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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  Love it - Love it - Love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NewToMazda - July 18 - 2:46 am

  I like my new Mazda, Im new to their line of vehicles and was thoroughly surprised at all you get with this rather inexpensive vehicle -- it reminds me of a BMW 3 series. Overall its quick, nimble and really shines when it comes to acceleration on the highway. Im glad I ditched my SUV for this vehicle.

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  I LOVE my Miata even after ... - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By njrthompson - July 17 - 6:16 pm

  All these years. My husband brought the 10th anniversary Miata home. I fell in love immediately. I still get a thrill driving it. I have never needed any maintenance other than tires and oil changes. I will keep this car forever.

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  Excellent revision of a great car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dousaems - July 17 - 3:46 pm

  This vehicle is perfect for the times we live in, if you only need to transport yourself or one other person. It is comfortable, easy to drive, yet puts a silly grin on your face as soon as the go-pedal is pressed. The balance is great, and the car can easily be pushed to its limits without scaring the driver. The top is a dream to operate (I can put it up or down in 3-4 seconds), the mileage is beyond what is advertised, and the price is right! With the improved styling, Mazda may have more buyers than they think over the next year or so. This really is a practical car.

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  An excellent car - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Big Jake - July 17 - 1:36 pm

  Other than the timing belt and IAC valve I have not had any problems with this car.It has a lot of pep for a tiny 2.3L V6,enough to entertain me on a boring day.

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  An Experience - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Connie - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that when your drive it, you are transformed into another world.. As you can see I love my Miata. It is truly a fun car to drive. I look forward to going out and driving it every day.

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  An Experience - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By connie - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that when your drive it, you are transformed into another world.. As you can see I love my Miata. It is truly a fun car to drive. I look forward to going out and driving it every day.

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  Snaab returns to the islands - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Yoshi - July 15 - 7:23 am

  13.5 years with Samantha, Sam, my manual 5 Saab, left me looking for slick escapes from daring edgework, tires squealing but suspension reliable and hugging seats. Got em in the Mazda3: tightest turning at speed, Im still discovering wide slow sweet sweeps; bodys external angles impress, as internal fits tightly to my average sized frame. I love gloving my lats, glutes and knees into the sculpted drivers pit, then telescoping out and laying steering wheel in my lap. But, 3,333 miles in my hands, I prefer my Saabs H handles. Named "Bluey, because its SO blue!" by my 7 y/o, the Mazda3 performance out-classes the clumsier Mazda6, impresses with pickup, quiet, and rail-like free-wheeling.

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  Dont Buy ANYTHING Else... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Casey Finley - July 14 - 6:13 am

  If this is the price range that you want to be in, this is your car. Actually, dont spend any more money. This car is awesome.

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  Most Fun Car Ever - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By G. Wayne Baggett - July 13 - 8:43 am

  I have owned the car a year now and have about 3500 miles on it. It is undoubtedly the most fun car I have ever owned or driven. Also the sexiest looking. The appearance of the 3rd generation version is a major improvement. The handling is exceptional. It could use a little more power and low end torque, but a turbo would fix that. Maybe a MazdaSpeed version in 2008. I wish I had waited a year and got the PRHT, but I would have sacrificed a year of great driving pleasure. You cant go wrong with value and fun for under $30K.

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  I Love My Car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By SarahF - July 12 - 6:00 pm

  I have had my Mazda 3 for about a year and a half now, and love it! It is very responsive and fun to drive. Driving it feels "sporty", unlike other cars I test drove (the Nissan Sentra for example). I also felt like it had more interior room and better visibility than the Civic. It would be nice if the fuel economy was a little better, however, I still usually get about 28 miles to the gallon (suburban driving), and on road trips it averages about 31.