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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  Best RX Yet - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Zoom Zoom - August 14 - 6:00 am

  Ive owned two earlier editions of the RX7. The RX8 has to win the title of the "Most Fun to Drive." There is no car Ive driven at less than twice the price thats so agile. Its like a four wheeled motorcycle. Somehow Mazda developed a suspension that is comfortable for cruising yet delivers real "seat of the pants" handling and road feel. Its like nothing else on the road. Only negatives: surprisingly poor gas mileage and trunk which is really an auxilliary glove compartment. (Throw your luggage in the back seat.)

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  Zoom Zoom with lots of room - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GaylordMays - August 13 - 1:46 pm

  The RX-8 wont go 0-60 with blinding speed. Its only 1.8 liters, but if you want to rip through a winding roads like sports cars are meant to do, you cant beat it for the price. Its worst feature is gas mileage. I love the interior layout. All the gauges are clearly visible and the huge 10K tach with the digital speedometer is way cool even though I dont look at it much; I shift by sound. If I get to wound up in the post 8000 rpm whine the audible alarm that goes off as I pass through 95K mark reminds me to shift. I havent experienced any maintenance problems (mines a 6 speed manual). My biggest thrill comes from the G-force engaging the limited slip differential in the curves.

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  Sweet Ride - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Uncle Stu - August 13 - 6:53 am

  We bought my wife an 2008.5 grand touring hatch, manual transmission new in 2008. So far no problems aside from once, the power steering failed then started working again (about a year ago). I have a g35 but I take this car on the weekends -- it handles better.

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  Great Lux - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon - August 13 - 6:46 am

  This s Grand Touring is one heck of a machine to drive! Safety features and rating are unmatched - with adaptive headlights, H-bar skeletons, and built- in bluetooth system. The Bose surround- sound audio system with the noise canceling just puts you right in the studio! Love the push-start botton, dual-zone automatic climate control,and the hatch versatility that transforms into a storage capacity that rivals any small truck! This is in-deed a vehicle in a class of its own!

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  a detailed look - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jimmy P - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  I got the 09 M3i, 2.0 manual. I deliver pizza and do a lot of driving. Ive driven nice cars; a porche, some bmws and a few other nice cars so Im trying to be completely objective with my review and will break down my scoring on the scale above. Performance: zippy, but not real fast, cant hang with the big boys but the handling is superb, which brought the score up to a 7/10. Comfort: I drive for HOURS! Im never uncomfortable. 7/10. Fuel economy: I avg 27 mpg...depending on the use of AC and if im driving like a maniac which i sometimes do. 350-290 miles per tank.(usually around 320). 7/10. Fun to drive: that the handling is so surprisingly responsive combined

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  Beyond Awesome! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Smilin CX-5 Driver - August 12 - 5:11 pm

  Took a long time and drove lots of vehicles before selecting this Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD and I LOVE IT!!! Its super fun to drive with tons of zoom zoom but has such a phenomenally quiet smooth ride even all my passengers comment on it. The technology I thought Id find annoying is actually helpful and the audio system rocks! Everyone who has ridden in it regardless of age or size has been very impressed including tall back seat passangers. Already hauling stuff in it and it has more usuable cargo space than I expected. Havent had a single problem but its too soon (5 weeks) to really comment on reliability. Wish automakers could/would make AWD autos with better gas mileage - Tesla might have to be my next car - but this performs with the rest of its class and I couldnt dream up a better car. Great job Mazda engineers!!! Go get one for yourself.....

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  Great reliable car. Dont buy a Civic! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Gksspot - August 12 - 7:10 am

  Just bought it but have been researching & test driving compact sedans for months! PROS -Resale value not great, was able to get into one cheap compared to others compacts -Lots of features for the class -Tight suspension makes it fun to drive -Predicted reliability -Not a run of the mill car (Civic/Accord/Corolla). CONS -Gas mileage is not as good as others in class -5th gear not tall enough, pretty high RPMs on freeway. OVERALL Car can be a bit stiff for some but I like driving so the trade off is worth it. Like I said its a drivers cars; good steering input, feel connected to the car/road & is a blast in the twisties. Will report again a year from now with cost of ownership/reliability.

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  Very happy with my 626 - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Happyw/626 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my Mazda 626. I purchased it 1.5 years ago The car has been very reliable and I have put 22000 miles on it and no problems since new. I feel that for a $21,000 car new, its an exceptional value. I am suprised that the trade in value is only $4100 as it is a quality car and rates up there with the higher end ones. I read these complaints that people have and have to laugh. They buy the car used, dont know who had it first, then complain that its Mazda? Who knows what kind of driver may have beat the car for the for 50,000 miles. Think about it?

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  Awsome - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ScottyBoyHappyFace - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is great fun. Its impossible to drive it without having a smile put on your face. Your neighbors will adore you.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rudy18s - August 12 - 2:00 am

  the car is really fun to drive. i love to go everywhere, its addicting