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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  A great car for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Uynix - September 4 - 3:40 am

  Lovely, sporty, a great car for the money. I got this car with incentives. The total came to about $18,000 total with a 6 year extended warranty. (Seems Mazda provides a cheaper extended warranty than some other brands).

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  Still Great After 31,000 Miles! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By thebigbird35 - September 3 - 2:06 am

  I still love this car. Only complaint is Ive needed two alignments and gotta but new tires now. Breakaway mirrors and a bit better gas mileage would have been nice. But other than those quibbles, the comfort and handling and the sheer fun of driving remains exceptional. So much cooler than all the Camrys and Accords out there. Really sad Mazda ended the hatchback line in 07 -- big mistake! That rear space is so convenient for hauling stuff, and the hatchback actually looks better than the Sedan IMO. Id definitely buy this car again!

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  Can you say Zoom Zoom? I can - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MX-5 zoom - September 2 - 11:03 pm

  Can you say Zoom Zoom? And I did not have to break the bank to get into one. I forgot how to drive being stuck inside a minivan for for years. Gave up my Trans Am for family. Well now I have a toy to play with. It just flat out goes. I was never one for the "chick" car and the pictures on the net do not do it any justice. Go to a dealership and look at one yourself. ZOOM ZOOM. Need to purchase a fuzz buster for it.

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  Good economy, stiff ride, limited space - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By foggnm - September 1 - 5:43 pm

  Ive averaged 29.5 in mix of city/hwy driving. The car will get 39 mpg on the highway (when my canoe is not on top). The ride of this car is very stiff off the lot. It was almost jarring, but I think the suspension has loosened a bit or Ive gotten used to it. But this is typical of a small/compact car. The car handles superbly. The automatic transmission is so smooth and quiet. Highway performance is adequate, no problems passing or going up hills Cabin noise is minimal for a small vehicle. Cargo capacity is lacking compared to a small SUV or even a mid-size car. Technology/climate controls are simple and easy to use. Questionable value compared to Civic, Corolla, Kia.

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  Mazda 3s 2.3 AT - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul Davis - September 1 - 5:40 pm

  I love the way the vehicle drives for a 4 cycle. Handling is great. The build quality of the vehicle is top notch.

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  Zoom! Zoom! Gotta Luv It - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By matapeake - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Just stopped in Mazda dealer to sit in the RX-8 ended up buying Mazda6 - Fun to drive, dont want to get out ouf car. Excellent build quality, faster 4 cyl than Toyota or Nissan, Leather, Bose stereo, Dual exhaust, sunroof, very peppy engine all great. Gas mileage slightly disappointing but then again Im Zoom! Zooming! All the Time. Highly Recommend the Mazda6!!!

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  2003 Protege 5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Monika - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I really like the way Mazda feels. When I saw Protege 5 I was automatically in love. This car offers fun ride and sporty feel, however, it has 4 doors and room for additional passangers. Seating is amazingly confortable. Styling is very cool inside and out. Very functional and fun! It feels as much updated and improved 323 from the past.

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  Zoom Zoom - a great vehicle to own - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Casak - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles but this one stands taller then any other. I love the handeling and comfort that is delivered to me. Stylish, easy to use instruments make this the one for me. Gas mileage is about 20+ mpg around town with the V6. Of course this is with only 2000 miles on the engine. I expect that will get better when the engine loosens. The dealership also makes the difference to me and I have always had great service at Mazda in Orange Park Mazda.

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  No regrets - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By kevin97223 - September 1 - 3:00 am

  This is our fourth Mazda and our second 3. We are loyal to the brand because in our experience their cars are reliable, stylish and fun to drive, especially with a manual transaxle. This car is all of the above, although since it has less than 5,000 miles I havent driven it far enough to rate the reliability. I have no reason to doubt that it will be as reliable as my wifes 2011 3, which has 30,000 miles and has needed nothing except regular maintenance.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By fastcars5 - September 1 - 12:53 am

  We bought the Mazda5 mini van as a replacement for a Ford Freestar mini van that was totaled. I miss the Freestar because it was larger but the interior in the mazda is roomy enough for two people on a trip. It was purchased for my wife but I drive it once or twice a week commuting to work, 52 miles round trip. We just drove it to Atlanta and back, 1600 miles without any issues. Gas mileage is decent but not what you would expect from a car this size. We had a DVD player installed for the grand kids and they love it. If you fold down the four rear seats, you can carry a lot of equipment but with the third row seats up, trunk space is very limited.