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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  Not very Impressed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Not very Impressed - June 10 - 2:43 am

  Ive had my Mazda3 for a little over a year and I have had some issues with the car that should not be present with only 15,000 miles on the odometer. The brake system make an awful growling noise each time I back it out of my garage. Sevice engine light came on at 13,000 miles, was told that the gas cap needs replaced, replaced it and at 14,000 miles the light came back on. I will have to replace the tires soon, wore out way to soon. Road noise is very annoying, seems to get worse as the tires quickly wear. The whole Mazda experience has not been very good for me, zoom-zoom-BOOM?

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  really incredible car - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By dancingyaya - June 9 - 5:11 pm

  I am so pleased with this car. It is stylish and sleek. The design is distinctive. It rides very smoothly and gets great gas mileage. I like to drive, and in this car, I feel very connected to the driving experience. The steering is responsive, the fuel economy is great, yet the power is there when you need or want it. Interior is comfortable, ride is quiet, Bose stereo system is great.

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  Wow, this car is fun to drive! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By delrey - June 9 - 10:41 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. The handling, steering, and road feel are top notch for this car, especially for this class. It puts some newer and more expensive cars to shame. With that said, the car wasnt perfect. The best gas mileage I could get was 28MPG. Despite regular detailing, the car had a decent amount of rust. I went through front wheel bearings like crazy and I had to replace my front struts twice within the 130,000 miles of ownership. Interior is rather nice for the year but the radio is quite weak. A fun car to drive with minor flaws.

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  fun to drive it - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wtrhw - June 8 - 10:00 am

  great to have fun in and a good car to drive

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  Value in fun-to-drive market - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By hemoyt2004 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  17 inches wheels, 2.3L engine, Foglight, in-dash CD changer, leather seats and so on add to such a taut, competent compact yet pratical with the hatch designing, it screams the real value in the compact fun-to-drive auto market.

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  Great car, a couple small problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mlh - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my car for about 6 months now and it is really fun to drive.

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  Happy buyer - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Sigor111 - June 8 - 8:33 am

  I must say that this is one of the best smalll SUV in US market I didnt want to waste money on . I bought it with 4 cyl engine sincegas with V6. MPG is currently around 22 which is good for the first 1500 miles. Car drives great and it has enough power for drriving around town. The only thing that I dodn;t like about this car is that the engine is very noisy. I dodnt know if that is normal, but I will check with my dealer to make sure that all bolts on the exhaust are tight. I am not used to that sound of engine. Other than that great car and with 4 000$ in rebates this is currently the best buy in this market segment.

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  Most vain car ever made - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By brandon - June 8 - 7:26 am

  Ok so I bought this car fresh after becoming single and this car was the vainest purchase I have ever made in my life. The car IS sexy, but that is it. It is not cheap, HORRIBLE ON GAS, and EXTREMELY HIGH maintenance!!! You have to check the oil a lot, it has to be run everyday or it wont turn over. Please learn from my mistake and buy a reliable and practical car.

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  Looking for a new car? Look no further! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By kb698a - June 7 - 1:31 am

  I just recently got my new Mazda 6, took my dealer over a month to find the one I wanted but it was worth the wait! The handling is great and responsive, takes corners with ease and minimal body roll. The seats are soft yet very supportive and very comfortable. I went with the 6 because of its aggressive and stylish design, and also the great fuel economy. I drive a 100 miles a day for work and needed to get good MPG. Above and beyond my expectations so far, getting 37 MPG average!! Also a lot of interior room, Im 6ft and have more than enough room. I dont even have to move my seat for my 63" friend to sit behind me with plenty of leg room to spare. And also awesome value!

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  Understated luxury - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By zoom!zoom! - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Price + luxury design and materials make this automobile worthwhile. Beautiful aesthetics and long list of features make me laugh when I see others spending 50% more on another luxury vehicle for the brand name. Go out a drive one and do the math - youll be smart, saved a ton of bank, and riding in pure luxury...