getting a Lexus or Infiniti SUV, but noticed the Mazda. I am so happy that I got the CX-9 because it was thousands cheaper and still fully loaded. I love the 19-inch stock rims, dual exhaust chrome pipes, the interior is so spacious, and I feel so safe. This car is a great combo of the 2 SUVs I originally wanted to, so now I have the best of both worlds...but even better!

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  running great and fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By adam - June 27 - 11:53 am

  I bought my Mazda in March 05 and now have 33K on it. I havent had a single problem. Only routine maintenance. It drives great and is fun to drive.

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  Still Perfect - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By danalube - June 27 - 9:22 am

  I bought this car new and have racked up about 60,000 miles. Most of those miles were in Florida. The A/C kept my dark car and dark interior very cool. I do have window tint, which helps. In Summer 2011, I drove it from Tampa to Seattle. The cross country drive was very comfortable and problem free. The stereo with Sirius/XM has decent sound and the nav system got me to my new home with no problems either. All Ive done to it so far is oil changes and tire rotations. New tires are going on this year. The only thing that I would improve on this car is the handling and better brakes. Previous car was an RX-8. I got spoiled with the brakes and handling on it.

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  Excellent - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaspeedfreak - June 27 - 4:43 am

  This car has the best looks, performance, reliability for its price.

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  Very happy with the lovely 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ylli - June 26 - 1:22 pm

  I leased this mazda 3 August 2010. I really love the brilliant handling and the comfort seat and ride. Steering is very fast and precise. I guess for the price, you cant find other car in the class with better driving experience. I did do some autocross with this car. Even on all season tire, it can still shine. I also did a few 800 mile journey, it is comfortable enough that I can drive 13 hrs straight in the car. The down side would be so so fuel economy, I normally average 23-24 mpg in town, barely 30 mpg driving on highway. Also the build quality could be slightly improved. My car did develop a slight rattle at the back of the car at around 5000 miles. Overall, i am very happy.

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  the best small suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisa nelson - June 26 - 10:00 am

  drives like a small car. handles like a dream. gas milage is really good. i get 23 city and 28 hwy. has room for adults in rear seat. cargo space is bigger then many other small suvs on the market.

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  Car Wroth Owning - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Maverick_x - June 26 - 10:00 am

  For a 1.3 liter vechicle, its got some mad power. Although it could have a little more torque, its not a bad car. The interior of the car is pretty nice. The exterior of the vechicle isnt that bad. If you buy it with the rotary kit, then it doesnt look as bad. I personally like the cars overall performace. It might not have the most hp in its class, nor torque, but it has good reliability and performance. It might not be as fast, but its a car that is funn to drive daily.

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  great choice - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jenniferhancock - June 26 - 10:00 am

  very good acceleration. very roomy. Awesome value

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  Super Value for a Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By vuter - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a super car. I love it. I keep thinking the market guys at Mazda made a mistake in pricing. In comparing the 3 with the civic or corolla, its no contest. I personally think closer competition is a class up with the likes of the accord, camry, or jetta, but the 3 is a smaller, more nimble, in general more sporty which is what I prefer.