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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  Brand New ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jscott33 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car and so far it has been great. Great acceleration and fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, light crisp clutch action and supprisingly great low end torque. Tight steering, nice grip, and excellent breaking with front and rear discs. Had to have the alarm adjusted, was a bit to sensitive. Easy adjustment took only a few minutes, knob located by steering column. I have previously owned an escort and a jeep wrangler.

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  Mazda3 Grand Touring Automatic - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerry - July 31 - 5:56 am

  Got the Grand touring model, in Grey Mica, for my 19 year old daughter; Only option was the Moonroof Package, which included the Bose Stereo, 6 CD. Everything else was included: leather, climate control, heated seats, stability & traction control, side & head airbags. For 20k I thought this was a great little car. Other cars being considered were the Scion tC & HB. The car is quick for a 4 cylinder & very much fun to drive. Handles great. After 3000 miles we are getting about 24 miles per gal but that is mostly local driving. Buy one!

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  I love my little Mazda - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Margo - July 31 - 12:43 am

  Purchased new back in 2002, never had any issues. Love this little car. Made trips to Canada, back and forth from Maine to NY. Very reliable car. I am proud owner of my little Mazda, 9.1 reviews way to go! Engine running is very quiet like 8 years back! Transmission shifts, everything in order except my air cond was never strong, but I can forgive that! My daughter is driving it now while in a college and she loves it as well.

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  Great all around car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By filthburger - July 31 - 12:00 am

  I drove an 02 Civic Si for 9 years and loved it. Traded it in on a CX-7, but the CX-7 did not quite get me what I wanted. I traded it in on the newer Mazda 3 Wagon with the I Grand Touring package. I love it. My gas has been 38mpg while commuting, mostly freeway at 65-70mph and has been 36mpg on a long trip doing 80+ most of the way. Im 63" 220lbs and am fairly comfortable in it. could have more head room, but its not bad at all. I would not want to put 4 adults my size in it, but can fit the little woman and a 9 and 11 year old in the back. I think the nav is a little useless due to the fact that phones have a better one these days. peppy engine, decent storage.

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  Love my zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lyn - July 30 - 1:03 am

  This was my first researched, haggled and purchased car of my own and I couldnt be happier. I love driving my car and that fact that Im not worried about things falling apart or repairs that need to be done. Its never been recalled (like cars Ive owned in the past.) I would love to keep this car forever, but with a new man and two additional kids to my already two, it doesnt fit all six of us. I will be very sad to say goodbye when that time comes.

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  What gas mileage do you expect? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Brian - July 29 - 3:36 am

  This car is so fun to drive. The interior is comfortable and versatile, the engine and transmission are silky smooth, the climate control, seat configuration, styling, and Bose stereo are awesome. I get 19-20 mpg in mixed driving and dont understand why this large 7-person vehicle continually gets knocked on gas mileage. Sure, if you take off from every stop like a jackrabbit, youll get 15mpg, but cmon. I hate cars, and I hated the minivan I replaced with the CX-9, but I love driving this one.

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  Bad Transmission - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michelle - July 27 - 1:40 pm

  I had only 50,000 miles on this car when the transmission started slamming into gear. They definitely have an internal problem with their transmissions. They cannot be rebuilt. You have to purchase another one from Mazda. $4000.00 later with only a year warranty it runs better. After I picked up my car from the shop another one came in with the same problem, same year. This should be a recall..........

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  Ive owned it 5 years - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Gary - July 27 - 8:10 am

  The Tribute is great. Very fun to drive. Very peppy and MPG is not bad for SUV. Very stylish and comfy. Great heater! Road/wind noise is a little much but the vehicle is well insulated. Tows very well and cargo room is great. Better than a pick-up with rear seats folded down. Premium sound is great and convenience of power mirrors, seat,windows, moon roof, etc. is very nice.

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  good car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By chrissy - July 26 - 10:00 am

  the ride and handleing is amazing

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  Good Purchase - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hector - July 25 - 7:10 am

  After one month of driving this car I have never had a more pleasurable experience with a small car than this one. Economy is great at just over 300 miles per tank on the 2.0L engine. The steering control is instantaneous in bad situations. Overall, I love the look and feel of every aspect of the Mazda3.