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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  How fast am I driving? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Waldemar - May 31 - 8:43 pm

  The Mazda3 is fun to drive and gets good mileage. I bought it fully loaded with automatic, ABS, and side air bags. I like the cars handling, feel for the road, and the manual mode on the automatic transmission. On the other hand, a nearly fatal flaw is that the speedometer and other gauges are so far recessed into the instrument panel and unlit that theyre extremely difficult and tiresome to read on sunny days within 3 hours of sunrise/set or driving in and out of shade. I have to stare at the instrument panel for a second or two to let my eyes adjust to the darkness before I know how fast Im going. The gauges are fine on cloudy days and fantastic at night.

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  Best purchase ever made - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By amati5 - May 31 - 7:39 pm

  This is the only car we bought without going back to the dealer in almost a year. In the past 6-7 years, we bought 4 cars (Toy, Hon, Nissan, Maz) and the other 3 had to return to dealer for some dumb repairs within the first year. This little car is perfect in every way: the price, the sporty ride and no rattle even in the cold weather and with the firm suspension. The 2 liters is tuned for low end torque and exteemly responsive. I guess this is the reason it has less gas mileage compared to others in the same class. A couple of less mpg but totaly worth it. The Turanza tires came with the car are very noisy so be patient or switch them out. Bluetooth works very well. Nice dashboard.

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  Great value for a cool CUV - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Sagar - May 31 - 5:46 pm

  As the reviews said CX-9 is a cool design, great drive and excellent value for money. Drives like a car, is a very roomy people carrier with sporty looks. Am getting about 20 - 21 mpg during the first month!

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  Best car in class - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - May 31 - 2:33 pm

  The Mazda 3 is by far the best value for the money. Great features, awesome to drive and great design. No other car on the market can match the performance, comfort and style in its price range. Very reliable and well made. Definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  pros & cons - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By etanretla - May 31 - 11:03 am

  a fully loaded alternative to a minivan, for half the price, but equally practical!

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  2000 Mazda Millenia S Millenium Edition - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By neo1249 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle from Mazda. It has a combination of comfort, performance, and style that I havent seen in a luxury sedan. I havent had any maintenance issues with this car in congruence with previous years.

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  Get the Options - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By tomloudy - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle to drive. Great exterior look. Roomy interior even for large individuals(extended cab). Four door entry makes life easier getting briefcase or bag from behind front seat. Mazda options really upgrade look. Seats are not cushy but OK. Interior design is nice. Everything nicely accessable. Gas mileage is not great for midsize truck, but power makes up for it on B4000. Upgrade options are worth it. Makes me smile every time I get behind the wheel! Even after I paid for it. More truck for the buck than Ford Ranger. Longer warranty than Ford.

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  wouldnt buy again - 2000 Mazda 626
  By 626 driver - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 626 3 years ago and it has been a reliable car. The only mechanical problem was last summer when the air conditioner failed. The biggest problem with the car is the road noise. It comes from underneath (we live on a dirt road) and the windows and doors let in too much noise. Ive also noticed that the 626 doesnt seem to hold its value and Im a little worried about trading it off next year.

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  Fun and affordable - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Guntherdriver - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This car was a gift for attending an in-state school, and the money saved from the lower tuition went to this purchase. This has been an amazingly reliable car for all my needs, be it packing it with people for a night out, or carrying a load of surfboards.

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  I love my VAn - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By LAinee - May 31 - 10:00 am

  its been great. i have never had any issues with this car and the kids love it!