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:

• 

  Best Economy Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By marco350z - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The 04 Mazda 3s is by far the best economy car around. I recently purchases an 04 Neon SXT and an 03 Civic LX and the Mazda 3s out-does them easily. I just got this car for my 17 yr old and he loves it. The car has the great engine with 160hp. It has superb handling, smooth ride, quiet cabin, outstanding interior and exterior styling, high quality interior. The 1 flaw in this car is that the trunk is small. I got an auto Mazda 3s with navigation and leather for only 17,650. This car is like a mini Altima or Accord.

• 

  Just a test drive...... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bearcatsvc - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The test drive was very nice. The dealer was a little pushy. I have just begun to search for a new car and this one might be it. The Mazda Symbol on the front and rear of the car is absolutly huge, tone it down Mazda. Radio was kind of weak, the shift were not as crisp as in the 6 but the clutchs pick up position was better. The handling was sweet tight but not quite as good as the out going protege. It better than the protege in someways, more of the same in others.

• 

  Re-review after several years - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff in Durham NC - November 18 - 8:03 pm

  Unhappy originally due to build quality and still annoyed by intermittent rattles in dash. Also thought the ride was too harsh; replaced the original Michelins (lasted only 33k miles!) with Hankooks and it was like getting a new car...still handles well but doesnt jar your teeth loose on every pothole. About 58K miles now and have done front brakes, tires, a battery and oil changes every 3k and this thing just runs like a champ. Still looks good and since theyre not going to offer the new 6 in a wagon, Im going to hang onto this thing - nothing else out there tempts me yet. First car Ive had that I like more as time goes on. Normally by now Id be itching to trade.

• 

  The best package & vlaue - 2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By kneo - November 18 - 10:15 am

  I test drove and heavily researched for 3+ months before I acquired a 2013 MS3 w/ Tech Pkg. I looked at all "classes" with budget of up to $45000 . I looked at Subaru WRX & WRS-STI, Acura TSX, Acura TL SH-AWD, Genesis 2.0T, GTI, BMW 328, etc. I needed a practical 4-door sports car which would provide convenience, great looking exterior, "every day" drive-ability, fast, good interior, excellent handling, good on gas when not "pushed", etc. I Could not ignore the amount of money Id save with an MS3 while getting everything I wanted. If you love motorcycles, youll love MS3--simple! :) Love it!!

• 

  so sexy!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By wy - November 17 - 9:03 pm

  I just bought my car with barely 30000 miles and I love it!! I have always owned sports like cars but this one, hands down, takes the cake!! I was sketchy about buying a mazda because the last mazda i owned (a mx3) gave me alot of problems :( true this car may not be good for grocery shopping etc, but if you let her warm up and rev the engine before you kill it (not that hard rt??) she is a sexy lil thing to drive and I love her!!

• 

  Bulletproof! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By nikonmorous - November 15 - 12:20 pm

  In 2011 when I got this car, it was my sweet sixteen gift, so of course it was the coolest thing on the road ( at least in my opinion ). It came from the local Ford dealership with 142k miles on the odometer. Now, three and a half years later, it has 176k miles. And not a single mechanical issue - the drivetrain is absolutely rock-solid. Cosmetically, the car does suffer a bit. The front bumper mustve been painted with hair-dye, the the headliner had to be applied using Elmers Glue - just appalling. Not to mention, the projector headlights perform like theyve got cataracts. Although the engine is lethargic, its a hoot to drive. I swear its on rails.

• 

  Very Nice - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Underpants - November 15 - 12:06 pm

  Moving from the world of RWD V8s, I decided I wanted something smaller, better handling for my daily driver. The 3 wagon is a dream, as in its much better than I ever expected. The stick is one of the smoothest Ive ever used. The handling is a blast (get rid of the stock Goodyears immediately, they are garbage) and it can haul all the stuff I need for a cross country trip. The build is up there also, I hit a pothole so hard in this thing that I thought the A arm was coming through the front fender, but it didnt. And gas mileage, I routinely get 26 with all city driving (a lot of it heavy footed) and with less than 1000 miles on the odo, I got 37+. EXCELLENT CAR

• 

  Good Ride - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Roy Keane1 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive, small (enough storage space however) , and easy to get around the city...

• 

  Enjoy the drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By farrside - November 14 - 10:00 am

  5 door hatchback-slick 5 speed, nice interior design-firm but comfortable seats, very enjoyable to drive-handles well on the highway, great on winding roads-good acceleration 160 hp perfect for a car this size. Its just fun to drive. Looked at the Vibe and Subaru Forester. The Vibe was a close runner- up because it is more versatile. The 3 is better contstructed with better handling and driving features.

• 

  NICE SPORTS SEDAN - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ANDY S - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Of course the Acura tsx or a Volvo S40 looked good and felt better when I drove them but did I want to spend that kind of money just to get from point A to B NO! I was going to purchase a Honda Accord considering good reviews. So the Accord was my choice amongst midsize sedans. But the ugly style of the 04 Accord didnt do it for me, I wanted a more male, sporty car to drive. The Nissans altima was like driving a cheap car and the Camary was just too much for the car you were getting. So the 6 was the one I purchased. The handling is just great and the power you get for the price you pay is just perfect.