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 "Fun To Drive" Zoom Zoom Economy Car! - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By xcorgi - May 25 - 5:37 am

  What can I say, this car is just surprising! It really gets better the more you drive it. It is rock solid and its standard Yokohama tires glue it to the road and is especially secure in fast, tight, turns. This coupled with the amazing suspension makes you feel secure and completely in control at all times. Dont believe the video review BS on YouTube about this thing being underpowered. Its not! Its a perfect balance of horsepower to weight ratio logic. Dont take my word for it. Test drive one and your will be surprised! It may not have the best storage or tech goodies but if you want to fall in love with the Fun Factor of driving every day this is the one! It has the fun fun zoom zoom!

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  B3000 DS SX Model - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By frank - May 25 - 5:03 am

  This is the best truck Ive had, better than a Ranger and cheaper. Handles well in all uses, hauls very well.

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  Love the Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Toastboy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it, so far it handles the canyons here in beverly hills awesomely. I love it.

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  Excellent - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By buffet2 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new car that I have purchased. I have enjoyed the car! It is roomier than its competitors. With a family and a busy schedule, that is really important. I am still getting high gas mileage even though the car is a year old. It was difficult at first to get used to a 4 cylinder, but this car still has enough horsepower that I dont seem to notice it anymore.

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  Nice Packaging - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Dave L - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased 4 weeks ago and simply love it. My Co. car is a Winstar and there is simply no comparison. Our previous used Grnd Caravan was a money pit. We love the ext. styling and the way the interor is packaged together is superb. After looking at the length & width of the van, we almost didnt even consider it. Im glad we didnt make that mistake. After the test drive, I was sold. Check it out. This one is not a drive by.

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  Light and Quick - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James, Dallas - May 24 - 10:00 am

  As an Audi owner, I drove the TT Coupe prior to buying my RX-8, and I have to say the RX-8 blows away the TT. Hands down the RX-8 is lighter, more responsive, quicker, and more comfortable. In addition, the back seat is much roomier than the TT Coupe, in fact, adults can actually sit back there comfortably. The rotary engine purrs and demands to be driven between 4-5,000 RPMs. And with a red-line of 9,000, I have yet to use 6th gear. Cruising down the highway at 80 mph is easy on the engine in 5th gear. Since the car was just released, I dont have any maintenance history so I cant speak to that. But for the first 300 miles, this car cooks!

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  This car rocks! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - May 24 - 6:16 am

  We have had this car for two months and fall in love with it more each day. We absolutely love the 6 speed manual - it has made driving fun again. The ride is excellent and the car is a real head turner. Although the car is not fully loaded (No Nav system - it is equipped with everything we need, except maybe heated seats). The car has handled superbly in severe winter conditions - heavy snow and ice. We feel in control, even when driving conditions are bad. This has been a great buy and my wife and I would purchase this again - maybe one for me! Mazda really hit a home run with this re-design and we are looking forward to the 2010 Mazda 3! ZOOM-ZOOM All the way!!

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  Love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lipman photo - May 23 - 3:06 am

  This car is a joint venture between Volvo ford and mazda.It is really got a lot of Volvo in it . It is just great to drive. I keep looking for reasons to drive somewhere. The mileage is about 20 in the city and 27 on the highway

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  a great car at a great price - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jerome - May 17 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Mazda. I admit that much of my decision was driven by what I have read on Edmunds and other car review sites. That being said, I can find little fault this persistently fun car. At 62" I was unnecessarily worried about room; theres plenty for myself and my family of four. It handles like its on rails, and its spirited engine is quite responsive. The mileage could be better, but given the engines performance, its a trade-off I can live with. Everything about this car screams attention to detail. Mazda has a real winner here.

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  1 Year plus--and lots to like - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By L.A. JAFO - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  My wife drives this car around town, but I made sure we took it on some real road trips to make sure it was solid. Am I impressed...you bet! On a 455 mile trip from LA to the Salton Sea and back through Palm Springs in 114 degree heat with the A/C on max it still did 29.2 MPG. On a 700 mile trip to Northern California using highways 101 and 1 we did 33.2 MPG. Power is very good. Handling is solid; it responds like a BMW or an Acura and when you turn the wheel, you move RIGHT NOW, no slop or lag at all. Interior space is good, and even at 65 I have both head and leg room thanks to the telescoping steering wheel. Trunk space is very good for big suitcases (2 of them!) or lots of groceries.