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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  Zoom - Zoom! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Denise Martin - July 10 - 8:20 am

  I love this car! Its as stylish as any BMW but, your not paying that ridiculous price. I love the energy this car has. Its way too much fun to drive. Handles GREAT!

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  i love my car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By amanda - July 9 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 3 about 6 months ago and have had no problems with it to date. I have found the manual trasmission to be extremelly fun to drive. I think that the ride is much smoother than a civic or corrolla... and I love the unique exterior design!

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  Way better then the Acadia - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Jason A. - July 9 - 10:56 am

  We looked pretty seriously at the Acadia and the Traverse, which were both nice, but this is much more fun to drive. Also got it for $8,000 less then the equal product in the Acadia. When I wen to the dealer, I drove the base model and ordered a touring. I thought that I might be a bit let down not getting the Acadia, but now I have no regrets. Its awesome... got to go for another road trip!

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom Indeed! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Debra Sullivan - July 9 - 3:20 am

  I have owned four SUVs to date and love the versatility but wanted something a little smaller and sportier. I looked at the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Murano but none of these compare to my beautiful copper mica CX-7. I get compliments from people all the time which has never happened before, with the exception of tooling around in my little 1991 Miata of course. This car handles like a sportscar, is very roomy and takes off like I cant believe! I actually have to be careful when accelerating because it has a LOT of power for a 4-cylinder engine. I put the back seats down with the push of a button and make room for the dogs. Sound system is AMAZING.

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  A Faithful and Fun Car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Felix - July 8 - 1:00 pm

  I owned my Mazda 6 for almost 6 1/2 years before trading it this month. In all that time, the only mechanical problem I ever had with the car was a bad CV valve. I did however have several problems with interior quality, namely my hands wore holes through the leather coverings on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob. Talk about cheap. The headliner also started coming down after only 4 1/2 years. Finally, the pixels on the center console started fading out making it difficult to read. All that said, the car was very reliable and fun to drive. It handled very nimbly and dug into corners. Straight-line acceleration was lacking but it was a 4-cylinder. I would definitely buy it again.

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  I love my Rx-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By I love mazda Rs - July 8 - 6:13 am

  I love this car!!! I have wanted one since they came out (when I was 11) because my grandma had a yellow Rx-7 when I was little, and I missed it. It drives great, though loud, I love that. You have to use the best quality EVERYTHING!!! I cant stress that more. I live in the hills and it is fun to drive on the curves. I just bought it a month ago as my first car...LOL :)

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  Not too shabby - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By medman13 - July 8 - 4:49 am

  I have owned this car now for about 1 yr. I bought this when i decided to go back to school. It has an overall great design to it and gives a professional look when needed as well as a sporty look when needed. It is reasonable on gas however lacks desired power. The stick is fun to drive and shifts quite well, however an automatic would have been a better choice as an everyday driver in town. The car is said to be the poor mans BMW and holds true to that in many facets.

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  Love My Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By SHERUNR - July 7 - 1:43 pm

  I have taken my Mazda on several road trips down to North Carolina. (four hours away) The ride has always been smooth and comfortable. The vehicle does not shimmy, shake, overheat or show any signs of unreliability. I always feel safe in my car. Never once has it taken more than one tank of gas to complete the trip.

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  Fun, Stylish, Economical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John Sipple - July 7 - 12:26 am

  We love our new Mazda3. We got the fully loaded touring edition with the sport 5 speed auto transmission. We have not had an automatic for 25 years. This is a pleasure to drive in both auto and manual mode. I just drove the length of Mulholland Highway today, switching between the two shift modes. It really is a pleasure to feel the quality and performance of a well-made small car. Works well for shopping trips also. All the grand touring extras seem to be worth the extra money ... trip computer, high tech adjustable headlights, premium audio, etc. They all work and we are using them. Great car.

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  Take notes big 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Big A - July 6 - 6:30 am

  I will admit that I was a fan of the Corolla, until I bought this car. Do yourself a favor and find a windy road and a Mazda3 with a moonroof. I guarantee you will finish the drive with a big ole grin on your face. I average about 28 MPG in mixed driving; which is respectable considering the Corolla averaged about 30 in mixed driving.