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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  Zoom Zooms Little Ripper - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shannon - September 26 - 8:40 pm

  I bought my Mazada3 and have enjoyed the comfort and fun style of this little car. I get compliments on it, people refer to it like a little BMW. The fuel economy is great-I have driven over 260 miles on a 1/2 tank of gas, and average 100 miles every 1/4th tank in the city. The car has very little noise and is a smooth ride. The braking system is great once you begin to wear them in. Very safe car with 6 air bags and security system. Trunk is very roomy for the size of the car. I was able to fit two of my guy friends, one at 64 and the other at 62, on the passenger side of the car and they both had good leg room. The moon roof and 5 changer package is worth the money. Awesome car!

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  Disappointing gas mileage - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By drivesalotfl - September 25 - 10:16 am

  The car is beautiful and fun to drive, but I havent gotten near the advertised gas mileage, and thats the main reason I bought the car. I went for a 6 cylinder SUV to this, and the average mileage isnt all that much better. I even took it back to the dealer thinking something was wrong with the monitoring system, but they insisted it was accurate. I am lucky to get 29 MPG on the highway. I have also had issues with the Infotainment system - similar to those published by others in various forums - GPS system all of a sudden fails, doesnt recognize commands, fade has to be set all the way to the rear to get any sound out of the rear speakers.

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  Very glad I bought this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By JoanC - September 24 - 4:50 pm

  This is one snappy little car and Im very pleased with it. Ive had it about a week and traded a loaded 2002 Jetta turbo for it (hooray, no more premium gas!). The cars that got great mileage (e.g. the Honda Fit) didnt have the power I need for a local highway where certain onramps force you to merge from a standing stop, so the Mazda was a compromise between mileage and power. It handles and drives beautifully, is well-equipped and well-designed with excellent fit and finish. Cons: theres more road noise than Im used to and the sporty ride is stiff/bouncy. Also, the automatic transmission shift gates take some getting used to. These are just nits--I highly recommend this car.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lyle - September 24 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Tribute has been nothing but positive since purchasing the vehicle last fall. The Tribute is extremely roomy inside and very comfortable. It drives smoothly and feels much like a car. Only negative I would say is the range. 16 gallons isnt enough in my opinion. But overall, I HIGHLY recommend this SUV. Their somewhat rare and thats another reason I like it.

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  Excellent sharp-looking Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By wilecoyote - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The worst thing about the Mazda 3 is having to choose between the 4 door or the Hatchback. They are both GREAT looking cars. Once you make the decision, hop in and enjoy the ride.

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  What a car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ghettosmith - September 24 - 2:00 am

  It is a wonderful amazing car.

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  Otto the auto... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ZoomZoom79 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  For all those considering purchasing a fun vehicle to drive that gets away from the dull and boring car (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord - besides, Im SOOO sick of hearing how great these cars are), then consider the 6s. I purchased 1 one 6 Blazing Copper Metallic (Orange) Mazda 6s in my state, and have received tons of compliments on the style of the car and the color. Being a Syracuse Univ. alum, the car is appropriately named Otto. The heated leather seats and mirrors are a nice touch, and the Bose audio system cant be beat. The performance handles like a sports car, and spending an extra $150 for tinted windows is definetely a MUST.

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  Not so soccer mom mini-minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By JoeS. - September 22 - 11:56 am

  The Mazda 5 is an excellent choice for new parents who have been used to coupes and sedans. While the engine lack is lacking in the performance department, it does the job with some forethought to merging and passing. The fuel economy is excellent and is comparable to most compact to midsize sedans. We use the 5 for myself, my wife and our 5 month old daughter. It provides comfortable seating, and ample storage with the 3rd row folded flat for an oversized stroller, and plenty of remaining cargo space for lots of groceries or a trip to the mall. Only driving complaint comes from a significant blindspot behind the driver left side between the drivers door and the left sliding door. We love it!

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike72771 - September 22 - 10:10 am

  I still walk backwards to look at my car in parking lots. This is by far the most fun to drive car I’ve owned in ten years. Bang for the buck is an understatement when it comes to the Mazda3. Nothing can touch it!

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  If you love to drive - buy this car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Winning Blue!! - September 22 - 12:30 am

  This is an awesome compact car. Call it a hatch or a wagon, it does not matter- its a great ride with utility. It has plenty of room for my small family, and is an excellent commuter or canyon carving car. Vehicles like this prove that a gas slurping SUV is not necessary in most cases. I am able to nimbly avoid traffic situations rather than drive over them. The mechanicals and refinement are excellent, and beats the new Civic hands down (drove the new 06 EX before I bought this) - no contest if you love to drive. If you are happy driving a boring car, buy the Civic or a Corolla and be happy. I drive "spirited" with the 5M (superb!) and average 30.4 mpg after 10,500 miles. Excellent buy!