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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  Long Commuter - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Marcel - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I have a 112 mile round trip commute to work. I like the handling, the styling inside and outside, and the summer gas mileage (28 mpg highway). City mileage is low in the winter, (around 20 mpg.) Front brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since taking ownership, (65,000 miles). See some rust starting on back doors. See rust starting on tail gate jam where weather stripping comes together by latch. I wash and wax weekly. Its quiet, decent power, Hydroplaning occurs on water-soaked highway roads, need to slow down under 50 to feel safe. Handles okay in winter. I use snow tires on all 4 wheels in winter. Dont like the anti-skid feature.

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  Mazda3 S Sport - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bighaeb - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Two words: Simply amazing! You arent going to find anything out there that compares in performance, fun, and quality for the price. Take my word for it. Ive spent a LOT of time driving everything possible within a 16000-21000 range. Get to your nearest dealer and drive one. You will love it!

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  High Priced Tin Can. - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ewok - October 11 - 8:53 am

  My back cant handle much of this car. After an hour or so I believe Id feel better if I was on a medieval torture rack. Would that it took that long to get tired of the racket this car makes. Took it in for service to deal with the rattle, squeak, and squeal from the dash. The service people were really nice but unfortunately the problem is still there. So if you like paying 20,000 for a tin can this is the car for you.

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  Great car at excellent price - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By jcampo - October 10 - 2:29 pm

  Bought the 2012 Mazda 5 manual in April 2011. Over 13k miles and has been running great. Love the look, great acceleration. Love the siding slide doors for our two kids 16/12 plus dog. Third row seats have been used, but cant use them for a long trip. Trunk is small with third seats in use, but push them down and you have plenty of space for longer trips with family of four. Mileage averages about 27mpg city/hwy. On highway, best was 33mpg. Visibility to right blind spot a bit blocked, but other than that, this was definitely the best car for us. Excellent space, fun to drive, decent mileage, and we got a great price.

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  Analysis of CX9 Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Bill Rasmussen - October 9 - 8:40 am

  This vehicle has been a real pleasure to drive. I especially like its power and the handling aspects of it. It is very easy to handle out on the open road. I have had many people comment to me how this is a good looking vehicle.

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  Love it, Love it! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Sherri P - October 8 - 5:43 pm

  I have owned my pearl white CX-7 for one month. I have had several new vehicles and this has been the most fun to drive. Lots of compliments. The handling is superb. Got 23 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Fun to drive, stylish and fast - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By rodolfo schalscha - October 8 - 4:10 pm

  Compared with other cars, I decided that is the best value for your money, very comfortable, quality, leather and sunroof a must. 5 speed manual transmission, one of the best.

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  Excellent Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By amco - October 8 - 10:20 am

  I have had my car now for 3 weeks and I am loving it! The look, feel, price, options and handling of the car leave little to be desired. Although the fuel economy on the 2.3 is not amazing, I am averaging 22.5 with some pretty lead footed driving (not too shabby). The utility of the hatchback is awesome, I cant believe how much you can cram in the back when the seats are down. The cockpit is one of the nicest around, and I love how the controls look at night. Overall, I am very happy with this car.

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  Protege ES replacement - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By badger_mazdaman - October 8 - 2:10 am

  Had owned a 2002 Mazda Protege ES. That car was such a well controlled handler, but was starting to get too punishing on midwestern roads hammered by a hard winter. The 08 Mazda6 is almost as fun to whip around as the Protege, but a much easier car to live with - better balance between fun and comfort. But of course handling still beats the pants off an Accord or (yawn) Camry! Size was just-right for me, and comfy enough in back that I dont feel guilty putting passengers back there like I used to.

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  Ol Dads Retirement Present to Himself - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ol DaD - October 7 - 9:06 am

  This is my first new car since 1971 so I did lots of research and drove many cars before deciding on the Mazda 3. I needed the utility of 4 doors & a hatch, but wanted a car that was economical & fun. My driving is evenly mixed interstate & city, 5,000 miles since July. So far Im very pleased with the car. Its fun to drive, quick, handles like its on rails & never below 30 MPH. Mine is Copper Red, the interior is Beige & Black, very sharp. I have seen only a couple like mine in Indy. The 5-speed is precise & smooth. The traction control permits a squawk in 3 gears, with it off first gear will smoke the tires. Check out the competition, bang for the $$ Mazda wins;-) I would buy it again!