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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  Seriously Fun To Drive - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Ing Beukert - May 19 - 2:10 am

  I drove the new Honda CRV as well as the Mazda CX3 before buying a couple months ago. While the Honda had more interior storage space, there was no comparison with the driving experience. The CX3 rides smoother and is quieter and is just a sweet, sweet driving experience. Almost like you are part of the car. The interior finish is impeccable. Very stylish and not run of the mill.

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  An all around review - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomalabam - May 19 - 12:20 am

  We purchased our 2013 Mazda3 after loving our 2009 3, and this car is far better, with a 160 miles round trip commute daily, the car truly get 37 mpg @ 65mph highway. The bluetooth features lets me talk hands free all the way home, and I can listen to my favorite tunes with pandora, or bluetooth. The interior lighting is nice, with the blue LEDs lighting up the console and door handles at night, the downside on our model with in dash navigation, is that in the daytime, with headlights turned on (ie rain) you have a dimmed stereo console, so it makes it hard to see the radio and all in dash features. The bose sound is great, although the bass is only responsive at higher volumes,

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  I preferred my 2005 Mazda 3 - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dawnmcaz - May 18 - 7:24 pm

  I traded in my 2005 3 in Jan for a new 12. I absolutely loved my 05 3! So fun & sporty, I was very proud of it. The a/c had gone out on it and after 1 summer in Phoenix with no a/c, I couldnt take it. It does get better gas mileage than the 05 did. I like that you can easily check to see how well your doing with mpg.

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  Great SUV alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By frank4cars - May 18 - 11:36 am

  After test-driving dozens of hatchbacks, wagons, and small sport utes over the past few months and not finding anything that felt "just right," this vehicle appeared out of nowhere at my local Mazda dealer. Small on the outside for easy parking, large on the inside for people or stuff-hauling, car-based for better economy and sure-footed handling, but with a high, commanding seating position like the best SUVs -- this met all my needs. I think Mazda should be praised for introducing Americans to the kind of vehicles that Europeans and Asians have been buying for years but other manufacturers were scared to sell here.

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  I love my Mazda3 touring wagon. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerald Deckler - May 17 - 8:13 pm

  I love to drive my Mazda3 wagon. I live in Houston, Texas with some of the worse traffic in the country. My Mazda3 zips through difficult traffic situations with ease. The handling is like driving a European sports car. The interior is large and very comfortable with great eye appeal. The six disk changer is exceptional. Overall, I love this car. Zoom Zoom!

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  Mx 8 Superior - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Turtle - May 16 - 4:46 pm

  Just a fun sexy car to drive Great handling Beautiful on the open road

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  follow up from november 2014 - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By screwedinaz - May 16 - 7:55 am

  have had a chance to drive this for some time now. only been about 1300 miles but i can better review it now vs. 5 hours. overall the car is alot of fun, again i have the base model. this IS a sport sedan with the sport sedan feel so i will caution you up front the ride is stiff and the suspension will NOT be like driving an El dorado. now that does not mean you feel every bump and pebble in the road either. get it on a smooth highway and you hear almost nothing at all. the motor idles near flawlessly at stop. and the OEM tires seem to hold the sharp turns on a nice mountain very well. the info center is good for MPG. but the 6 spd manual. also helps achieve well over the listed 28 mpg. city

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  Good Value - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By kraft4a3 - May 15 - 10:36 am

  We needed a secondary people mover with a 3 row seat and AWD for the winter. The CX-9 fit the bill. For shuttling kids around town is good enough. Long road trips would be tough with more than 4 people/kids, but that is what we have our mini-van for. When driving solo or on date night it is a fun, sharp, and enjoyable car to drive.

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  Forget the 3, get a year-old 6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By tjlst15 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a new Mazda3. The car was way too small, so I wanted something bigger with enough power to compensate. I was lucky enough to come across a 2003 6s with 9000 miles for under $18000. What an improvement from the 3. This car is everything you need. Plenty of room inside, plenty of power, sporty looking, lots of extras on the dash and its a Mazda. My perfect car. If you can find one for the price I got, buy it!!

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  I love it - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By sylber - May 15 - 10:00 am

  proud owner of two tributes. love driving both of them. no problems noted.