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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  Perfect for me! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By peachofalady - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my Tribute from the Southeastern US to West Texas several times - no problems, ever.

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  The Holy Grail - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By GOD - May 16 - 7:23 am

  I finally logged 2000 miles and decided to run this pup up HWY north of SF and let me tell you this locomotive took off like Tony Dorsett when he won the Heisman and the engine was relaxed and suspension was just working like it was made to finally but never a tire squeal was a heard . I was not pushing this thing to see what it would do, I was dying it to see what it would do while I was still in a relaxed state, and that my fellow Mazda drivers was fast enough to have literally every single car move off to the right and let me pass without even trying. Effortless and incredibly balanced is all I can say - yes folks as near to perfect as any car I can say I have driven-

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  I LOVE IT - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By megster - May 15 - 10:00 pm

  It love my mazda 3!! i got it this summer from my dad for my first car! I got a grey one and i love the automatic/manual feature. I also love the amber lights and the easy-to-use system. It also drives very smooth, and the trunk is very roomy!

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  The only economy part is the price! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nick - May 15 - 5:03 pm

  This is a great vehicle! We lost our 99 Maxima (great car) in a wreck in October. We checked out the Mazda 6 first, then the 3 and fell in love. I cant remember the last time I had this much fun driving a 4 door. It goes wherever you want ... stops before you think it can, and begs to be pushed harder. Its never a boring ride in a 3.

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  I love my Mazda 3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By earlthom - May 15 - 4:33 pm

  I compared the 3i with the Corolla and the Civic. The 3 had the quietest ride, best handling and was the roomiest of the choices. My only concern was gas mileage, but through the first 2 tanks Im at about 28 MPG with an auto for hurry-up and stop driving. Very comfortable interior with a pretty decent factory sound system.

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  Great Car lots of Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Tigster - May 15 - 5:36 am

  The car is very fun to drive, I use it as a daily driver it is very comfortable with a stiff ride. The fuel economy is not good for a bit after about 2500 - 3500 miles there is a big difference and the milage gets better.

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  2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By det_wings - May 13 - 2:56 pm

  Ive owned the car for about 8 mos and put 20K miles on it. I ordered the car with audio and tech packages (bose and nav system). Car handles great for its class (suspension is a little soft for my driving style, though). Ride is good, but not great. Road noise seems excessive. Gas mileage has been good for me. So far Ive averaged about 27 MPG (about 90% highway miles). I can get 30 MPG if I drive less aggressively, so I think its very good. My wife really likes the car, too. Now she says she wants to replace her SUV with this car. I give the car high marks for its class. Compared to others in its class, the Mazda 3 wins hands down in my book.

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  LUV IT! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Johany - May 13 - 2:30 pm

  I just bought this car less than a week ago. I agree with all those who love this car! I was skeptical at first, as I am used to sedans, but the CX7 drives like a sedan and has the convenience of an SUV, without the big price tag or size. The CX7 has standard features that you would expect in higher end cars. As far as turning heads on the road, I cant tell if theyre looking at me or the car! (HA). I highly recommend it!

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  Bad rap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cornja - May 13 - 11:43 am

  All Ive owned are fast cars, of every type. If I could change one thing about the car, I would give it more power, in fact Im considering turbo charging it. Handling is perfect and tight, the car is a blast to drive, and it runs smooth as butter. I have had absolutely no reliability issues with my car, and I hit the 9000 RPM mark on every trip I take, every day. I highly recommend this car to all those who enjoy driving.

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  cant get enough of the PR-5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mom2maniacs - May 12 - 10:00 am

  WOW! I am so impressed by this car and would more then recomend it to others. The handling is great, it has alot of pickup, and a great stereo. Also, its small sleak and sporty yet roomy enough for 5. Go buy one!!!