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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  Good Bad and the Ugly - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By geeman6 - July 12 - 4:53 pm

  After shopping around I decided to buy the 2014 CX-5 Sport/ 6A. This was my first non-American car. I love the car and it has every thing I wanted as standard equip. BUT the car has 4,200 miles and when you sit at a light, trans in gear, engine at idle the car will suddenly lurch forward. Its happened three times. At first I thought I got re-ended, not so. Very dangerous and it could happen at anytime. I believe the trans lock-up converter engages for a split second. Im trading it in. Its only a matter of time before the trans goes totally bad.

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  Once in a milennia - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By mazdaholic - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Few cars offer such dynamics as the milleniaS while being able to stealthily go by as widely unnoticed>an "ace int he hole" car this is. The boggling fact about its unsung praise is that it has one of new milleniums most honored and revered power plants (miller-cycle engine)! As a matter of fact, I knew nothing of the car until 1998 When I first saw it,being the car fanatic that I am, I was astounded at its beaty and ,thus began my love affair with Mazda!

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  A step up... - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maria - July 11 - 11:46 pm

  I kept my 2001 Mazda Protege for 7 years (It treated me well... Thanks Protege!) I decided to update to a simple 08 Mazda 3 i sport. I absolutely love it! Even though it has no power windows or locks, I still enjoy it. I got my Mazda in icy blue metallic, a spoiler and tinted. Its also a manual with just the right amount of power (2.0L). It will save me money later on. Ill be keeping this one for a while!

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  A blast to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - July 11 - 12:23 am

  You wont find a sportier car in this price range. The stiff suspension and quick acceleration make this car a blast to drive. However, if youre looking for a luxurious, comfortable ride, you may want to consider a Civic because the stiff suspension in the M3 makes for a bumpy ride. I personally dont mind it because I bought the car for its superior handling and acceleration and so far I absolutely love the car.

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  The Soul of a Miata - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rod - July 10 - 11:10 pm

  Its not often that you can truly haul when hauling stuff. The Mazda6 Sport Wagon handles all situations well. Its quick to respond to driver inputs. And never loses its cool even if the driver is over his head. The controls are all in easy reach, and logical to use. Mazda hasnt made driving a "chore" but a pleasure. Fit and finish have held up in the Arizona heat, and the automatic climate control is spot on.

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  Biggest little SUV - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By jimbobstrib06 - July 10 - 4:16 pm

  After owning Jeep products since 1991. When it came time for a new vehicle the Jeep was out because of the Cherokees poor new look and gas mileage was suddenly a factor again. So, since I need the space of the Jeep and wanted AWD with reasonable gas mileage, I kept coming back to the Tribute/Escape/Mariner. A friend got a 2005 Tribute. Once I drove it, I knew this would be the only reasonable Jeep replacement. The Tribute, because of incentives, was the best price of the three. After a long search (AWDs are hard to find) one FINALLY showed up on my local dealers lot with all the extras I wanted and I got it out the door for $25K. I couldnt be happier. Definitely made the right choice.

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  SO HAPPY! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By SP23 4speed auto - July 10 - 11:33 am

  Ive only had the car for 24 hrs but it drives spectacular! Inside, people say its more luxurious than my cousins 2002 BMW 330! I have saddle brown leather and navigation in mine. The auto shifts super smooth and the manual mode is nice. Another cousin of mine says its quieter than his 04 RX- 8. I just love the car. A bit pricey for its segment $23,700 was my final deal..but I did get every option available (sunroof, nav, spoiler and aluminun gas cap). The rims look nicer than the RX-8s too!!! My sis has a Corolla S 04 and the ride in my 3 is so much sportier but not too sporty. Id recomend this to anyone wanting beamer quality 4 around 23k. Back seats both fold for a HUGE trunk 2!! :)

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  WoW - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Dalpaa - July 10 - 6:13 am

  I was a fan from the moment I got in and stepped on the gas! Very well done for the price.

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  My first car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Brian - July 9 - 7:33 am

  I picked my P5 up used from a dealership for about $10k. Couldnt be happier. It fits all my stuff for college, while it is a blast to push through twisties. Decent fuel economy.

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  The Mazdaspeed 3 changed my mind - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Rube - July 8 - 3:26 pm

  Wonderful small car.... I thought once you go big you will never go small. The mazdaspeed 3 change my mind. You get track car performance in a small vehicle with great utility. I dont have to compromise.