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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  Impressive for the $$$ spent - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By inet_dude - December 3 - 10:22 pm

  My 2011 MS3 is now 3 weeks old with roughly 1200 miles on it. Just about every review on this site is dead on with observations of handling and power. Mine is in Velocity Red and turns a few heads in my neighborhood as well. Styling is subjective but its really hard to argue the price-to-performance ratio. Also, I read a lot of criticism about the small multi-function nav screen but I have found mine to be of high quality, great resolution, and it gets me where I want to go without fuss.

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  My Hobby - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RLM - December 3 - 3:16 am

  I am a suspension and handling addict and this car answers the call and more. I have the six speed with Bilstein shocks and limited slip differential in triple black. For me the car has just the right horse power as I enjoy using the six speed to make the car go rather than just hitting the gas. I enjoy the interaction with the car and the road especially with the top down.

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  Like brand new! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By pyrexmaniac - December 3 - 2:46 am

  Ive had my Mazda5 for over three years now and with almost 90,000 miles on the odo, I can think of so few flaws that I cant imagine buying any other vehicle as a replacement in a year or so. Lets see.....it eats tires (what front-drive automobile doesnt?) The carpet is on the cheap side (especially in the Northeast with snow and salt.) There is a big chip in the hood that is starting to rust. The battery has been replaced. Everything else (including the brakes) are as-purchased. The quality is absolutely astounding...not a squeak or rattle on the entire vehicle and the highway ride seems to be getting better over time. The manual transmission is sweeter than the icing on any cake.

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  First Time Mazda Owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By b0r3dguy - December 3 - 1:50 am

  This is just my 3rd vehicle Ive owned since I began driving. My previous two cars were Acuras (04 RSX & 07 RDX), so I was looking for something sporty, yet luxurious. When I originally began looking, I went to the dealer and test drove the all-new 2010 Mazda3, but I noticed that Mazda had great incentives on the 6. Later that day, I test drove a Mazda6 and instantly fell for it. I decided on the Brillant Silver w/ Moonroof & Bose package. I didnt get Navi because I have my own unit already.

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  zoom zoom = FUN - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JIMMIE - December 2 - 11:16 am

  We purchased the 2005 MX5 Mazda Speed; its Red with 6 speeds, leather and turbo engine. The car runs like the wind, it is fun to drive and performs well on the highway. The first 3 tanks of fuel, we got an average of 30 MPG. It does require premium but its worth the additional cost when related to the FUN of driving it. I am an average size guy 510" 175 and it is very comfortable. Even 4-6 hour rides are comfortable. We waited for the 06s to come out but liked the 05s better, the 05 is more comfortable. The trunk fits two bags of golf clubs. With the top up its as quiet as can be expected. This vehicle really turns heads and we get a lot of thumbs up. Bottom line, its fun to drive.

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  Highly Recommended!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By ArthurFour - December 2 - 9:03 am

  I am in love with our Mazda5 Sport automatic! My husband and I were in the market for a vehicle that could seat our family of four, plus an additional 2 friends, grandparents, etc. I didnt want to go the minivan route - and we were trying to avoid a hulking SUV. We looked at the RAV-4 with a third-row seat and the Highlander, but decided to test the Mazda. We immediately loved the handling, seat configuration, fuel economy, and general versatility! It is also quite unique - and several of our friends have been really impressed by it. If you are considering getting the touring for the engine, we recommend just the sport auto because the engine is very peppy... no need to spend extra $

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  What a Blast - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By KC - December 1 - 10:06 am

  This is just the sportiest little sedan ever. I cant get over how much it resembles a BMW3. You get more amenities for your money than any other car in this class. And this is 1/2 the price of the Bimmer. It has just enough ZOOM to keep me entertained and the AT is fun to shift. I dont think you can go wrong spending under 20K here.

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  "Fine French Fencing Foil" - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Les - December 1 - 8:43 am

  it is the best car i have ever driven. it respond to the road with such accuracy and precision, "like a fine french fencing foil."

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  fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By New to Mazda - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Brakes Squeak when used after a few days of sitting. No other problems, really enjoy the sportiness of a family car.

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  We Love It!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By NCPluckers - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Our title says it all. We love this van! It is our first minivan and we were aprehensive about even getting one but the addition of our 4th child made it necessary. It drives like a car and is very comfortable on long trips. We just wish it came with a DVD/TV for the kids.