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:

• 

  28.9 mpg on first tank of gas - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By jat - February 24 - 9:46 pm

  First tank was 28.9 mpg highway miles from Ohio to West Virginia. Going from a SUV to a van I thought I would be disappointed. The van was great and handled well.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By lotus 17 - February 24 - 4:53 pm

  Traded a 2007 CX-7 for this car. What an improvement-Quieter, More Supple (less harsh over bumps) Bluetooth. Less Turbo lag. The 2007 was very reliable I expect this to be as well. This is a great value and as much fun as an SUV can be.

• 

  Seriously good car - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MrCowGod - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Awesome. Thats all I can say. Lots-o-low end torque to make a performance car drivable in the city. Loads of fun, to say the least, in quick turning mountain roads and the short shift is a beautiful thing.

• 

  Hell alot better than a 99 Toyota Camery - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JONBOS - February 22 - 4:20 am

  Well this has been a great car for the past 2 weeks. Really Fun To Drive!! From a Toyota Camery, 4-speed auto; now I got a 6-speed Manual. What can be better?! The design is out of this world with the lights and that Graphite Grey paint job. Wicked, way better than white and a vinyl roof! Well its very sporty, I think Mazdaspeed had a hand in this, with the suspension. The Hatchback is very cool looking, best on the market, and love the versatility for cargo. Bluetooth is sweet (freak out the friends), they need to work on the voice recognition though. Interior is very comfortable in both back and front seats (rear windows go all the way down). I also looked at (Lancer and Imprezza) FAST!

• 

  for all mankind - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By anhichiban - February 21 - 2:56 pm

  A beautiful and friendly car, the RX-8 makes its mark on the road. A unique body style that is subtle but stands out in the crowd. It is everything you expect it to be with the except of 2 major points. Lack of torque, so when you floor the gas, you still feel like your cruising unless you are in the higher RPMs. Even then you do not feel much acceleration. Secondly, MPG. Sadly I get a consistent 13 mpg with a 45/55 highway/city driving style. Mildly better than my fathers Ford Expedition. These are my only complaints.

• 

  Best Car, EVER! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By PJ - February 21 - 2:20 pm

  I just traded in a 2004 325ci BMW for the 2010 Mazda3 2.0liter. OMG, I am so happy with the trade. It drives like a dream. Tight handling, great gas mileage, very roomy back seat. And the best part: body style is awesome. I plan to drive this car a long time.

• 

  WOW! Nice car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - February 21 - 9:56 am

  Before you buy a Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. You owe it to yourself to try out the Mazda3. The 3 handles great, incredible brakes! Very comfortable seats. Nice ride. Looks great! The manual mode in the auto shifter is a nice feature.

• 

  Just right - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By md - February 21 - 8:33 am

  This car meets the needs of the American market, people just have to know about it. Im surprised that Mazda has not advertised this vehicle. It has a hit on its hands. I love all the features for the money. It drives great and serves the needs of most families with. I traded in a Nissan Armada, used the equity & now have no car payment. It uses half the gas and costs half as much for an SUV with as much as this offers. Smart buy. If you can find one in area, you should buy it. There would be no reason to purchase cars like the xB, PT, HHR, Matrix or regular family sedans like Accord or Camry with this on the market. With Camry/Accord, you can buy this for less and get a get a lot more.

• 

  Good for the money, but... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By eburt - February 20 - 6:36 pm

  Ive been driving my MT 3 for 8 mos. All in all, Im satisfied, but there are some major engineering errors that they need to address. I added the Sirius radio after I got the car (bought through the dealer, but installed at an aftermarket), and by doing so, the aux button for my iPod no longer worked. Was told that its either one or the other - after purchase of course. Complained enough to the dealer that they gave us a comp on the switch box needed to use both sat and aux. Claimed they didnt know. Dont pay $150 for a feature that should have been there from the start. I drive 95% highway and only average 26.2 after 8K miles. Was told would get 30+.

• 

  ZZZZOOM - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin G - February 20 - 6:00 pm

  I ordered my 2006 3i Touring Sedan at the beginning of September 2005 and got it October 11th 2005. The best value for the money in its class. Be sure to get the optional side airbags/ABS package. I have over 3000 miles on it so far. Im getting 34MPG with the 5 speed manual transmission. This car cruises very nicely at 70mph. The overall fit and finish is excellent except for the cheap material used for the carpeting. The seat are comfortable but I would have paid extra for a 6 way power seat option. Get the beige interior. It is much nicer looking than the black interior.