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:

• 

  Rally fun and sport comfort - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By SLO Road Czar, Ret. - September 1 - 4:06 am

  I bought the Mazda 3s to drive to work, then retired early. Yes, Im that old. Its been a great car, fun to drive and fairly grippy at speed on winding roads. We drive between Montana and California living in two rural communities. Fun driving at both ends. Not bad on long trips and adds FUN to the drive. Good mileage (between 25 and 30) and no repairs to date (about 30000 miles). Ive owned a 325 BMW, TR-6, and still own and drive a 91 Corvette and this little 3 fits in nicely with the fun to drive group.

• 

  New Mazda3 s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mickey - August 30 - 12:33 pm

  Just love this car. Acceleration, albeit not that of a BMW 5 series, is excellent for the class and certainly far more than adequate. Steering is precise and braking is excellent. Engine seems very refined. Love the cruise control and radio controls on steering wheel. Glad I bought her.

• 

  Great to drive and own...A fun vehicle. - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By artistmurals - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicles in all areas. Best van I have ever owned. Great in my business as an artist/muralist. Wouldnt think of buying anything else.

• 

  MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By KenCon - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I originally was not even going to consider the MPV because it was "too small." It turns out its size is one of its best features. There is more than enough room for the family and it handles better than the Odsy/Sienna/Caravan.

• 

  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8lover - August 30 - 2:00 am

  i think this is a great car but it needs just a little bit more jump in the lower rpm ranges

• 

  rx8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By sombra - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice looking sports car that is fun to drive and is very comfortable if you have like two kids seated in the back.

• 

  The Best - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Yolo7878 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Got the Mazda RX8 as a surprise Xmas present, and when I first saw it I really wasnt sure as I wanted a luxury car with a sport handling. All I can say is that I love this car, in fact I have the car a little less then 2 months and I have put 2500 miles on it

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Suzie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family car and is also great for a single person. This SUV drives excellent. The SUV handles as well as a car with the feel of a truck. I would recommend this to a single family with a couple of kids or someone single that wants a sporty look.

• 

  Beat a Civic in All Ways !!!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike F - August 29 - 11:43 pm

  We looked many different cars and the Mazda 3 is perfect. More opitions for less money and more room than most. Runs and rides like a sports car. And the 17 inch wheels and very stylish. We would advise anyone it get one over the Civic.

• 

  Zoom, zoom! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dc_driver - August 29 - 9:16 am

  Drove all of the top selling small to mid-size SUVs, and the Tribute won my vote. It was quick, and drove more like a car than a truck (better handling than all the others SUVs). For the money, you cannot beat the features on the S with package 3 (leather, sunroof, 6 disc changer, heated seats, etc). I compared prices, and with the incentives this vehicle was $2-10K less expensive than comparably equipped SUVs. The AWD system is wonderful, and you never feel it come on or have to worry if you hit some tough weather or roads. Great room (both front, backseat, and storage). Well thought out interior, with good build quality and materials for the money. This is a winner!