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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  Even works for the family - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmb - April 5 - 3:43 am

  Weve had our Mazda 3 for a little over 2 months now and we are very happy with our decision. We wanted something that was going to get good gas mileage and the Mazda 3 has lived up to that. We are constantly getting 30 mpg which is greatly improved from the 16 mpg we were getting in our SUV. We thought this would be a vehicle for commuting back & forth to work, but actually our 3 children, ranging in age from 14 to 2, fit in the backseat just fine (even with a car seat) so we use it for family outings too. It has great handling and acceleration.

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  95 Miata - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By K Bear - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I was so lucky to get a Miata for my first car. A 95 Miata with 70k on it, excellent condition for $5500. This car is more fun to drive than anything else Ive driven, esp. with top down. Just watch out for sunburns. Handles like a dream and looks great. Everything about it is so perfectly designed. I dont have to take my eyes off the road to operate the radio for example. The shifter is near perfect. This car is definitely a future classic.

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  great car - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By l.c - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Leather is great Quality.Best value.Rides A+

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  Love my new Mazda3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By L.A. Girl - April 4 - 8:46 am

  I reluctantly said goodbye to my 11- year-old Saturn after repair costs became too great. I would have considered another Saturn but I have concerns about the future of the company. Since I know nothing about cars, I spent a lot of time here researching. Consumer reviews for Honda and Toyota were mixed but reviews for the Mazda3 were great so I decided to start my test driving there. After my first test drive, I didnt need to test anything else. I drove two hours to the only dealer who had the iTouring in gunmetal blue. Im glad I did...the color is beautiful!

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  great package - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By william montgomery - April 4 - 7:40 am

  Being an older couple with the desire to have a van and not be burdened by difficult driving with a large vehicle, the MPV we have is perfect. It can handle our family needs and is a pleasure to drive and park in our city environment. The external update for 2004 is really neat. Just enough "sass" to make it interesting.

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  Impressive!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By marla - April 4 - 2:56 am

  I am really enjoying driving this car. It is fun and gas saving!! I love how tight the steering is.

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  Powerless - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By peace2008 - April 1 - 10:50 pm

  I just bought the 2010 Mazda 3 iTouring. It was a good decision as it is a very nice car. I have noticed that the power is not so hot. I cant think of anything else I would change. Maybe put some more durable interior materials - lots of plastic.

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  SoldOnMazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By coolsteel - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Only problem in about 20K miles has been a faulty o-ring on A/C compressor, replaced under warranty. Heck, replacing 10 o-rings a year would still be a small price to pay for the fun Im having. Great dealership experience. Oh, yeah, no window sash "staining". Zoom-Zoom.

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  My 2004 Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TopJimmy - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have never purchaced, nor owned a more fun-to-drive car than the Mazda Miata. It handles curves effortlessly, has excellent road manners and the styling is superb. Its nimbleness allows easy maneuvering through tight city traffic.

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  Second new Mazda, love them. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alan McGuiness - March 31 - 2:43 am

  Traded in my 2004 with 111K on it for a new 2008 Mazda 6I, all the bells and whistles, leather heated seats and interior, CD player with awesome Bose speakers, sunroof, heated mirrors, compass in autodimming mirror, etc. Owned this one for 7 years, just spent my first out-of-pocket on a replacement headlight bulb. Absolutely no other issues or complaints, and I push my vehicles hard. This one did 135 MPH in Death Valley a couple of years back, and the radio plays louder the faster you go!! Armorall the entire leather interior annually, holding up perfectly.