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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  Perfect Car? - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By supercane - March 2 - 2:23 pm

  Xenon headlights. Bluetooth. Auto rain sensing wipers. Heated seats. Room for 6. Low 20s sticker. Is there a better vehicle on the market? We purchased our Mazda 5 last month and have not only loved the car but enjoyed tanks averaging above 30 mpg around town. Our growing family fits perfectly, our four dogs love the folded down cargo area, and we just came home from Vegas through snow with the vehicle handling perfectly. Notwithstanding some minor build quality issues, is is the best new vehicle we have owned in the last five years - and we have purchased 6. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Best of luck trying to find a better overall value.

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  Loving the 5 II - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - March 1 - 7:30 pm

  Its been almost a year now since I bought the 5. It is my daily commuter. I was told to drive it like a sports car and I do. Commonly doing 85 in the interstate. Love the size and ease in parking. Still dont see many around and it fits our family of four. Better gas mileage than our Honda Oddy. Only issue with the 5 was that I couldnt get the gas cap off. It was a recall. All is fixed. I would buy another. Recently took it on four hour vacation, everything fit and mileage was great. Cant wait to see what the new one will look like. Most people dont know what it is. I like that. It stands out in a crowd.

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  Mazda "Axela" excels competition - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaMan - March 1 - 3:13 am

  The new Mazda 3 puts the competition to shame when you compare it to a Honda Civic or Kia Spectra. Ive taken a lot of cars for test drives and none felt quite as solid as the 3, otherwise known as the Axela. The turning ratio and grip to the road is amazing, especially compared to a Dodge/Plymouth Neon or Chevrolet Cavalier. Aside from that, the styling is way more appealing to the eyes than any other car, even more than most in the sport compact class. Another HUGE plus, the interior design, though very race-inspired, is still luxurious and comfortable. On the exterior, there are no lines more than a centimeter away from each other making this car the best choice under 15,000.

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  Faux marble interior is weak... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - February 27 - 1:16 pm

  Let me start by saying that in general I love this car. The instrumentation is very intuitive and I find the exterior to be very sleek and it doesnt scream "Ive got car seats inside" like some other family targeted vehicles. I love the bigger V6 and the room trunk and cabin. My only complaint is on the Grand Touring model I have is it has the cheesiest faux marble plastic trim along the dash and the cupholder. A few editor reviews mention this but I havent seen it much on readers comments so perhaps it just me. Waiting for an aftermarket solution but for me a flat black or polished aluminum trim would have made the car almost perfect.

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  Happy with Mazda - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By srmbaker - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Planned to by a Chevy Equinox but after I test drove the Mazda CX-7 I was torn. After reading many reviews, consumer complaints and recall information Mazda pulled ahead. The Chevy had more creature comforts but the fear of spending that much money on a vehicle that might be a plush piece of crap made me nervous. The Mazda was everything I wanted and needed. It had a solidness to it that felt like quality. Maybe not plush or overdone with gadgets but it had a good simple design and seemed well thought out. I wasnt buying a car that was in every third houses garage. If I wanted to resell, that would help. Plus, every time I did see one going down the road. I smiled. I like how it looks.

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  Buy this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By medken - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I agree with a lot of the reviews of this terrific little car. I previously owned a BMW 3 series, for ten years, and so I am used to great handling and a few creature comforts indoors. This car, so much less expensive (which in this economy was important for me) made me feel right at home, right away. So fun to drive, I dont want to arrive home. In fact, I drive slower just to prolong the joy. This is my take on the car and believe me I am not prone to giving excessive praise to anything or anybody.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marlea - February 27 - 10:00 am

  It took me forever to decide what kind of car I was going to get. Theyre all so similar, I didnt know where to begin. The moment I saw my Mazda in person I knew it was the car for me. It wasnt even the color or model I had the dealer quote me via email, but I knew it had to be mine. It is so much fun to drive, music up sunroof open, its my "me" time!

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  This car laughs @ Corolla and Civic - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tony the test driver - February 27 - 10:00 am

  This automobile is exactly what I wanted. It handles well, comfortable and well designed and executed car, loaded with all main safety features. It has a pleasant growl during acceleration. The shifter is nothing short of magic. The exterior is perfect (besides the smile). It feels nothing short of German sedan, especially at night when the dash goes red with bunch of lights. You feel the road and you feel as part of this car when you drive it. Seat has good lumbar support. Ergonomics are good. Ride not worse then in Civic EX. Fuel economy should hit 30 mpg combined. Build quality is top notch. Headlights are super bright at night. Protege beat Civic/Corolla 12yrs ago for me and did it again

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By yesi08 - February 25 - 2:10 am

  After owning for 4 months we hit a tire late at night on the freeway at about 70-75mph. There were about a half dozen other cars who hit the same tire. Only suffered minor damage to front end (a little expensive to fix) whereas the other cars required a tow to get home we drove off just fine. The rear seats can fir full-sized adults (6 200lbs males) for sort durations, but are great for smaller adults and children. With the third row folded it takes most everyday challenges. LOVE the sliding doors and small size compared to other minivans. We can open the rear hatch with the garage door closed. Parking in a crowded parking lot is a blast, you can even park against the grain! Love IT!

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  A fun jack of all trades - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By maikell77 - February 24 - 10:15 pm

  I have owned my speed3 for almost 2 years now. In that time I have put 54,000 miles on it. I can say that its a fun car, It has a good amount of cargo space, and it roadtrips well. The fuel economy isnt bad, but the read out is a bit optimistic. I use the car for family roadtrips (500mi one way my wife and I), work (multiple 500 mi days per week), and even the ocasional track day. Currently at 77k and really nothing unexpected as far as maintence goes. Spirited public roads driving the speed3 is as much fun as the GTO and 540i M-sport I have owned previously. It does have understeer at the limit, and that does sap a bit of track day fun.