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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  Best Kept Secret - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By FamilyOf4 - February 19 - 12:56 pm

  We test drove all the minivans out there, since we needed the sliding doors feature for our growing family. After doing all the research, its hard to understand why there are so few on the road out there ! We have every option, minus the navigation, and love it. To get the Bluetooth, DVD system, etc., on other makes, you have to buy the top of the line. Not worth it ! The gas mileage is much better too, and these days that factors into the purchase greatly. Very comfortable for everyone, from driver, to the people in the 3rd row.

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  Zoom Zoom Indeed - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By chris court - February 19 - 4:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Handles extremely well. Very responsive steering and suspension is a great balance between a good ride and great control. Excellent vision through front windshield. Love just everything about the car. My only complaint driving is the car does not coast well when you take your foot off the gas. You can feel the downshifting as you coast up to a stop sign. It took some getting used to. I kept coming up short to lights and stop signs and would have to reaccelerate. Only automatic I have driven that does this. Dealership says this is the Mazda transmission.

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  nigel and i are in love <3 - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By damiya peebles - February 18 - 11:17 pm

  I just bought this car today and named it Nigel. Its so cute and sporty!! I shopped around for other crossover styled cars and this is by far the most stylish and the best car for the money. I love the back up camera feature, and the display screen which pretty much has all the cars coolest feature. space wise, it does run small. however, for a girl like me with a small dog and not a lot of cargo, this will work just fine. Its a step up from the mazda 2 I owned. Im so happy with my car. Comfy, cute, stylish and has all that I need!! great gas mileage as well!

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  Zoom-Zoom is Fun-Fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Van Sinclair - February 18 - 5:50 pm

  I bought mine in Oct. of 2006 and it is really fun to drive. I got the manual so I could actually feel the car when I drive. I wanted one a couple of years ago when they first came out but bought something else instead. I am glad I finally own one. This thing flies and handles for its size and price.

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  Wow - this is FUN - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By JerryO - February 18 - 5:36 pm

  Ive had my new CX-9 for just 2 weeks but first impression is holy cow - how did they make a big SUV feel so much like my BMW 330 convertible?? Incredible, truly a drivers car. The ride is quiet, taut and responsive but I would not characterize it as harsh, as some others have felt. Just really sporty. Goes where you point it with almost no body roll or lean. I bought this to replace my excellent 04 Sienna XLE Ltd AWD, which was perfect for my radio control airplane hobby, requiring as it does, at least 9 of room for one of my big planes. The CX-9 easily handles this with the seats in the right configuration but drives and looks a million times better.

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  Try it... youll like it!!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By atie5 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Looking at the rest of the mid-size sedans that tried to be sporty made me yawn. I saw this car, I drove this car, there was no doubt that this was what I wanted.

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  4-doors and a 9000 RPM redline - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rx8Rocks - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Yes a 6-1" adult can sit comfortably in the back seat. This is not just a 4- door coupe. With only 238 hp at nearly 9000 rpm it will get up and go, but what it really likes to handle is the curves and with its 50-50 weight distribution it handles those curves very fast and safely. Just test drive one and youll know the meaning of Zoom- Zoom. This is not a car you buy for miles per gallon. What you get is gallons of fun driving it.

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  Like No Other - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ben Zoom - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Looks great; fun to drive; a head turner; outstanding performance; watch out S2000, BMW3, and Crossfire there a new kid on the block. Worth the money!

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  AC - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jose q - February 18 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle has everything that you want in a car.. but if you live in phoenix az where the weather is hot or went the summer comes by...you going to have lots of proble because the AC dont work like other vehicle...is justa cool air coming out your vent...went the weather is 80 degree ...if you got kid you wont be able ride on the back seat they will fry..

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rrrcb - February 18 - 10:00 am

  We might buy the sedan now!