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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  i love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rachel4 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  i love my car, i am so happy with my pruchase i couldnt have done better.its awsome, i love it!!!!

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  Dont buy it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dudesk - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had to the car into the dealership once a month since I purchased for various problems with the brakes and the check the engine light.

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  Overall happiness - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By thark57 - January 20 - 3:33 am

  I have 2000 mi. so far. All city miles so far. Mileage has steadily climbed starting at 28.5 to 31 mpg. There seems to be a gearing gap from 1st to 2nd gear. Trunk is roomy and back seats work great for my 7 and 11 yr olds. I think there should be more interior colors available. I wish there was a 6th gear for the highway. Not sure why the a/c turns on when you turn the temperature control know back all the way to cool.

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  Beautiful, affordable, and fun! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Luluza - January 20 - 1:03 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 46,800 miles. Runs and looks like a brand new car without having to pay the new car price. Totally happy with my choice of car after trying out the Chevy Acadia and the Nissan Pathfinder. It drives very nice and smooth. Its spacious but not overly big like some of the SUVs out there. I have the sport model which is the basic model but I love it because I dont need the leather seats or navigation system. Its pretty good on gas too. Not as bad as I thought.

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Very Good Purchase - January 19 - 5:53 am

  I am the type of guy who really does my homework before purchasing a car. I read many of the reviews on here, and on Yahoo. I visited 4 dealerships, and test drove the car at each of them. When I decided to purchase the car I did it online through Edmunds. Be careful, cause many of the dealerships will say a low price, but when you arrive it jumped up $2-3k, cause of options. I love the car. Handles great, got 30mpg on my first tank of gas, plenty of room, very quite, and easy to drive. Great Buy!

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  Very Good Vehicle! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By freedvr1 - January 18 - 11:45 pm

  I have had my CX-9 for 2 years and 36,000 trouble free miles. I have two small children and my wife and the kids have made several 1,000 mile road trips. Very comfortable and stable on the road. I also have a 550i BMW, and this car definitley is as much fun to drive. Relatively speaking. Best value out there!

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By The Binnie - January 18 - 2:06 am

  No real problems yet. Only have 900 miles on it

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  Helloo Money Pit! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Threnners - January 17 - 5:23 pm

  Sigh...In the past three years I have had to replace the dash odometer light, chrome hood piece, IAC Valve, Master brake cylinder, gearshift cable, the drivers side door handle, a fog light, and had to have work done on a misfiring cylinder. It creaks every time I make a left turn (bad sway bar links Im told) and howls in the cold. The cloth is peeling off every interior door. One of the seats in the back wont go down (first time I tried!) Im really let down because I really loved the Tribute (over the Escape) and REALLY wanted this car and to keep it 10 years but I dont think its going to make it. When it does work though, it works very well.

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  1 year of ownership - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By TimL - January 17 - 3:40 am

  At the car lot I jumped in the vehicle to take it for a drive. It seems very very sluggish and was not at all impressed. Then I noticed the brake light was on!!!!!! Well, after taking the E-brake off I realized this car had some serious zip. It handled better than any of my two other previously owned vehicles. I was sold. Last summer I took the vehicle from Oregon to Yellowstone in Montana. When I hit the Rockys I noticed my car did not climb very well. Other vehicles on the road seemed to be responding about the same. I decided to experiment and flipped the stick to Manual and dropped it into third gear. I was easily able to drive uphill at 90mph and still had power left over.

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  Expectations Met - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pasha - January 16 - 9:20 pm

  Before purchasing MAZDA3 i, I owned "Toyota Corolla S" for 2 years. I was very unhappy with it, because it was a simple basic car with very low power, and was expensive. MAZDA3 i met all my expectations. At this price range, I would definitely recommend this vehicle. It has a quiet and smooth ride, and great corner handling. Compared to others at this price range, Mazda3 has much more power and still very fuel efficient. Unbelievable. In real-world driving, with 12 gallons of gas, I went 430 miles. I loved the exterior design. I really enjoy driving this vehicle. If you are looking for a car for $16,500, I would recommend MAZDA3 i. For this price, this is the total package today.