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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  High Value - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdat - November 26 - 12:16 pm

  I’ve heard good things about Mazda cars, and liked the looks of the 3, but never drove a Mazda until my 1997 Honda Accord EX with 200,000 plus miles needed more in repairs than I wanted to spend. The excellent driving dynamics of the 3, zero percent financing, and a great price loaded with options sold me on a 2011 Mazda 3 i Touring. The strengths of the 3 are handling, build quality, interior quality, good mileage, and an excellent Bose sound systems with Bluetooth phone/music player integration. My mileage with the 3 in a mix of city/highway driving was better than expected, returning 37 MPG employing a conservative driving style.

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  Perfect Commuter - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scotticus - November 25 - 5:13 am

  Fun, reliable little car that looks good and scores outstanding fuel economy. For the first 1552.5 miles, Ive used 49.19 gallons for an average 31.56 mpg. 6-disc changer, power moonroof, comfortable interior and civilized conveniences make this agile little pet an outstanding compromise of affordability and comfort. Its the perfect commuter, and value-priced.

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  Dont buy a compact till you drive a 3. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dave - November 25 - 3:53 am

  After driving our 3 for about 6 months now, I can say without reservation that we have never owned a car that we enjoyed driving so much and had so much confidence in. It performs superbly, is beautiful to look at, and has so much more "character" than the other compacts we tested, including those from Toyota, Honda, Ford, etc. I dont know why anyone would need or want more in a car. It is an exceptional value because it looks and drives like a car costing twice as much. In short, wed buy another one in a heartbeat. Some Hondas and Toyotas get better mileage, but who cares? This car pays dividends in fun that the others cant touch and the attention to detail is exemplary.

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  Love it - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Carla - November 24 - 8:16 pm

  My Mazda Protege 2002 is the best car i have ever had. I will never go back to another car in my life. Everything about this car is wonderful. Nothing as gone wrong since i have purchased it. This car is worth buying!!!!

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  I bought a Monteray Grey colored Tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By John Staehle - November 24 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I test drove the Mazda Tribute "Sport" FWD/6spd/4cyl with great results and purchased the same.

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  Not your fathers dull ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By alohajoe - November 24 - 2:26 am

  If you think Corolla, Civic, Focus, or Sentra are your idea of good small cars than The Mazda 3s is probably too radical for you. Its sad that so many people do not consider Mazda3 when thinking of buying a small car. Style, handling, braking, fun factors are totally beyond what the other car makers have to offer. Yes, others may be more reliable and reassuring in that sense but its a dull, practicle, for the masses products. Do yourself a favor, test drive a 3s and compare it with any other comparable makes. Its a little rough but that part of the allure and enticement.

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  Worst car ever - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By NEVER buy a Mazda - November 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I have owned our Protege 5 for almost 6 years now and it has been nothing but a headache. The sub frame has rotted practically off the car and has been fixed twice already. There are recurring problems with the check engine light and the dealer cannot determine what the issue is exactly. "spend $1000s and still not know if the issue(s) is fixed". Mazda does not stand behind their vehicles AT ALL. Sub frames rotting are a real safety issue and maybe they should look at how Toyota solved this problem. Our other car is a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire and it does NOT have rust issues. The Mazda has even been undercoated more than the Sunfire! Do not waste your money!

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  Permanent Fan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By neamazdalover - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car. 6iSport with 5-speed manual. Cloth seats, sunroof, spoiler, 6 disc CD, power windows and seats, airbags all around, and all for $20,000 brand new. This thing eats up the road like nothing Ive ever driven before. I drive about 200 miles of rural, s-curves everyday and love every minute of it. Zoom, zoom is right on, but watch tire choices when you have to buy new. Suspension is so tight, tires sometimes cant keep up. Value X 10 for the cost. Stops on a dime! Half the price (and great financing options) of a BMW 3 series, but not nearly half the experience. This from someone who was driving a different car every two years, but I think Ive found THE ONE!

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  Happy with my crossover choice! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By tad2040 - November 23 - 4:13 am

  Before I bought the CX5 I did hours of research into crossover vehicles and Im very happy to have chosen this one. Ive been driving it for about 3 months now and couldnt be happier with it. The sleek exterior of the car is what initially caught my eye. The car is very easy and fun to drive. Even though its a crossover it handles like a sedan. The gas mileage has been great on my wallet and it picks up speed nicely. Im about 2500 miles into the car and havent noticed any problems at all. I previously drove a Honda and I have full faith in Mazda that it will be just as reliable. Im extremely happy with my choice!

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  Must test drive - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By George - November 22 - 6:56 am

  I have owned over 30 cars throughout my life. This is one of the most fun i have ever had in a car. Lived in Germany for five years and wished i had the CX-7 for the autobahn. The seat bottoms in the front seats are a little short. They may have fixed this for 2010.