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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  Great Value - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By st - May 14 - 6:40 am

  I wanted to get a new sedan but also wanted to carry lots of luggage. It fit the bill. It is a great, comfortable people/ items mover. and Touring comes with packages that is only found in expensive cars. Overall love it for what it does.

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  My Trib - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dblduce - May 13 - 9:30 pm

  Just purchased a demo with 8700 miles. This car is like new, Ive researched many other small utes but this one tops them all. I was lucky to get an almost fully loaded unit, sunroof, 6 disc changer and subwoofer. It doesnt have the side or curtain airbags but I do like that it has ABS and 4 wheel discs. I live in the Sunbelt so no need for 4WD. This is an excellent vehicle and its carlike ride doesnt give you the feel of an SUV.

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  Sweet, With Caveats - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jaybee - May 13 - 5:36 pm

  Purchased partly in reponse to a regretful sale of a 1999 Miata. This is a huge upgrade to the second generation Miata. They are completely different vehicles; we purchased this after reviewing competitive offerings from GM and BMW.

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  My mx5 - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eliot Jemal - May 13 - 1:56 pm

  Ride nice took drive from nyc to ft lauadale Air conditioner not great in hot weather No problems

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  Great Choice - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By JimiJames - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id buy another vehicle after my first Honda. A vehicle that I still have after 12 years and 200,000 miles. However my Mazda MPV is everything that I wanted in a vehicle as a young father. Im a believer now.

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  Great year so far - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Dewey B - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my RX-8 for almost a year and I have enjoyed almost every minute of it. In my price range, I could not find this cars same mixture of power, handling, utility, and safety features. Comparatively few of them are on the road, so I frequently get looks at stop lights, as well as many race requests, which leads me to my biggest gripe- lack of torque. Until you get into those high rev ranges, there isnt much going on, but with the positive action of the 6 speed stick, once you get it into the high part of the tach, its nice and easy to keep it there. Overall a great car; lets all thank Mazda for employing more engineers than accountants.

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  Trading this car this week - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By maxy - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in july, dealer said it would hold its value.Not true! I Will loose 6k for trade,car has under 1000 miles on it.Sticker was 33,235. Poor air conditioning, luke warm air.Cheezy knobs for heat & air.Terrable gas mileage,poor visability when backing up, (posts on the sides are in the way), trunk to high. driver seat does not go up high enough for short people. I am tradeing this car in this week for a Infinity fx35.

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  my rx - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8joe - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The moment I saw the RX8 I was in love.. but having brake problems so early is changing my love to hate. Would I buy another RX8? NO... I should of bought the MazdaSpeed...

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  Great car for the cash - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By monstamaniak - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for about 3 months and have logged 5000 miles. This is the most fun and precise machine Ive piloted that comes in the under 20K range.The steering is tight and the body roll is slim.The suspension allows if not encourages spirited runs through the twisties and the engine delivers good power and torque.The transmission operates smoothly and the shifter has that "snick-snick" feel like a well-built Euro machine.Everything about the car in my opinion is outstanding except the carpet.The leather seats are attractive and supportive,what went wrong when Mazda was picking the carpet?

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  2 thumbs up - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - May 13 - 6:03 am

  Great car overall. Have both a 06 mazda 6 and this 09 mazda 3. although the interior is a bit inferior of that of the 6, the 3 is very well built and has seamless lines. The 2.0 litre is very peppy and I imagine the 2.3 would only be better, as my 6 has a 2.3. This 3 has very tight steering and has been successful to living up to mazdas zoom zoom motto. Excellent exterior as well, much better at turning heads than a civic and corolla in my opinion. Mileage is decent, although the civic may get a few more miles/ gallon (possibly 5 or so). Overall a great car for people who like to drive. Definitely recommended!!!