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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  Best Of A Very Strong Litter - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Robert E Wagner - October 30 - 9:46 am

  This car was not my first choice...initially. I gravitated towards two distinctly different vehicles; Honda S2000 and Subaru WRX. All are obviously high performance but compact sized. The reason for the RX8 choice revolves around a failure to compromise. The Mazda simply does everything well! It does not accelerate fastest, although it is unlikely that it can realistically be bettered by anything this side of a 06 Vette. Handling manners are impeccable. And, since I can drive (not merely steer), the use of accelerator allows real cornering finesse! No trick gauges (no ribbon tach!) and no extraneous bulges (hood scoops?) No pretense. Simply performance at my fingertips and toes!

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  Small car but nice - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By My car - October 30 - 3:03 am

  For the money I spent I got a good car, gas mileage is great, a little too small inside, but so far never had a problem.

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  Would buy again except for the dealer - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris - October 29 - 3:33 pm

  Im very satisfied with the car. Its the right size, the only problems weve had were early model year problems and though annoying were quickly fixed by Mazda. It is starting to show its age though. Rattles are starting, the suspension does not seem as tight as it once did and fit and finish are being to show some age and the effects of two kids. The tires that Mazda put on the car were terrible and had to be replaced after 20000 miles. Replaced these with a decent set of tires and the wear on them is much better. Though the probably still wearing much more quickly than reasonable. It has enough power and is kinda fun to drive. If the dealership was better I would consider another Mazda

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  nice crossover you didnt know about! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ak, Seattle - October 29 - 2:30 pm

  We didnt think about it until we decided we needed a roomy, sporty, sedan-looking SUV/crossover with superb safety features, incl AWD (Seattle) and actually test-drove it. This car has all those things and what a joy to drive! Although you do hear some engine and wind in the cabin, but some, and you cant hear the traffic/road noise. Amazing brakes/acceleration! Roomy enough, although the back seats are not as comfy as the front. Nice styling; interior could use better materials. Test-drive it! Not sure if people who complain test-drove it first, knew of mpg. Rav4=cavernous/dark/plastic;CRV=underpowered; Forester=comfy back seats, as much room; uncomfortable front; sluggish as the Rogue

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  Best Car for the Money! - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Bao Q. - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several different sport cars, and the most impressive car in my recent memory was still the 02 BMW 330C. However, after owning this car for two weeks now, I can confirm that this is a better car and much more affordable than the 3-series. I tested the new Subaru WRX in the morning and planned a backup with the MS3. Surprisingly, the MS3 became the target purchase right after I drove it. The main reason I don’t like the WRX is that the gear box is little bit shaky, while the MS3’s box is rock solid. In addition, the MS3 is much roomier than the WRX. Its back seat can fit two child seats comfortably! Thanks to MS3, a family man can still drive a high performance sport car now! Ano

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  Ready to run away - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By youngbo718 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Mazda 6 by mistake, I actually looking for Mazda 3. But when I finally came to see the mistake I have made, see that I was completely wrong. This vehicle is absolutely fun drive and fast. Its only waiting to press the gas and run away.

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  Fun car with a lot to offer - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for 1 month and absolutely love it! Very much a bargain for what was included in the Grand Touring (leather, climate, sunroof, sound). I little bit noisy on uneven pavement but very nimble and fun to drive. The hatchback offers a lot of versatility and the styling is very European - not boring like so many of the sub-compacts. Gas mileage could be better but I am willing to give up a few miles per gallon for the additional horsepower. Highly recommend this car.

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  Fun, excellent performance - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By crystal - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Like reviewer Tom Tom, I was looking at a Honda Fit. I chose this Mazda 3 because it drove better: smooth and responsive, quietly powerful, nimble and sexy. I almost got the touring model, but in Seattle, not much need for a moon roof. It feels luxurious inside and a lot better maneuverability than a Fit. Great trunk space.

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  2008 Mazda CX7 AWD - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Joe Cafaro - October 28 - 4:00 am

  We own a 2008 Lexus RX350 as well as this CX7. The CX costs almost one half the as much as the Lexus. I cannot justify the difference. The CX7 is THE VALUE proposition. Ride, handling, comfort,and its pep are truly outstanding. The CX7 runs well on regular gas but fuel economy is a serious disappointment. Mazda with all its talent MUST come up with a fuel efficient engine for this otherwise superior offering. The Bose surround sound system is an absolute must. Still a better value than the Lexus even considering the poor fuel economy. With better fuel efficiency while maintaining the peppy, fun to drive experience, this crossover would lead all competitors. Fit and finish are excellent

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  uber fast mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By randy - October 27 - 7:13 am

  This is my second car which replaced my Mazda b-2500 that got rear ended and annihilated by a hummer. Great speed, acceleration, comfort, I love the red display at night. The shifter is notchy but smooth engine. I am a very aggressive driver and this car suits my needs. However, the accelerator seems to have a mind of its own when cruising for 4th or 5th gear (it revs by itself) and the dealership cant figure it out. But this car has a huge amount of space and I will keep driving it as long as I keep my distance from those hummers.