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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  Some work, but very reliable - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By satisfied owner - July 18 - 4:40 am

  Been very happy. Did all my own work, and yes, had to replace things, but to be expected with 210,000 kms. I find the car takes care of you if you take care of it. Brakes, battery, intake manifold gasket, alternator, engine mounts (front and back), as well as transmission pulse generator, front exhaust pipe, radiator were needed repairs. Regular maintenance (i.e., timing belt, even oil pan gasket, and trans gasket/filter) relatively easy for mechanical types. Apart from a bit of a combustion chamber carbon-buildup issue (think it is a flaky EGR valve), it is running beautifully, hitting 35 MPG on a recent trip.

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  Such a great choice - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By micfar - July 18 - 2:53 am

  I bought my Mazda 3 S Touring about 6 months ago and have the best driving experience since. By far the best looking interior of any car I looked at (including the Honda Civic and the Dodge Caliber). The 5 speed manual is very smooth. I dont think I have touched the radio once thanks to the steering wheel mounted radio buttons. If you are thinking about this car, just take it for a test drive and all questions will be answered. Zoom Zoom!

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  Teething problems ? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alan - July 17 - 2:03 pm

  Sport badge should be dropped as handling is rather poor. Believe it can be attributed to the electro hydraulic power assisted steering. Just doesnt suit my driving style, really disappointed !(have now covered 14000 miles) Steering creeking and growning for second time despite mod. Road noise excessive and distracting. Wheels tend to track the slightest rutts in the road surface. Air con lacking. Radio reception poor. Accessories extortionately priced. Drivers seat beginning to lose support and fabric baggy dispite me only being of average weight.

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  Overall very nice SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Dave - July 17 - 8:26 am

  Bought a demo in February 08 and it is a very nice SUV. Handles like a sports car and has nice acceleration but does ride a bit stiff. Test drove the CRV, Highlander, RAV4 and Acadia before settling on the Mazda. Fuel mileage is OK if you dont step on it too much but thats difficult because its really fun to drive!

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  Fun and useful all in one package! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By 5For5 - July 17 - 2:20 am

  We traded our Honda Pilot earlier this year for the Mazda5. The Pilot is a great car, but its not the best if youre short (52") like me for getting children, groceries, and strollers in and out. The 5 is awesome! It has tons of room for a wagon or my bike plus room for the children. They can open the doors and get in themselves which is a blessing. And its so much fun to drive. Its the best part of going to work. :) I havent enjoyed a car this much since I had my beloved old Escort.

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  At this price point, the choice is clear - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gsr - July 16 - 8:20 pm

  I love my Mazda3 hatchback. It looks good both inside and out. It scoots around well enough and shines on the twisties. A lot of car for the money. I paid $17k with a year-end $2000 rebate for the S model with an automatic. I would have preferred a stick but had to compromise with the Mrs and opt for the auto - Ive been very pleased with it though and have zero regrets with this choice of transmission. The best word to described this car is "zippy". I always look forward to getting behind the wheel. My anyone would rather buy any other car in the same price range is beyond me - but Im glad they do because 3s arent as ubiquitous as they should be.

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  Great Minivan alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By foodee - July 15 - 4:00 pm

  My husband is very anti-minivan while I love the minivans versatility and ease of entry/exit. This mini-minivan is a great compromise for us - it has the sliding doors and the height of the minivan without the "frumpy soccer mom" stereotype. It can take up to 6 passengers if you have little luggage (not much room behind the third row seats). Most of the time, we fold up the third row seats to have more cargo space. We also love the sporty exterior and the performance. It does not feel like a minivan. Even my minivan-phobic husband enjoys driving this space wagon.

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  My 3rd and best Miata, um...MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bran - July 15 - 12:23 pm

  This car is simply amazing. I have owned two Miatas (a 95 M and the 99 10AE) making this my third. It is great! The ride is better, the performance is better, the steering wheel even tilts now! I look forward to every morning so I can get up and drive.

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  A satisfying econobox: 90K miles of fun - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By astral - July 15 - 11:03 am

  Great interior for money. Easy to read gauges, sporty 3-spoke steering wheel. Easy to use HVAC controls. Radio is very easy to use, big volume knob, 6-CD in dash changer rocks. Road visibility excellent. The car Is very nimble and quick handing. Road feel is direct, the suspension is sporty, and while you can sense every bump, it doesnt rattle the bones. Excellent linear brakes, with a quick bite and an easy pedal. Confidence-inspiring. Engine is plenty quick, especially around town. A little slow at highway speed. Automatic tranny switches very easily and naturally: great feel. No problems with this car over 90K miles, only regular maintenance. Backseat roomy for class, good size trunk.

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  Take a second look. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Keith - July 14 - 11:53 pm

  I was so used to seeing the older 3 models when I had the chance to see the 2010 it took me a minute to warm up to the new front grill. The rest of the car styling is amazing! The driver cabin looks really cool and the components are high quality. I dont really care for the stereo layout but I only use the AUX in for my iPod so its not too much of a bother. At times the i sport hesitates during acceleration but for the most part it is very responsive to the throttle, has very little body roll and is a blast to drive. It always puts a smile on my face when I get into the drivers seat. Road noise is almost non existent.