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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  Great car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justin - September 17 - 4:10 am

  This car is great, the underpinnings are derived from a Volvo s40. The design of the interior looks good and is functional along with the multiple airbags and H beam overhead for rollover protection. The exterior looks great. The engine has plenty of power for the vehicle and tranny doesnt shuffle around for gears, the manual feature is great too. As far as the suspension and brakes are conserned they exceed my expectations by far. For a fwd you cant beat the handling. Overall this car is definitely worth the money.

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  Dream come true! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Moptop411 - September 16 - 5:26 am

  I just bought my 96 Miata a month ago and I am just loving the fun. it is everything people say it is. It is the most fun drive I have had the pleasure of taking. The clutch is light, the gearbox is smooth and the handling is impeccable. It does take a lil skill to drive ... it is easy to over steer and 180. But nothing beats cruising with the top down and darting nimbly around traffic. I have wanted this car for a long time and I am so happy I have her!

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  my first MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ronnie zoom zoom - September 15 - 1:33 pm

  Newly purchased true red sport model with suspension package. Just drove it up the Oregon coast top down, what a blast. Handles great, looks great, more fun than any vehicle Ive ever driven!

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  Great Value, Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By hmendoza - September 15 - 3:16 am

  I just bought the CX-9 last week but been researching CUVs for the last six months and the CX-9 is the best value for the money and is a lot of fun to drive. My wife and I are very happy with it.

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  Lotsa Miles - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Andy - September 15 - 12:40 am

  Fun and reliable car. Averaged about 30mpg in combined city/highway driving. Regular gas. The interior is a bit cramped if you have long legs. The cigarette lighter may hit your knee. I have put about 130k miles on this car. It still has the original front suspension components, alternator and many other components. I only had problems (initially) with the clutch pump and head gasket. After their replacement - at about 100k miles - Ive had no further problems with these items. Very reliable and fun car. Highly recommended. I just bought a 2001 model to replace this one. Youll love this car.

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  most fun car to drive.......EVER! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By roosta82 - September 14 - 5:40 pm

  I just bought this car 5 days ago, and lets just say my cheeks hurt because Ive been grinning so much. Its like driving a big go-cart. I cant imagine a more fun car to drive

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  Suprisingly fun to drive van! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By tristanboy - September 14 - 8:26 am

  Bought this car used. Currently around 34,000 miles. Averaging around 24 mpg mixed. Car has a decent amount of pep for around town, lacking in passing power. Responsive 5-speed auto, with manual control. Love the space for 6, although if all seats are up there is small cargo space behind the third row. Clever packaging and storage with the huge glovebox and flip open second row bottoms. Love the armrests. Steering feel is lively. A bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Beware of suspension problems with the 5. I have noticed some creaking, look into it before buying.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By mandydj - September 13 - 10:35 pm

  Love this car! Comfortable to drive, and ride. Great acceloration, great room, I have three kids and I use this car for work, I drive my clients to their apointments, grocery shopping, etc. Love the sliding doors. Very easy, dont have to worry about tight parking spots. I love the back seats, you can put them down for cargo or use them. The only complaint I would say it is a little bumpy, and a lot of road noise on the freeway. Other than that, Its the perfect car.

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  Very fun to drive if the space works for you. - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Steve - September 13 - 6:18 pm

  Car is a joy to drive with a great interior, great tech, and fuel economy. Only real negative is lack of storage space and interior space is on the tight side. If the driving experience weighs more to you than straight up interior space, give the CX3 a hard look.

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  Id buy it again! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim G. - September 13 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle primarily to pull a pop up trailer in the mountains. Mine is equipped with all wheel drive. It has performed admirably. However, it doesnt get the best mileage while pulling the trailer, but what car or truck does under these conditions? This brings up another point associated with the mileage; the fuel tank is only 16 gallons, not enough when youre only getting 14-15 mpg. Except for the above mentioned, Im very happy with my choice.