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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  Used Car Bargain - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DAC989 - December 7 - 10:20 am

  These are the cars that make driving fun. Bought this one used with under 4K miles for my 2 or 3 commute days but has also become the date car for my wife and me. The interior was very efficiently designed and the trunk has more room than you would think. Getting a little over 27 mpg. For the price, you cannot beat this car.

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  fun, fun, fun on the autobahn - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rocky - December 7 - 8:03 am

  We also own a fairly loaded 2.5 X Type Jaguar. The Jag. has been trouble free and extreemly nice on the road. However my 3 is the car I drive the most. I have 5 door that has everything except the nav. system. It has been trouble free, a lot of fun and constantly brings lots of good comments.

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  Got me by the price, conquest me after - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthropologist - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I really was not looking for a sedan, but the dealer offered a great price on it. I love it after the first week when I found everything naturally placed. I got the MZ6i (4 cl) with 4spd auto. Very impressive space inside front & rear leg room, all features are usefull and clear. No struts on the way at the trunk. Extremely great handling and suspension -very fun in twisties-. All accesories work and do not feel cheap. Upsole seems very rugged (I did not get leather)

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  2002 Miata LS - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By beaner - December 6 - 10:00 am

  2nd Miata Ive bought new. M1 (90-97) is a classic headturner, but M2 (99+) is more comfortable. Either way, its maximum bang for your buck. Skip the low profile rims/tires, though. They look cool, but handling is negatively affected even if tire pressure is only off by only a pound or two. (N.B.: Recommended only as a 2nd vehicle due to small cargo capacity and 2-passenger seating.)

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By David Mahler - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Wow! This car is AWESOME!! I absolutely love it. Why the sixth gear? 100 MPH in 4th is enough for me. The styling is great and the interior is comfy and classy. My wife does not like the orange display, but fine for me. Silver really shows off the car. Cant wait for aftermarket to get it back to 250 horses. Would recommend for anybody who like to drive fast and does not want a beemer. Very satisfied!!

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  RX8-A Drivers Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8-Lover - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my new RX8! This is definitely a drivers car. Great handling and great looking! I almost get distracted by the number of people who hang out their windows to get a better look at my car. Great car for the money!

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  RX8 Rocks - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jkinard - December 5 - 9:00 pm

  I absolutely love everything about this car. It handles unbelievably and will take most cars on a winding road. The high revving engine is non- stop fun. A little more torque off the line wouldnt be the worst thing though.

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  Faster than youd think - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT - December 5 - 1:50 pm

  I have had this car for about 2 months now. The first month spent breaking it in, while the second was more agressive driving. If you want a comfortable, fuel efficient, family sedan, buy this car. You cant beat it for the price. If you want an import racer... BUY THIS CAR. So far my brothers EX Civic with mods cant keep up. My brother-in-laws Integra GS-R modded out doesnt pull away like youd think. Oh yeah, a 98 Mustang V-6 doesnt even compare. And OH YEAH... I have the 2.0 that doesnt have any mods other than I took the air silencer off. I plan on getting a cat- back and CAI VERY soon.

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  Great CAR! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark of MS - December 5 - 7:40 am

  I traded a 2003 Chevy Silverado in on this Mazda 3 5-door because the Chevy truck was the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. The Mazda 3 has a 2.3l inline 4-cylinder that has quicker zip than even my 6-cylinder truck had, and 30 mpg highway isnt bad. The drivers seat is very comfortable and all the controls are very easy to reach. I strongly recommend the 5-speed manual transmission for the most pep. Visibility is awesome in this vehicle. I drove a Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Honda Civic (my second choice), and a Dodge Caliber before finally deciding the Mazda was the best choice. None of the other vehicles even come close in performance and visibility.

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  So Far Its Good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By meathead1986 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for a few months and so far I couldnt be much happier with my purchase. I was told when i bought it that the catalytic converters had already been replaced in it which disappointed me but we made the purchase anyways. The ride on the new Hancock tires was amazing. For a front wheel drive car this thing handles amazing. The hatch offers a lot of potential for mass cargo so I intend to use it next year for a cross country trip. Gas mileage could be a little better but when switching from an SUV I cant really complain all that much. The only bad thing about the vehicle Ive found is the turning radius. Its pretty horrible and my old SUV could out turn it.