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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  2004 30,000 mile review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By longtermtester - March 7 - 8:26 am

  After owning this car for almost 2 years I have noticed a few things.. First of all when I got the car I assumed that over time the steering and suspension would lose some its tightness and precision. This has not happened. The car handles like it did the day I purchased it. Im still not sure how I paid $20G Canadian and got this level of handling. My own fear stops me in a fast turn. Not the car. Very smooth. Secondly, when I bought it I was worried about the reliability and craftsmanship of Mazda vehicles. So far, only the regular maintenance has been performed. So to wrap this up; 2 years, fun to drive, no problems. Great car!

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  Ive loved it for the last 4 years. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sranco - March 6 - 10:23 pm

  Bought this car used in the summer of 09 with 129k on it. It now has 157k on it and I still love it. It has great handling and decent power for a 4 cylinder. These cars have a very good suspension IMO. It can handle tight turns at good speeds without offering too stiff of a ride. Mine has 17 inch tires, which probably makes a bit of a difference over the stock 16s. The interior is also well appointed and really comes alive at night with the interior lighting. If you like to play golf this car will also suit you well, there is easily enough room for 3 golf bags. The back seat can be a little tight though.

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  Not a bad little vehicle - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris - March 6 - 11:56 am

  Have owned my 2006 auto for a little over a year now. I average about 110 miles a day in this car. Gas mileage has ranged from 27 to 33 highway, depending on speed and use of AC. I had the windows tinted. I do notice some rattles now that I have close to 30K. The road noise is excessive as well. Someone else mentioned this too that the black interior is a bear to keep clean, it shows everyting. The heater doesnt seem to pump out consistent air temp and the A/C light goes on when using the auto feature, even if its cold out. Dont understand that logic. All in all though, you get a lot of vehicle for the price.

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  good - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By bander - March 6 - 12:43 am

  a lot of power from just 2.3L engin and a lot of standred option

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  A mind-blowing sports car to drive! - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nawaaz - March 4 - 5:54 am

  Through my brief history of owning an array of sports cars, this Miata is the least expensive car Ive bought, yet it is simply the best out of them all... It may seem hard to believe, but I WILL NOT lie to you. Ive owned a 06 Evo IX MR, 09 e90 M3 Sedan, 10 RX-8 R3... and this MX-5 Miata beats them all. Ive matured into a smarter and more expererienced driver, expecially after attending several HPDE events... And this particular car is the pinnacle of pure sports cars. It has all the driving enjoyment you could ever want or need. Having the option of going top-down is an exciting bonus. This car really connects with the driver and becomes in harmony with one another.

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  Good all around pickup - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Bob Mazdaman - March 3 - 10:00 am

  After shopping around, found this vehicle to be the best for the money by far. Was only lacking skid plates and limited slip rear. Added a few details and everyone admires its appearance!V6 lacks in the mileage, but they all do once away fromthe 4 bangers. Overall good truck. 76K now and going for 200K+ miles.

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  When does 250 hp equal 238hp - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zoom RX8 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Its 3 week now since I purchased my rx8 Handling is scarry I havnt got this car to break out yet. On wet pavement its like a regular car on dry pavement. The thrill of thr rotary winding out is musical. All the controls are just right I am 61tall and fit just right. The cbbin is so roomy its amazing. the Freestyle, "suicide", doors amaze friends family and strangers. This is not a car. It is anextension of me. When driving I have never experienced the feeling of being one with a machine I get from the RX8

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  One month & 1,000 miles - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jay - March 2 - 11:26 am

  I turned in a Honda Accord since I wanted a smaller car for going to the post office etc. First off the Accord had problems which it shouldnt have had. Problem with a window, power steering and needed new brakes early. The Mazda is good so far. The finish and upholstery inside is very good. I like the dashboard. Much better than the Civic. I miss a little bit the cruise control and power locks but again only a little bit.

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  Fun car to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By cognitive6 - March 2 - 12:36 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It handles well and has a sports-car feel, except its a sedan. The steering wheel blocks the view of the top of the gauges, and theres an annoying sloshing sound (from fuel tank) when stopping and starting when tank is full. The car feels solid and few vehicles can compete with it in styling. In fact, its sleek design makes appear smaller than others in its class, but its actually longer than most.

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  I love my white mazda 3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Homer61388 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a brand new 2010 mazda 3 i touring with the white pearl paint. Its a gorgeous car and the quality and the amount of car you get for the money is outstanding. And the deals offered by Mazda cant be matched! Its not only a good-looker but delivers with the safety, comfort, handling, and decent acceleration/performance vs. exceptional fuel economy. All in all, its the BEST car in the segment all around.