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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  Pre-order - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LTAGFERN - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the original pre-orders (early March 03, 3rd pre-order group). Ive never doubted my purchase. My 8 has been a fantastic auto. The much discussed "missing HP" and "low torque" are a non-issue. The stock tires (Potenza 040s) are the only irritating aspect of the car.

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  Sexy looking car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Nancy Cline - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I love the shape of this car! It looks like a expensive sports car but is reasonably priced. It handles extremely well especially around corners. My husband said it feels like a slot car when he is driving it. I get alot of lookers wondering what it is and who makes it. I have the Titanium Silver color. I absolutely love this car!

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  I love my car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By theanonymus1 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Cool car to own!

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  Im enjoying my SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Im enjoying it! - June 18 - 8:06 pm

  I have gone from $70 plus for a fill up to $40.00, from 12 mpg to 24. In the three weeks I have had it, we have been thru 4 inches of snow and two days of near 80 degree weather and it has kept me warm, cool and got me from point A to point B even while driving 15 miles per hour on the freeway. WhatÂ’s not to like.

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  Luv my 2000 MPV LX - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Alex - June 17 - 4:16 pm

  First time minivan owner. I really like the flexibility of the seats. I threw a party for my 5 year old and had to borrow chairs from my dad. I removed the 2 second row seats and folded down the 3rd row seat. I was able to haul 50 plastic stacking chairs, 2 six foot plastic tables, 1 large ice cooler, and 8 steam pan holders. Removable seats were fairly light. If you are offered one for under $10,000 with less than 70K miles then go for it!

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  The Best of All Worlds - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By B Man - June 17 - 9:40 am

  Im going to be honest and tell you I had to replace the fuel pump two days after buying this car. Im calling it a fluke. Aside from that, this car rocks. Ive been researching this one since it first came out, and now that I have it, its everything I could want in a car. It came down to this or the Honda Accord, but this car has so much more passion. I know its an economy car, but seriously, this is the closest thing to a BMW 3 series that Ive driven this side of 25 grand. Its really that good. The engine is super smooth and powerful. The suspension is perfect, and the layout and design of the car is spot on. Buy this car. Its even better than youre hoping it will be.

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  Great Value- Get one while you Can - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Susan0331 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Awesome value for the price.

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  Woo Hoo - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kay & Gene - June 16 - 9:53 pm

  We decided it was time to have some fun in our lives. Drove the Sky, Solstice, S2000. Nothing compared with the style, handling and amenities. Besides its got a hard top, duh! We got out of a Lincoln Town Car for this fantastic ride!!!

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  Love this car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cassie - June 16 - 6:50 am

  This is the greatest purchase I have ever made! I owned an F150 prior to purchasing this car and was sad to see it go, that was until I drove my new Mazda home. This car is fun, sporty, and looks cute. I feel very safe and love getting in and going.

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  Nearly perfect! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - June 16 - 4:46 am

  I was debating between a (Toyota) Scion TC and a Mazda 3. After researching, testing, and spending some time with each car, my only regret is that I wasted so much time with the TC. I settled on a 2004 3s (2.3 engine and trim extras). The quality of the parts and build is simply amazing for a car in this price range. If you spent 10 minutes in either car, the difference is night and day. Anyone in the market for a sedan under 25k should look everywhere else first, then when you see this car youll be even more amazed at what they offer you for the price. For the gas mileage people: im getting BETTER than rated (im at 28/35) at 1,300k...so its not even broken in yet!