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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  ~*mAzDa6*~ - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tasha - March 11 - 10:00 am

  the mazda 6 performs great is fun to drive and has a very sporty attractive appearance. Compared to similar cars on the market it has the most to offer with more standard options (ie: Honda Accord). The appearance package, lip spoiler, and sports grille added a lot to my vehicles sporty look.

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  Auto - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By yuytu - March 11 - 10:00 am

  good car because i like how it drives and what it has, also a great car to drive very great

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdaguy - March 11 - 8:53 am

  Great vehicle. You cant beat the ride, quality, reliability and performance for the money. After much searching, this is the perfect vehicle.

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  Im as happy as can be! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dquestic - March 11 - 6:40 am

  I searched and read reviews and hunted for a car for over a month. I went to Honda, went to VW, looked at Nissans and Toyotas, and its all by chance I got the Mazda. And boy has it been a blessing and just a treat to own. Phantom Blue Mica and the only one of the few. Just a gorgeous car. Smooth on the road, and living in NYC I have to deal with the constant potholes, but in this car they feel like a hump in the road and nothing more. Gas mileage is amazing, at 950 miles and have filled the tank 3 times. On the highway the gas mileage is amazing, around the city it seems to fall off a bit. Just a fun car to drive. And it can move too.

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  Exciting fun car - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By todhug - March 11 - 3:29 am

  I looked for over 3 months for a new car that I could purchase to replace our family van. Ive been driving vans for 20 years and it is finally time to get something much cooler and funner to drive. I looked at all the CUVs and even a Mini Cooper Countryman. After doing much research I decided put purchase a 2015 Mazda CX 5 from Freeway Mazda in Ogden, Utah. First, let me say that it was one of the best car purchasing experiences Ive had. Freeway Mazda created a pleasant car buying experience with none of the traditional high pressure gimmicks and they gave us a very good deal. They Mazda CX 5 is fun, beautiful, and and eye catching car. Everyone that I pass looks.

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  Great price to value ratio - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By k2kiceman - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I love this car, traded a 99 Jeep Cherokee on the cash for clunkers program. no regrets so far, its a lot of fun to drive and the fuel mileage is double that of the Jeep. Build quality seems to be excellent and the car has good acceleration and shifts smoothly and precise.

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  Best Kept Secret Out There - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By yamura - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 06 6s in early 07. Probably sat on the dealers lot a long time because of the manual trans. However, maybe because of that I got a very good deal, too. Aside from a headliner that pulled away from the rear window and breakage of the lumbar support about 400 miles prior to expiration of the warranty, and somewhat early replacement of the battery, the car has been trouble free. It is a hoot to drive, strong runner with a good mid-range, and surprisingly good gas mileage avg about 22 in town and 27 on hwy.

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  Very satisfied owner - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By snbcnadeau - March 9 - 12:56 am

  We chose our blue beauty over a Subaru Legacy, which was my wifes idea. She got it right. It actually has more rear seat legroom than the Legacy, handles better, and we can fit a stroller and a kids bike in the back with the hatch closed. I love how sharp the handling is, the styling is lights out, the functionality is superb (use the car for dump runs for two families with no problems), and reliability has been relatively up to expectation. Both headlights had to be replaced, which was surprising. Didnt have to do that on my 11 year old Altima. Overall, would recommend this car for any small family (we have 2 small kids).

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  What it is --- and what its not - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By T - March 8 - 3:02 am

  The CX-3 isnt for everyone, and Im not sure whether it is properly classified or considered a "crossover"---whatever that means. I initially didnt give the CX-3 much thought because it is very compact. However, if you look more closely, this car---a subcompact hatchback---offers a lot of features and value for the dollar (especially Touring trim) if you dont regularly transport more than a couple of adults or much cargo. Its not going to win many drag races, but it handles well and is more fun to drive than any of the other AWD vehicles that I test drove (including the CX-5). It also isnt intended for off-road use (not many crossovers or SUVs are), but it has handled snow-packed dirt roads without any problems. Im getting about 29 mpg in mostly city driving to this point. Again, the CX-3 isnt for everyone. If you want/need an AWD vehicle but dont need much room or off-road capability, take a look at this car and judge it for what it is.

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  BEST SPORTCAR MADE $ FOR $ - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By george mitchell - March 8 - 1:58 am

  I am a retired auto mechanic so I inspected the used Miata before I bought it .The woman I bought it from is 72 years old and she was having problems getting in and out of the car .It was time to let it go .It had only 38,000 miles on it and was never driven in the winter time . It was spotless inside and out .I put a set of new Perelli tires on it since I noticed a bubble on one of the tires . It runs great and it is a joy to drive . If you are planning to buy one used please know your limitations and get it inspected by a Mazda mechanic .Find a shop that specializes in Masda cars ,pay them to inspect it thoroghly .If you buy the car, this shop can service it for you .Under no circumstances buy the car without having it inspected by a certified mechanic, not your husband, or boyfriend .Money spent on the inspection will be the best money you will ever spend ! Make sure they check the tires for tread wear and bubbles on the inner and outer side walls .I hope the post helps someone with their purchase . George Mitchell