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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  Been great so far! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By nathanh2 - April 17 - 6:22 pm

  I bought it used with 46,000. It now has 58,000 and I have had no problems with it what so ever. Gas mileage has been pretty good although the car is small and I would expect it to get better. But other than that it has been golden. No mechanical problems. Turns on a dime. Rides beautifully on the highway. Put good tires on it if you havent already. I had the Eagle RS-A and as soon as I switched them out the car was much quieter and rode a lot smoother. A/C can be a little weak. But it seems to do fine if you turn it up another notch. All around a very good car. I am very happy with it and I dont expect that to change

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  Love it - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By DAVE M - April 17 - 6:23 am

  I compared this car to every manufacturers competitive model. The 6 won hands down. Ive always driven fords and have been happy with performance but not with styling. This 6 has been not only a pleasure to drive but Ive yet to be out and about without a compliment on the new look. Keep up the good work Mazda. I cant wait for the next upgrade!

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  Great value! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By KYMazdaFan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been an absolute pleasure to drive for both in-town and highway travels. The Mazda Tribute is a "twin" to the Ford Escape. I started looking at the Escape, but ended up preferring the exterior and interior options of the Tribute, while the Tribute is priced comparably with the Escape. Also, the Tribute comes with a 5 year/48,000 mile warranty, compared to the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty that comes with the Ford Escape. I also get a free rental car anytime the Tribute needs to be in the shop, which by all appearances, will be seldom. A great value on a solid and very enjoyable vehicle to drive.

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  best - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nie - April 17 - 2:00 am

  love this car. the best in its class

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  what a fun ride!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trulyxln - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 weeks now and have NO regrets. Despite the fact that it is brand new and new style I purchased for well under invoice using my Edmunds research. I am happy with my purchase..its fun to drive..looks good and has heads turning. The power is GREAT for a small car. It handles like a sports car. This is a classy small car. Ive waited so long for another "great little car". Im a loyal Mazda owner and have enjoyed their reliability for years now....I am now so excited to have not only the reliability but the LOOKS! Mazda just gets better and better!! I look forward to owning this vehicle for years to come.

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  Zoom Zoom x 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By petpad - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great new car from Mazda! The new 3 is leading the sub-compact class right up a notch or two. Dont wate money buying a base model compact. This car is very tight, good looking and well-priced. modern ergonomics and built in Japan makes it a winner. The car has been referred as a mix between a BMW, a Jetta and a Corolla... taking only the good from each of them... The Bimmer is great but too expensive; the Jetta feels realgood, but is poorly built; the Corolla has excellent reliability, but is bland and dull. The Mazda 3, particulalry the 3s or GT in Canada combines all the "wants" and drops the "bads". Nice car!

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  The Yank Mk. 2 Ford Focus - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By AufMitter - April 16 - 1:10 pm

  The car has been a joy to own since new. No problems to date, just basic transportation the Mazda way - fantastic. Proper layout in the interior; Shifter placement is superb, and the tunnel nestles next to your right leg in perfect position as a rest spot on long journeys. Pedals light and user friendly. Exterior design is that of form equivalent function, meaning there is enough emotion but all of it is usable. Of course the chassis is up to snuff, ready to drive your any and every mood.

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  Zoom Zoom Hatchback - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Menelaos - April 16 - 12:23 pm

  Great driving machine but hard to find a manual. 07 Civic and 07 Corolla have nowhere near the road manners and performance of this one. Smooth and quiet ride but with excellent feel of the road. Acceleration is quite spirited and the quiet cabin belies the speed you are driving at. Braking is amazing! Only car with stability control at this price level. In mixed driving around Seattle I get 400 miles per tank. The hatch has ample cargo volume for hauling. Very easy to attach baby seats with the latch system. Driving at night, with the fog lights on, is a pleasure for tired eyes. The illuminated buttons (audio and cruise) on the steering wheel take a bit of getting used to.

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  Traded Fit for m3, I feel young again. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By damian35 - April 16 - 8:20 am

  Reminds me of my 1982 Rx7 except its much better. Its all in one, powerful engine response, adequate mpg, sporty handling, nice suspension, loads of features in comparison with honda vehicles in this price range. Tremendous quality build. The trunk space is adequate for a car its size and Im really happy I bought this car. Its simply the best bang 4 the buck. The stereo and sound system are awesome even when its not the top one offered in the se version. I love this car because its the best in its class. I recommend it to anyone who wants the best car out there, look no more.

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  MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Cynthia - April 15 - 1:50 pm

  Great SUV. No mechanical problems, except for the gas pedal which was covered under warranty. Highly recommend.