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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  This is a Mazda? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ghostwriter2 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Mazda3 when I was test driving a BMW330, and was impressed with its styling. That was nothing compared to when I actually drove the car. This car is awesome all round, and I have only purchased luxury cars in the past! Forget Volvo, Infinity,Lexus, Saab and BMW, if you want the features and driving ability of those others you can have it it all in the Mazda3 -Incredible car for the price!!!

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nickwad - April 15 - 9:06 am

  This is one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Ive owned all of the Japanese brands; this one feels like a European sport sedan. Great handling, build quality and mileage. I average 28 mpg and would probably get 31 mpg if I could keep my foot off of the firewall! Its just fun to drive.

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  Low Profile Wheels=Lots of Trouble! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By arecktenwald - April 14 - 1:43 pm

  Weve had our Mazda 5 for 5 years now and have put three full sets of tires on it and at least 2 other random replacements- and it only has 95k miles on it- all highway. The low profile wheels dont last and are fairly expensive to replace. In addition, our transmission gave out in year 2 and had to be completely replaced (luckily all covered by the warranty). Also, the wheel alignment is not great (perhaps lending to the massive tire consumption) nor are the shocks at this point. So the ride is less than smooth. The first two years we LOVED the car, but it certainly has not aged well.

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  Love my M3 - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - April 13 - 9:26 pm

  My Mazda M3 is more than I could ask for in value. As a previous Protege Owner the M3 is great. I am having problems with the clutch pedal position and think other comments about finding the gears is from the pedal being too far forward and you have to lift your from the left side foot rest. I am looking for an alternate pedal or will actually modify it myself. The pedal needs to be further back behind the foot rest so you can pivot with your heal, and not have to lift your foot forward and bring your knee up. That is why people are having a hard time finding the gear because they are clutching the way they should but the throw is off on the pedal/

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  RX8 R3 Best car purchase yet! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By LoveMyRX8 - April 13 - 9:20 pm

  I love driving my RX8. True, its not as potent as my Speed3, but it is much more fun to drive. I could never take turns and corners in my Speed3 like I do in my 8. I never got to drive an older model, but the R3 is so incredible at handling, I couldnt imagine a boring drive in any RX8. One thing is for sure, the RX8 is my new choice of car and cant wait to see what other improvements/new models that Mazda will release in the future. Judging by the R3 final product, I know Mazda is headed in the right direction. Lets hope they stay headed that same way.

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  Love my car! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By MGL - April 13 - 5:03 pm

  Absolutely love the car. Weve had it for two weeks. Ive already used it once for a long trip. Our kids love the 3rd row. We started out wanting to get the GMC Acadia, but the GMC dealer didnt want to work with us at all. We decided to go to the Mazda dealership the next day, and had no problems. Im really glad we decided to go with the CX9. It has so much space and it is fun to drive.

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  terrific combination - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By nat - April 13 - 12:36 am

  My only gripe is that the engine averages 26-27mpg on my mixed loop. The same engine gives 32 hwy on the Mazda3, but Mazda chose a different ECM chip on the 5. Bummer, would have been nice to get the better mileage at least on the stick shift, where the engine has ample power even under load.

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  Happy family car - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Todd and Tammy - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Our second MPV used from dealer; wanted to fit two teenage boys, string bass, stroller and baby-seat. With spit seats in second row and roll away third seat, its very versitile! Feels more like a sedan than a van. Runs great in town, but sluggish when loaded for a mountain vacation. Weve had absolutey no mecahnical problems, now with 40k miles and always 21 mpg.Thought wed miss the older car door style rear door at first, but find the sliding nice for parking lots. We do wish there were side door pockets and storage spots for all those children things. Cant even hear the engine at idle! Love the new design and plan on another one next time around.

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  No Problems Here - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By GMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Tribute for about 7 months now and am quite happy with it. Only thing which stands out is gas mileage which seems poor. Other than that, comfort and handling is excellent as well as performance.

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  love this car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By luvmymazda1 - April 11 - 5:27 am

  I just got my Mazda 3 4 days ago and I love it. I had been looking at buying a new car for about 5 months and I was trying to decide between the mazda and the dodge dart. As of now I think I made the right choice The only negatives to this car is I dont recommend if your going to have frequent passangers in the back seat it is a little tight. If you really need a navigation system this one is not adequate but for me I live in a small city so to me it is cute decoration. The heated seats will be nice in the winter I like how you there are 5 settings instead of just on or off. The seats are comfotable. I will wait to review more when I drive it in winter