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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  Zippy & Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Melanie - June 2 - 5:30 am

  This vehicle is surprisingly peppy for a four cylinder. The handling and response are first rate. Automatic transaxle shifts smoothly. Very sharp looking car with a lot of thought put into the interior. Comfortable and user friendly instrumentation. Locking gas cap a big plus. Two trip odometers. Large trunk capacity. Tight turning radius. Would highly recommend to all!

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  Great Car for the right driver - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - June 1 - 10:40 pm

  Overall, excellent choice and Im very happy. I decided between this and the 2008 Toyota Corolla...my last car was a 1996 Toyota Corolla, which did the job, and got great mileage; was ready to move on though, and the Mazda3 had always caught my eye. Fun to drive, handles great, easy on the eyes; My 3 is blue with a beige interior. If you want a car to get you from point A to B that will never fail, with great mileage, get a corolla. The Mazda3 mileage isnt great (26 comb). I was getting 32 combined in my corolla. But...if you want a more all around package, go with the 3; no problems with it at all, and have gotten a lot of compliments on it; definitely feels a lot more expensive it is.

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  Mazda is sooo underrated! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By lonestar - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a leftover 2003...cant believe it was still on the dealer lot. Havent owned a Mazda in 14 years...and had forgotten what I was missing, obviously. Selected the Protege over the Civic and Corolla.

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  I love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Microchic - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I researched all compact SUVs before purchase. Decided that the true cost to own of this vehicle was better for my family. Drives nice, and I dont seem to have the wind problem other are having. I have the base model stereo, and would have rathered the upgrade. The DVD is a life saver for long trips. My daughter cant wait to go on a long trip so she can use it!

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  hot car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By havasu river rat - June 1 - 10:00 am

  best car for the money

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  Best SUV in its class - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Delaware19701 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  In comparing between Ford Excape and Mazda Tribute, the Mazda was a hands down choice for me. After 6 months I have no complaints. Too many bad comments from Escape owners for me to take the chance on a purchase of an Escape

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  Just Awesome - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Daniel P - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mazda. I have always owned Acura and decided to purchase this car after seeing it at a car show. I love it! It handles nicely and is great on gas. GREAT DESIGN! I am hooked!

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  one great mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dallas1 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  My sixth mazda and by far the best one yet for looks performance and features. At 64" legroom is critical and the 3 has the best drivers space of any cars in its class with more legroom than my wifes volvo S60. Outstanding handling and precise and sure stopping. 5-speed is smooth and shifts are 2-click exact.Leather seats are firm and yet comfortable. Watching for excessive rear wheel break dust which may reduce after some mileage on pads and rotors.

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  love my 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By rickpaul - June 1 - 9:00 am

  If you are looking for a sedan that will do everything well, this is the car. My 6s automatic is fast, agile, comfortable, and loaded with features. I have ridden people in it who own much more expensive cars, (Audi A4, Acura TL, BMW 3 series) and they cant believe how nice it was and how smooth and quiet it was while still being able to eat up an exit ramp. Because the car doesnt represent the least common denominator however, you can get rebates and incentives on it that make it a better deal than a Hyundai or a Mazda3. If you like to drive, and you cant afford a luxury marque, you absolutely cannot go wrong buying this car. Zoomzoom.

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  Luv the car but hate the electronics. - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Don - June 1 - 7:03 am

  Navigation poor. Obviously they have never used or seen a Tom Tom. Mazda would benefit greatly by partnering with Tom Tom. It is a shame to have this system on a car that is,otherwise, a very up to date vehicle. I would have expected a system like this four or five generations ago. Also, the sound system is not really great, for a ten speaker Bose system. Can`t operate the windows unless engine is running. Nav screen is bright at night and dim during day instead of bright in daylight and dim at night.It is distracting and a pain to keep resetting it On auto it should not require adjusting.