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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  Finally! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rwantin - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My patience has been rewarded - I grew up in Michigan, and now live in So. Cal. A lifelong motorcyclist, it was here that I could finally get what I consider to be the finest 4-wheeled equivalent of a bike - a Miata! Grins from ear-to-ear, sensational handling, bulletproof reliability, and at a price that still cant be touched in this segment (sorry, I have never warmed up to the looks of the MR2). I now have a pleasant dilemma in the garage: Bike or car? This is indeed a classic roadster in the purest of (all) senses. Do yourself a favor - dismiss what anyone else thinks, and take one for a spin. You will not regret it.

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  rides like a truck - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By smashingk - September 26 - 10:00 am

  steering went out at 9000 miles. Altogether performance isnt that great. The ride is very uncomfortable and when you lower the windows, you can hear loud buzzing noises.

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  RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By number1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome and great.

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  A car worth considering! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By polo_gin1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda3 for almost 2 months now and its been an absolute joy to own. The handling combined with heavy steering, and an excellent gearbox make this car very fun to drive. The quality of the fit and finish along with the layout of the interior is much better than I would have expected from a car in this price range. As other people have commented, the interior has a VW type quality. My previous car was a 1996 VW GTI VR6, and the Mazda3 is more fun to drive, more reliable (Im expecting) and gets almost 30% better gas mileage. If you are considering a car in this category, I would highly recommend taking a look at the Mazda3.

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  Fun, stylish, affordable economy sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bcadams - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3s is an extraordinary economy sedan. It blows its competition away in terms of styling and performance. The 2.3L 160hp engine is spunky and fun, the suspension is stiff and sporty and the styling is incredible. Its my first 5-speed tranny, so I cant comment on the gearboxs performance relative to other vehicles - but so far, Im having a great time zipping around town. To those Ive shown off the vehicle to, their first comment often implies I must have paid an arm and leg for the 3s. They are in total disbelief when I tell them I paid less than a Corolla S.

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  Fun to drive alternative to boring cars - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lana0085 - September 24 - 8:20 pm

  Had a boring Toyota Corolla 08 for 2.5 years and was sick of it and its straining engine. Wanted to buy a sporty sleek car that looked different. For a decent price, you get more than you pay for. In my Mazda, I feel like I glide down the road, accelerate fast and turn corners effortlessly. I average 29-30 (city) mi/gal, which is competitive with other cars in its class. Interior is attractively lit red with glowing blue touches at night. Radio/dashboard display is positioned with driver in mind. Center console is curved and designed in a futuristic pretty way. Best money I ever spent! Mazda offering 0% apr for 60mo continuously and $500 cash back, so you get a great financing deal too.

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  2008 MX-5 - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Fred Strom - September 24 - 2:53 pm

  We love our 2008 Grand Touring PHRT. It is fun to drive, comfortable, feels very solid in build and design. We love having tilt steering and being able to increase the height of the drivers seat. Has much more power than our 97. Love the color of our Copper Red Mica but the seats (tan) dont seem to go with the outside color. Also love the option of using automatic or shifting through the paddles on the steering wheel.

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  Love our Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By D. Singer - September 24 - 8:00 am

  Just wanted to tell everyone we were considering a Lexus SUV when we saw a commercial on the Mazda CX-7. We called the local Mazda dealership and made arrangements to test drive a Touring package. We took it home that same day! We love the style, ride, comfort and price! Recommend it to everyone.

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  The Best Choice - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By New Mazda Owner - September 23 - 6:56 pm

  My wife and myself have test drove every sub $35,000 SUV/ Crossover, and Van on the market for the last 6 months. I must confess the CX-9 was the best riding, best fit and finish I found for the money.

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  After many Toyotas, my first Mazda! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob Bergeron - September 23 - 12:06 pm

  After many visits to Edmunds to review lots of cars, trucks, etc, I decided to focus on two hatchback/wagon types of vehicles to complement what I need to drive everyday. After test-driving the Malibu Maxx LT, and liking it, I still wanted to take a close look at the Mazda6 Sport Wagon. WOW! I am so glad I did! Gallo Mazda in Worcester, MA had a fully loaded Black Onyx Mazda 6 Sport Wagon with the Sport package. It has the Luxury Package, Bose, power sunroof, spoiler, and the best damn leather seats I have ever sat in!! All this for $21000! The car drives so smoothly, and the handling is better than anything in this price range (by far!). The hard work paid off....I made the right choice!