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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  mazda 5 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By asneden - February 26 - 2:00 pm

  we bought this mazda 5 from don elliot dealership in wharton,texas . We had a yery good experience! I love this mazda especially the sliding doors they help with my son. If I get another vechile again it will be a mazda 5

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  Simply Too Much Fun - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RW - February 26 - 6:33 am

  This is actually my second Miata (I had a 2003) and while I loved the 2nd generation, the improvements to the third are fantastic. The car is just a blast to drive - feels much more rigid and refined than the 2nd-gen, while maintaining the cars signature dynamics. The additional room (Im 61") was more than welcome, and more power is always a good thing as well. It splits commuting duty with a motorcycle - and is as close an equivalent to a four-wheel bike as youre going to find for this price. It is just impossible to have a bad day behind the wheel. Do NOT test drive unless you are completely prepared to buy, because theres a really good chance after a spin youll be signing papers.

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  Amazing Sports Car Value - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KAG MIATA - February 26 - 1:16 am

  It took years of saving, but the Miata was worth the wait. A pure, simple sports car, the Miata loves to be tossed around, and loves to rev. My car has 32000 miles on it and is as tight as a drum. The manual transmission is a joy to shift with its tight, short throws. Aerodynamics are quite good as you can drive with the top down on chilly days while the heater keeps the cabin warm. As an added bonus, there are loads of support sites, clubs, and accessories available to the Miata owner. If youve been thinking of a Miata stop thinking and start driving.

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  Best stuff at the Best Rate - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By DavyD - February 25 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Mazda two weeks ago. It is the best. I saw nearly 3 Mazda MPVs in my block. Every evening, I really want to drive in it. My mom told me that it feels like flying in an airplane. It is extremely luxurious.

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  Six months in - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT in SC - February 23 - 6:50 am

  Updating my earlier review: I have had my Mazda 3 i Touring (with manual transmission) for six months now (just over 7500 miles). I am still very happy. Fuel economy has actually gotten better! And thats with running the A/C much more. I am getting around 31-32 around town and 34-35 on the highway. It is still a solid performer and just as much fun to drive.

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  comfort, conviniense and performance - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Atif Siddiqui - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Best compact sedan for the price. Comfort and conviniense with performance havent seen in one car before.

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  sweet - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By deeze - February 22 - 10:00 am

  great car for speed racers

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  CANNOT GO WRONG - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By WICKSTERI - February 22 - 10:00 am

  VERY NICE CAR. THE SIX IS FAST AS GREASE LIGHTENING. THEY KEEP SAYING THE POWER IS NOT THE SAME AS OTHER IN ITS CLASS, WELL THE V 6 GETS UP AND GOES. ITS FAST. THE CAR IS A HEAD TURNER AND VERY NICE/FUN TO DRIVE. CANT GO WRONG FOR LESS THAN $25,000.

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  Fun, practical mid-size for enthusiasts - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By kj123 - February 22 - 7:13 am

  If you like the handling of German cars but not the frequent repairs and upsized price, this may be the car for you. The ride is comfortable but definitely firmer relative to Accord, Camry, etc. My most recent cars were Audi A4, BMW 328 and VW Passat. This car is larger than the first two and gets better mileage than all of them...for thousands less. I checked for road noise at highway speeds based on many reviews and also, rough downshifts. I have not personally experienced issues with either.

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  Great car for everyday...almost perfect - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By QuickTurn - February 21 - 7:40 am

  Overall, this car feels much more expensive than it is. It offers driving excitement in every run. With a manual transmission, the power delivery is sufficient for everyday drive. It really shines in corning ability. By braking early, you could really accelerate through the turn quickly without a hint of loss of grip. It also rides very well on various road surfaces although its on the firm side. Mazda did a great job tuning this car. One more thing to mention is the quality of the dealer work. After installing accessory or repair work, I couldnt tell any sign of R&R even by careful examine of the relevant areas. The same cannot be said to Toyota or VW, at least to my experience.