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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  Decent SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By spd - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Good power, fun to drive. Problems are that the disc brakes and rotors wore out at abt 30,000 miles. Mazda agreed to pay for it this time as they should have lasted longer. Recently I have a great deal of road noise due to tires wearing in a strange way. They are not worn out, but still have to be replaced. This vehicle is driven mainly on the freeway and should not have these types of problems at this mileage. Also, there is a whistling that occurs on the drivers side at around 70mph. Not a good thing when you spend most of your time on the freeways.

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  Hot Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris Dellorco - August 27 - 10:00 am

  The looks of this car are incredible! Mazda really put together a great car. The interior materials are top notch and its put together nicely. The car in an all around beautiful car. It performs great and no other car comes close in it class. It begs to go for long fast drives, it loves corners and entrance ramps. Mazda is by far the hottest car company! The finished product is that of engineers who spent late nights and thinking outside conventional compact. Go Mazda!!!

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By wheeleam - August 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! I love it! It is comfortable and fun to drive. It also has a lot of great features.

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  New econobox on the block - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By clusk9 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Our 93 Civic gave up the ghost after 224,000 miles(original clutch)& we needed another car quickly. Despite the temptation to go back to Honda I loved the 3 hatchback. However, we could not find one with ABS/SAC with a 5 speed in the time frame necessary. Cant say we settled as I think this is the best handling "economy car" ive owned since the 914, GTI or the Audi Coupe. Other marques didnt come close to the overall package in this price range. AWD for an additional 1 to 2000 dollars would make this car a world beater.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mdsco - August 26 - 10:33 pm

  OK so I have only had the car for 5 days but I have to admit it has compelled me to write this review. The s Grand Touring hatchback is probably the best car for the dollar I have ever owned and that is saying something given my 51 years of life and a multitude of purchases. I traded in my Honda CR-V and have no regrets. Of course the car is lacking AWD and the extra room but if you can live without those features you will not regret purchasing the Mazda. I purchased the GT with the Moonroof and Bose stereo option, 24K total. Bi- Zenon Adaptive headlights, leather heated seats, rain sensing wipers, killer sound system, my wife has a BMW 328xi and prefers the Mazda, could of saved 20K.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By NV - August 26 - 10:00 pm

  Love the car, it rides great the pick up is impressive. Grand Touring comes with 20s HID Headlights, Bose sound system, backup camera, bindspot indicator. Cargo space is roomy with the 3rd row down more room that an Acura MDX, ML 350 or BMW X5. The 20s wheels makes the ride a little bumpy the 18s ride smoother.

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  A mini-van that is still mini - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By harpoondodger - August 26 - 1:54 pm

  We needed to replace an old 97 Mercury Villager, but did not want to buy a not-so mini Sienna, Odyssey, or Quest. We researched the min-vans, cross-overs, and SUVs, and stumbled on the M5. All the features presented looked good and its was smaller than the Villager, which was fine because it gave better gas mileage. Were fine with the styling (those swoopy body curves), and Im indifferent to the front "smiley" face. With just under 2 months, our overall impression is that it handles well, but the ride is harsh. The interior has lots of hard plastic. Interior space is snug, but is usable and flexible. The ride in the 3rd bench is harsh. Gas economy on highway close to 28 mpg.

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  great car, great price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin Hines - August 26 - 10:53 am

  you cant find a better car in this price range. It handles well and looks great. Interior design is far above what you expect from a compact. Seats are really comfortable.

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  Great lil mobile - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By ann80 - August 26 - 10:43 am

  I really like this car. Its fun to drive, good in the snow, takes turns well. I take pretty good care of it and it takes better care of me. I would recommend this Mazda to anyone.

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  One Nice Car - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By 5th_Mazda - August 25 - 8:23 pm

  This is one nice car! If it was not so unique and sharp I would buy a V6 Fusion or Mazda 6 with this 6 cyl engine in heartbeat.