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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  Love the Smile - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda 3 sport for a little over 1 week, but so far I love to drive this car. I try to think of places I need to go just to get in and go somewhere. The bose system is awesome, such clarity. I owed a 2001 Maxima so Im having to adjust to the stiff ride of the Mazda but hopefully I will get there. I read some reveiws about road noise on another site I dont hear it, I do hear the engine a little but thats fine. If you want a compact sedan or hatchback you must drive the Mazda 3 the handling and the power this little car puts out will amaze you.

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  07 Touring I - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ja_sinn - November 18 - 7:13 am

  This was a toss-up between the 06/07 Civic and the 3. In the end the Mazda 3s suspension broke the tie. The sporty handling and smooth ride was on Mazdas side. The Civic felt a tad bumpy. For a 2.0 the car can move paired with the 4 speed sport-shifting automatic. My wife commutes with the car about 160 miles a week so the gas savings was what opened us up to the car, yeah the Civic got 40 but really, no comparison between the 2 for handling. Cant get the wife to give it up for a day.

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  Perfect, for its price - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dick Tater - November 17 - 8:26 pm

  This car (4 cyl 5 speed sport value edition) is really hard to beat. Probably a more expensive car, like a BMW, Mercedes, or Cadillac CTS could beat it in many respects. But, for the money (around 20K), this car is unbeatable. Everything about it is well thought-out. I love the size-- not too big, not too small.

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  Mazda not Honda - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JDL - November 17 - 1:50 pm

  I was at Norm Reeves Honda of Cerritos ready to buy a honda Civic LX Auto. They quoted me a price over the phone of $17,900 OTD. drove 35 miles to dealer, picked out color and they ran my credit. The whole time i kept asking is the price $17,900 OTD. Everything went well until they took the price to the boss for the ok. he would not sell me the car for that price, THANK GOD. Two days later i went to Browning Mazda and drove the Mazda 3 Hatchback Auto. I love this car. Tyler at browning Mazda was great. I got the car OTD for $21,000. Buy this car, you will not be disappointed.

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  Highly recomend, fun, great value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By speedic - November 16 - 1:43 pm

  After tons of research considering the Honda civic Si, VW GTI mkV, Subaru impreza 2.5i, came to the conclusion of getting the Mazda 3 GT wagon. It has great interior room, looks great, and handles and preforms like a $30k car.

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  2009 I Touring Value - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cyp - November 16 - 11:20 am

  After my previous kicked the bucket I was in the market for a new car. I test drove a couple of other vehicles but after getting in the 3, I knew it was the vehicle for me. I did quite a lot of research on every possible vehicle and was originally planned on a economy car. However, the price, performance, and quality was exactly what I wanted. The Mazda 3 is a great car, and does exactly what you would like it to. It loves to be driven, it looks beautiful and stands out (without being ostentatious), and is a dream for someone who prefers smaller sized fun driving cars. Sure you could buy a better mpg, economy car. But for the price you will NOT find a more fun to drive vehicle for the money.

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  Carols Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By woodse10 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought one of the last in 2002. The looks sold it, not the test drive. Traded an 88 MX-6...wonderful car in all respects. Expected same from the Millenia and in 2 yrs havent been disappointed. Epitome of entry level luxury. Super quality all round. Smooth performer, definitely not a hot rod, but pretty quick. Not a hint of any problems. Id buy another new in a heartbeat if it were posible.

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  Bad-ass Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By murfdawg - November 16 - 2:00 am

  The car was simply awesome. I drive a muscle-car as a daily driver before the Mazda 3, and I know what performance as far as 0-60 is concerned. For a little 4-banger, that car simply flew. It was truly an enlightening experience! The interior of the car was roomy with a feeling of good control over the whole car. It felt more like a cock-pit. The car didnt feel like a wagon at all, more like a sports-car! (Mustang, Camaro likeness) Carolla, Camry, and Civic watch out.

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  Great Car, Good Price - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By aajackson23 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought my Mazda6i, and it has been a joy to drive. The gas mileage is as advertized, which is a good thing. The interior is wonderfuly appointed. I did the luxury package and love it. Bose system is amazing! Would recomend this car to anyone who wants luxury, sport, and fun on a budget.

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  Awesome Enough - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tripeze - November 14 - 10:36 pm

  What an amazing car to drive. Great manuvering, speed, features, and dynamic. Mazda6 is unbelievably the smoothest, customer friendly vehicle for traveling.