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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  2007 Mazda 3i Touring ROCKS! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By 2007 Mazda i Touring - June 13 - 1:50 am

  I researched for 3 months which car would be the best value for my budget and I am so glad I did. The Mazda 3i Touring is everything I expected in regards to value, what I didnt anticipate was how much fun it would be! I commute 98 miles round trip to work and you would think that driving would be the last thing that I would want to do for entertainment--HOWEVER-- this car changed all that for me. I have rediscovered my joy of driving and my family fights me for the keys. I am getting on average around 500 miles per tank of gas which makes driving for fun even more inviting, not to mention the surprising power--this thing drives like a sports car!

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  Worth the money, big time! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - June 12 - 11:43 pm

  Purchased this car in December of 09. I put about 3000 miles on it, so far and I cant say anything bad about it. The car handles great (put winter tiers on it) in the snow, dry or wet. The Luxury package is worth the money on the GT-i4. I am glad I got this car instead of the Nissan Altima, the Mazda is just a better car overall in my opinion. We drove to Montreal in a snow storm, and we all felt very confident that the car would take us there safely. Nice quiet, firm, stable ride. The Bose sound system with the Centrepoint Surround Sound is great, the Bluetooth, the blind spot monitoring system, the DSP, all great options. Great US built car (it was about time). Well done Mazda!

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  A Blast To Drive! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Stroup - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with this car from first site, and finally broke down and purchased a black manual, with grand touring, rotary accents, body appearance, and spoiler. It is so fun to drive, and turns a lot of heads. Comfortable for long drives as well, and really does well on the highway as well as windy mountain roads. Hugs the road like a pancake, and the engine sounds great! Fitting two in the back seat is such a huge plus (although dont make them sit back there for too long).....I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a sporty, fun car to drive that is still practical. GHave fun, and see you on the road!

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  SunShine - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By triley1785 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. The feel of it on the road and handling. My boyfriend even enjoys riding the car. Im glad I purchase my sunshine.

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  loove the cx7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By gary - June 11 - 4:10 pm

  love the cx7..the only problem is the tires only lasted 27,000 miles..everything else works perfect.. my wife loves the car..and i enjoy driving this suv...car has no problem running 100 mph and has more left in it...no complaints...only the tires... yes they are 18" and cost me 750.00 for a new set..

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  Bulletproof Fun! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MichaelJ3D - June 11 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased this car for the fun factor and it has delivered! I have owned several sports cars in the past and this one is by far the most fun (and reliable). I bought the car with high miles after talking to my local Mazda dealership and they told me mileage is not a issue and they were right. Ive had it for a year now with no problems. I drive it daily and grow to love it more each day. This car doesnt disappoint!

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  Miata with seats for six? - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Zoom-zoom - June 9 - 5:53 am

  My family loves our Mazda5. I bought it for my wife and kid but occasionally drive it myself. My weekend toy is Mazda Miata and this little wagon (Mazda5 is not a minivan!) is the closest thing to it. Considering the size, the handling is amazing and itÂ’s lots of fun on a long winding road. Brakes are excellent and on par to my daily driven 5 series BMW (they also dust as much though). Fuel economy is decent, with 32 mpg going 65 mph on a highway and 22-24 around town. It couldÂ’ve been better if Mazda offered more engine choices. However, I can see that this car is not for everyone, especially for people who hate driving.

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  Adult sports car - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mr Lessie Williams - June 8 - 4:26 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 MX5 Grand Touring PRHT with the optional suspension & premium package, and I love it.The top goes down in 12 seconds and the 6M with limited slip differential makes it a true driver sports car.When it comes to interior it stands alone in its class,the exterior has 20 years of evolution making it one of the best looking roadsters on the road.

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  Loving my car!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By verybusymom - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I had been wanting the car as soon as they came out.It was so worth the wait. I have really enjoyed this car. I look forward to driving it everyday. I even love washing it. :) Boy do you get the looks in this car. People are always stopping me and asking what kind of car it is. Being a mom of 2 I needed a car that would work for the family, just not one that yelled out MOM!! and this car does that for me. :)

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  mazdaspeed miata - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mph110 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a new Mazdaspeed Miata. It it great fun to drive, perhaps the best handling car I have ever driven, no doubt due to the low body wieght. It is a great looking car, with red stitched leather seats, 17" racing Hart 5 spoke alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, etc. It replaced a 4 year old boxster, and I could not be happier or more satified with the purchase. It is not an all weather car, and cannot be driven in the snow or even wet weather with the 205/40 low profile Toyo Proxes tires. However, it is a great fair weather vehicle, perfect for top down fun.