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 not a minivan its a SUPER WAGON - 2014 Mazda Mazda5
  By wnull - November 10 - 8:42 pm

  when our 2007 mazda3 was totaled we knew we wanted another mazda. we had that car since new with 130k on it and no issues. We also wanted something for our growing family but yet something kind of fun to drive. My wife refuses to drive anything but a manual transmission. So the mazda5 has fit the bill for everything. we dont usually have more than 4 people in the car at a time but its nice to know we can fit 6 if needed. If you plan on taking this for long vacations using all six seats..BUY the roof rack! MPG so far has averaged 28/ best 32..mostly hwy and long stretches of 40mph roads during my commute. For a young couple that like smaller maneuverable cars this is the way to go!

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  Fun Car! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BrendaC - November 10 - 5:20 am

  THE most fun car you will ever drive!

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  Best car for the money on the market now - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By CB - November 9 - 7:10 am

  Since buying this car early this year I have had an excellent experience. The fuel milage has been consistantly fantastic and the handling is awesome! Im so impressed with this vehicle that Im going to be purchasing another one in a month. Even with all the economic advantages of this car it still has a high performance ability for the road {ZOOM-ZOOM}.

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  zoom zoom zoom - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By izoomzoom - November 9 - 1:36 am

  Driving this car will put a smile on your face. The new direct-injected SkyActiv engine feels fast and powerful. The car handles great on the road. The i Grand Touring comes well equipped with features like leather seats, sunroof, navigation, bluetooth, and Bose stereo. The seats are comfortable and controls are well positioned. The navigation screen is small and a little awkward to use. Bluetooth works great. Bose audio sounds great. Visibility is pretty good except out the short back window. Good amount of cargo space. Overall the Mazda3 is a great car, and Mazda has improved it for 2012.

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  Its a good car, not a great car. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bubba - November 8 - 6:23 pm

  I’ve owned a few new cars in the last 7 years, and the only one I regret buying is the Mazda 3. I’m not saying it was a bad purchase but I should have spent more time looking at the Honda and Toyota. The Mazda 3 has a powerful engine and a refined transmission that make it so nice to drive, but it comes at the cost of low quality interior materials and poor fit and finish. Features are plentiful but lack quality, thought, and purpose, and may even be totally pointless like manual headlamp leveling. I love the sporty feel and tight suspension, but some may find the ride noisy and rough. Finally, there is no coolant temperature gauge??? What’s up with that???

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  The best - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By ZOOMX2GUY - November 8 - 4:50 am

  I thought I will never have the same driving experience I had when I bought my first BMW 5 series and then I got a CX9 this month and WOW is all I can say! Its like Im so excited driving it that I dont care where to go or how far the destination is because this vehicle is so much fun to drive. Im not sure why other reviewers will comment on the MPG on this one but all I can say is that DO YOUR RESEARCH before buying a car.

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  Great value! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tim - November 7 - 2:16 pm

  Just traded in my 2006 Tacoma for the Mazda3. Wow. What a ride. The performance and handling of this car put it so far ahead of the others in the class (can you hear me Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc?). Mines brand new, but Im already averaging 31 mpg. It is such a blast to drive, and surprisingly roomy inside considering how small it looks. When you first sit in this car, you feel like youre in a more expensive class of vehicle. Everything is rock-solid and extremely well put together. Just simply a joy to drive and own. If a small economical car is on your wish list, youd be doing yourself a great disservice to not at least look at the Mazda3.

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  Wanna Be Honda/Toyota - 1999 Mazda 626
  By nv888 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car w/22K miles. Drove it from SF, to LA, San Diego, and back and forth from SF to Seattle 4 times. I never felt safe in this tin can. The fan belt broke on me, the pass.wind stopped working, the CD broke after 60K, and the transmission always made me nervous. I gave it to my sister 2 years ago and bought a LexusGS300 (which ive had problems) The car is reliable,cheap transportation, but Id never concider it again.Turning radius SUCKS. Parking in dwntn Seattle and SF is embarassing. Go for the real thing. Accord or Camery This car leans so badly on turns, no ABS and brakes SUCK.Pwr Ant.broke. Problems after 60+K miles

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  great car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By hall - November 7 - 10:00 am

  fun car to drive, great economy for the dollas spent

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  Excellent Not enough Credit given - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By NOBRAINNER - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This van is Great. It is fun to drive and is comfortable for my 12 year old and her friends. It is everything Mazda gives its automobiles. My 12 year old said I dont look like a soccer/softball mom in this van. I drove other mini vans and this one was the best fit for our family.