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:

• 

  Wow,cool car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By marshall - December 27 - 7:43 pm

  Looks cool, handles great, great mpg, got all kinds of options for a cheap price, pretty good giddy-up and go. Really love the dash lighting - that blue to bright red makes me feel like I am in a space ship. The pump up/down drivers seat is nice, I am nearly 6 tall and I can easily lower it and feel perfectly comfortable in it while my 52 wife can do the same. The 6 cd stereo rocks pretty good for being just factory. It is also a head turner. We got a spoiler too and that just adds to its over all appeal. I just cannot say enough good things about it, wish I could get another so we can have 2 and I could drive it full time. Sometimes I like to look out the window and gaze at our zoom-zoom".

• 

  After One Year and 37000 Miles - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By diverjmacj - December 27 - 5:26 am

  Love my 8. I commute 125 miles each day, live in my car. This car is pure enjoyment to drive. Comfortable, responsive, quick, nimble, what else can I say? I did not expect to be stopped by someone every week with questions, comments, admiration but I am.

• 

  Awesome Economy Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shea - December 26 - 10:26 pm

  I have owned my Mazda3 for 5 months now and I couldnt be happier. This car really is a great value for the price. I have owned a few Honda Civics and a VW Passat. While the Passat is a much nicer ride, the 3 comes pretty close and costs way less. This isnt a fast car but it never feels underpowered and has a great suspension for a Japanese economy car. Plus, it gets excellent gas mileage. I am averaging about 34MPG with the manual transmission. I would recommend this car for anyone that wants a great car for well under $20k.

• 

  Fun Car with Annoying Problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By optimus - December 25 - 12:46 pm

  This car has been very, very fun to zip around on both the highway and city. However after only driving it for 6 months my clutch pedal became squeaky (replaced under warranty). Then a month later my brakes became extremely squeaky even though I still had 75% of the pads left. I plan on taking it in again soon.

• 

  MPVs Rock - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Manrep - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new MPV in Nov 2002. It has been terrific. I am a manufacturers rep, So I drive a lot!!!!! Got the idea to get one from my employer, who has one with 100k on it. It has been flawless for him too. Pretty good performance, Just the right size. I practically live in mine. I dont think there is a better minivan for the money.

• 

  Great CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Mario Varela - December 24 - 10:46 am

  This is a great Crossover Utility Vehicle. It has very fast pick-up from zero and it hugs the road unbelievably. The exterior styling is very intriguing, will turn heads as you stroll by. The interior is also very stylish. The turbo comes in handy when needed.

• 

  Joy to Own - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By DMCliff - December 24 - 5:23 am

  Purchased as a replacement to my 2003 Nissan Sentra Spec V. While this car is a downgrade in low end torque and gas mileage (Was getting 31 mpg now getting 24 mpg) the fun factor and refinement is miles ahead. The space in the back seat is also a lot nicer. Traded up because of a baby seat and the Speed allows a person to sit in front or behind me with a child in the rear passenger side. Hatch allows plenty of room for stroller and diaper bags. Looked at other hatch backs but none compared as far as fun, price, and space. I went with the tech package and love the push button start. The Navigation system is average, but nice for an integrated unit.

• 

  I Love My Mazda3! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mia - December 23 - 4:23 pm

  The Mazda3 is an amazing car. I have to make a long commute to work every day, and I love making that long drive because i love driving my Mazda3. Eventhough it is a sedan, I feel like I am driving a sports car. It has amazing acceleration and braking capabilities, smooth shifting, and a wonderful smooth ride. Eventhough the s model is more expensive than the i, with the s you get more for your money and I think it is a better value.

• 

  Great but could be better - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Nate - December 23 - 4:56 am

  We decided to get rid of our 04 Grand Prix due to several bad water pumps etc. We finally settled on the CX-7 after looking at it and the Mazda 5. The car has a sleek sporty shape to it and handles amazingly well, almost better than our old sedan. It has a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder. It is relatively comfortable and fairly decent on gas mileage. We have put a about 1200 miles on it so far and really enjoy it. The only problem we have had is one of the window control buttons did not work on the drivers door.

• 

  Love My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Lolo - December 22 - 7:33 am

  I am very pleased with the way this car handles. Very sporty. I have an automatic with the 6 cd package. I just went on a 4 hour road trip on a very windy day and it handled exceptionally well. I am very impressed with the amount of interior space. My daughter has 3 year old triplets and an eight year old ... she loves the safety features and borrows it often. She and her husband plan on buying one this summer.