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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  cx-9 is sublime! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By angela linville - June 21 - 9:09 am

  First thing to go on this car? The paint job! Only done routine maintenance in 7 years and and 106,000 miles. Couldnt ask for a more reliable vehicle. Favorite things are the sub woofer, remote start, keyless ignition, heated leather seats, acceleration and handling, flexibility with use.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By BOB - June 21 - 7:50 am

  After looking at the acura tl and honda accord, I couldnt help to compare, for the money you get sooooo much more. Great turning radius. Out of the hole speed. Exterior first glance looks like a lexus. Built with the consumer in mind.

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  Many More For Me - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - June 21 - 6:56 am

  I have a 2007 Mazda 3 GS (which is second from the top of the line) this is a beautiful car. This car preforms at an extreme level and it has plenty hoursepower for a 4 cylinder automatic. When I needs to pass a car up hill or down the Mazda can pass it with no hesitation. I would definitely recommend a Mazda3 to anyone who was thinking of purchasing a fun car. The only problem I have with this car is that there is a squeak in the center console which Mazda says they cant fix. And after a night of the car being parked, the back brakes stick and then squeak for a few minutes, not a big deal but very loud. Besides these little problems that I found, this is an awesome and fun to drive car.

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  Not bad at all! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Benny D. - June 20 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my hatchback for about a month now and I like it very much. The red paint is gorgeous, unlike that cheap wall-paint you see on GM cars. The sporting character of the car (styling, handling, overally dynamics) makes it a great value, especially for its price range. The interior is very functionnal, precise, comfortable, simple and stylish. Engine output is only adequate - and this is the 2.3- liter. I can only imagine what the 2.0-liter feels like! However, I must admit that midrange thrust is surprising. Windows have a weird clanking noise when coming back up. Fuel economy isnt the best out there. Interior materials hard to clean. There are too many on the road!

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  Like a Wagon - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jjimbo - June 20 - 7:46 pm

  The 2007 Mazda 3i seems to have a great mix of speed, style, and sporty looks for its class. The car is very fun to drive and looks double the amount that it was in 2007. Two flaws that the car has is the super stiff suspension that feels like a wagon on the open trail. The other problem is the bodys integrity. The sheet metal is very soft and the plastic seems to be so cheap that it looses color after 5 years.

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  What A Value! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By edweissmanesq - June 20 - 6:13 pm

  After looking at other 5-door hatchbacks in the price range (notably the Kia Spectra5 and Toyota Matrix) I test drove a Mazda3. 10 minutes behind the wheel sold me. The 2.3 liter engine with the auto- stick transmission is probably the most powerful 4-cylinder power plant Ive ever driven. Nothing in any of the competition came close. The Kia, while good with some low end torque, was noisy and bottomed out at 70MPH; the Toyota was marginally powered in the FWD configuration, and painfully underpowered in the AWD version. Neither of those cars come close to the tight handling of the Mazda3. The interior of the 3, though smaller than the Matrix, is surprisingly roomy and comfortable.

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  2008 GT with Tech Pack - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By emmjay28 - June 20 - 2:20 am

  Traded in my 04 RX-8 GT last week for the 08 CX-7 GT. I wanted something with better mileage, more room, yet still sporty and stylish. The CX-7 was perfect, because it draws heavily on the RX-8s style and isnt all that much bigger. I expected to be disappointed with its 4-cyl engine, but have been pleasantly surprised by its performance. Its peppy and the transmission is smooth, almost feels like a CVT. Love the manual shift mode. Leather is comfy and stylish with the stripe down the middle of the seats. Nav system is a dramatic improvement from my RX-8 nav system, the touchscreen is simple and has lots of features.

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  Sports car in its purest form - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Applan - June 19 - 5:40 am

  In terms of value for money in the sports car category, the Miata has no equals. It is quite simply a pure sports car. Like the British sports cars of the 70s but with excellent reliability. Other reviews have said it is lacking in performance - Ill bet that they are changing gear at under 4000 rpm. You see the Miata begs to be driven hard, you feel its power rising smoothly all the way to red line at 7000 rpm. You can absolutely throw it around corners, and it stays completely flat. Oh and dont believe it if somebody tells you its a chick car. Take a look around and youll see that most SUV drivers are chicks, most Miata drivers are not!

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  Best car I have owned to date - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DarylJ - June 19 - 5:03 am

  This car suits my needs perfectly. Has the cleanest running engine. The oil is clean every time I check it. Great gas mileage! Highest was 37 mpg on a long trip. Lowest was 27mpg. I get around 30 normally. Great gas mileage means less muscle which is the better trade off for me (2.0L). Because of this the manual version is the way to go. Sporty suspension and tight turning radius makes for great handling (better than my Eclipse). Handles well in snow. Interior spacing is perfect.

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  2003 6i 4cyl Auto Redfire Metallic - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By texas6 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the 6 for a few days now I am very impressed by what Mazda has done with this car. Distinct eye catching exterior styling is sporty yet simple. Interior quality is excellent, nearing Honda in terms of materials and design. Performance all around is amazing. From making quick highway passes, carving into turns, to stopping on a dime I am impressed at what this sub $20K automobile is capable of. In terms of value, quality and performance the Mazda 6 IMHO cant be beat. I bought this car used with 16K miles on it for under $14K.