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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  EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By drspongklong - February 1 - 12:40 pm

  This is the car Ive been waiting for. Un-minivanlike minivan. Perfect size for my family. Beautifully built, luxurious features yet affordable. Mazda got it right. So much fun to drive. Made in Japan so it should be reliable. Am so proud to be one of the first to have it.

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  Stands out from the crowd - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By slickdealer - February 1 - 11:43 am

  Ive only owned this vehicle for 4 months but so far, its been great. I love the size. Its not a tank (aka Odyssey/Sienna). I also like having a vehicle that isnt on every corner. The MPV really stands out from the crowd. Took it on a long trip this summer and it performed flawlessly. The interior doesnt have that cheap quality feel that some cars have. It feels solid.

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  Great little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason Trojacek - February 1 - 6:30 am

  I had a Dodge pickup truck, which I loved, but the gas priced were killing me. I get about twice the gas mileage in this little car. Its not as good as some other small cars, but compared to the truck its excellent. The base 5 door is loaded with all kinds of fun stuff. I could use a little more horsepower and torque, come on Mazdaspeed. But the car serves me well in my daily commute. I was a little put off by the walk-in price. I couldnt get anything below MSRP. So I tried the internet and was able to find one for $100 over invoice.

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  Love the new 2014 CX5 Grand Touring with a few exceptions - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By nrgxmsn - January 31 - 5:44 pm

  This care was a very pleasent surprise. I was set on a Honda CRV and after a test drive it was a little better than average. Also test drove a Suburu Forester and it was below average with basic interior frills. Never test drove the Rav4 because its ugly cowhide dashboard. Wasnt considering a Mazda but after looking at it, it looked rich and classy, the interior was above all the others lots of frills, but the ride was amazing very steady going around turns like a race car. Test drove a 2013 and it appeared light on HP but not the 2014 no longer an issue. The gas mileage is better than my previous car a Honda CRV.

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  great car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By decerce - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun great car no problems

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  Lovely but not trouble-free - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By val222 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  We have 2003 ES model. Fun to drive and perfectly capable of hauling a family of 5 with all the cargo. Best handling and extremely goof-looking interior. Reliability is questionable - we had tranny replaced on a long trip when the car stalled on a highway at 7pm in December. Had to spend 3 days in upstate NY on our way to Florida while waiting for the replacement (at Mazdas expense). Electric doors frequently malfunction.

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  Best Value Out There - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jschaffer180 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is nothing short of amazing. I began my search looking for cars costing $3000-$4000 more than the top of the line 3 Hatchback such as the Acura TSX, Honda Accord EX V6 Coupe, Subaru WRX and used Lexus IS 300s. This car blew me away. Ill admit it has less power than the rest by a decent margin, but somehow the fun to drive factor beats the rest by a longshot and it never feels short on power. I love driving this thing, and it also has more room then the rest of the cars as well. Anyone looking at any of these cars, take a look at the 3. I know it may not have the prestige, but I guarantee it will surprise you.

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  Pleasently surprised - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By kdevivo - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have 8400 miles on 6i w/auto. No problems at all. Well built, comfortable and economical. Red w/alloy wheels, no other extras. Trip to Canada with only 1100 miles on car, biggest problem is car is so smooth and quiet that you find yourself doing 80-90 without realizing it. Excellent exterior styling, well thought out interior with lots of nice standard features. Excellent HVAC.

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  ma review - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kimmerz - January 31 - 1:20 am

  I LOVE this car! You will surely enjoy this vehicle but there are some drawbacks; for one you cant really pack the trunk full of things because this car can bottom out but there might just be damage that the dealership cant see that it underneath the chassis. But overall a good car.

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  Perfect City Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jamie - January 30 - 11:36 pm

  The Mazda 3 goes to show that sleek styling, sharp handling, & a powerful engine doesnt cost a fortune. The interior is well appointed and instrument panel is conveniently layout out. It has rigid steering and I feel in control of the car at all times. The Mazda 3 is perfect for the city, its not to big and not to small but just right.