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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  The Car is BAD! ( bad as in great) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hillman - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Titanuium 3, fully loaded with leather and i have a smile on my face everytime I drive it. The looks alone on peoples faces are awesome. Even when people are driving behind me I can tell theyre talking about the 3

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  Car Washing Is Fun Again! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sh0kker - September 12 - 5:00 am

  When the car was introduced in 04, I knew Id own one. I waited for any "beginner" bugs to be worked out & bought the GREAT reviewed 05 model. To date, I have no complaints. The style, the power & the extras cant be compared with any other car in the $20k range. I also looked at the Civic, Corolla, Focus, Matrix & Jetta. It may get beat in gas milage, but the other cars are boring & plain. Besides, I see a few dozen of those other cars on the road everyday. This car is a head- turner. I go hiking, The Sport AT transmission is great for climbing the big hills & it makes it FUN. Lots of cargo room. The exterior/interior styling is great. Lots of room for my sports stuff & the kids stuff!

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  Great Price, but I am 62" - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By pearsonkj - September 10 - 10:00 am

  This car kicks ass! Although I am 62" and it can be a little cramped, the performance and value is excellent. I picked one up with every available option, Hunter Green, beige leather, for $23988. Find a deal like that any where else.

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  A Nice Little Package - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DTKWOK - September 10 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the likes of the Nissan Altima 2.5S, Jetta, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla, the MP5 is a lot of car for the money. Great looks, awesome handling (for a front driver), good passenger room, decent gas mileage and good amenities make it a serious contender in the sub $20K market.

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  Even better than I imagined - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By da - September 10 - 5:20 am

  I needed a family car as we were expecting our first child. This was particularly traumatic for me as I had to trade in my beloved Eclipse, but this car has it all. It performs excellent with quick acceleration in the city and an oh so smooth ride. Im converted to SUV-dom and Mazdas. We change the oil and it does the rest. It is worry free, has that sporty look I love, has the room my wife loves, the safety for my daughter, and my family and co-workers are instantly impressed once they get inside and go for a ride. It pulls trailers just fine and does all I ask it to do. The only reason its not a perfect car is the mpg, but I knew what I was getting into. Two years of happiness!

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  Exactly What I wanted - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By spewgilist - September 9 - 4:05 pm

  I bought my 2009 Mazda 5 GT new after stumbling on the model while looking for a car that would provide a comfortable ride for 4 adults and let me carry all the things for which I normally have to have a mini-van. I wanted sliding rear doors, I wanted captains chairs, I wanted a leather interior and heated seats and a few other amenities to which I have become accustomed and I was able to get them all in the GT for around $10-$15K less than a regular minivan. Ive had the car for 4 years now and I have put over 76K miles on it and I still love it and find it an incredibly versatile and reliable car.

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  Nice mid size sedan for the buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Moon - September 8 - 2:03 pm

  It drives like a full size car with the gas mileage of a compact. More than enough power, luxury and safety features.

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  I Love my CX-5!!!!!! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By peach2460 - September 8 - 10:34 am

  I bought my CX-5 in March. I traded a 2011 Ford Escape 4wd 6cyl for it. This was the best decision I ever made. I am getting 37mpg on my drives to work. I drive secondary roads on my 25 mile drive to work which are anywhere from 30-55 mph. My car now has 2100 miles on it and the gas mileage is awesome. The Escape I had only got 23-24 mpg.And the handling was mediocre at best and acceleration poor. My CX-5 is so much fun to drive and the handling is fantastic especially through the corners. I love everything about this car. I think the acceleration is just fine even up hills. I never thought I would buy a 4cyl automatic because the were doggish, but this one is definitely not. Buy one.

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  Perfect Blend - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Chad Wadsworth - September 8 - 10:03 am

  My wife laid down the law and said our second car could be anything as long as it had room for car seats. Thinking she had crushed any chance of my buying a sports car, I just grinned and began my search for an RX-8. Fantastic performance- you will not be disappointed with the lack of lowend torque unless you want to spend your saturday nights challenging at red lights... Not my thing, but listening to the sweet whine of the rotary at 8,500 rpm, cornering on rails and feeling like you are driving a uniquely designed machine- definitely my thing. Vehicle design is subjective, but I love it and after years of driving euro sedans I even like the interior. Overall a perfect blend.

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  LOVE IT! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Sweet Drama - September 7 - 11:50 pm

  Until I test drove the CX-7, I had no idea this car existed. After that, there was no turning back! I absolutely love this car! Im a person who on the average buys a car every 2-3 years, this is by far my favorite! I just cant say enough about it and/or Mazda! If it wasnt for my Dad loving his Miata so much, I would have never walked into the Mazda dealer! This crossover does not feel like a 4 cyl, not with the turbo. The drive is amazing, the braking is smooth and the handling is fabulous! Overall its a lot of fun to drive and the perfect car.