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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  2003 MPV ES - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By 2003 MPV ES - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I have driven nothing but Honda Accord EXs for the last 10 years and as such was waiting for the Honda Oddy price to come down to a reasonable level. Well that day apparently will never happen and as such I purchased for an incredible price a Metallic Silver MPV ES with ground effects, etc. Two days later we packed up the family for a 2 hour journey for some R&R and this vehicle was great. Cruised and handled effortlessly at 80 to 90 mph, the kids were comfy and all our stuff fit easily. I just hope that is as reliable as my Accords which both were into the 100,000+ mile range with no major part failures.

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  The 8 is great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By webman - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2002 Acura RL for this little red RX-8 w/Grand Touring Pkg. Gave up some luxury, but am having a blast driving it. Not a day goes by when someone doesnt ask me about the car. My RL never got this kind of attention.

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  Amazing Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LesPaul - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Unique, clever design throughout. Wonderful rich-looking interior (no cheap plastic crap). Mazdas design team really broke the mold and came up with a car that stands out in looks, performance and style. Highly recommend.

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  Yes!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Derf - May 31 - 10:00 am

  good overall but gas mileage is not as good as i thought 18/24 6m version

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  Awesome Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom - May 31 - 9:33 am

  I had an 02 Protege ES and loved it. But the Mazda3 S I recently bought just blows that great car out of the water. The quality of the interior is something youd expect to see in a BMW 3 a couple of years ago (its that good). While it feels a bit heavier and less agile than the old Protege, the Mazda3 is better in every other way, and still handles very nicely.

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  LOVE MY 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By G-MAN - May 30 - 6:40 pm

  Love this car. Bought the lava orange with a five speed and have no complaints. Had a Jeep and just could not afford the fuel to drive it. I drive at least 60 miles a day to and from work. Been on a vacation to New Jersey with my fiance and our two friends with a baby; we live in Ohio.

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  Fun and economical - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mehra - May 30 - 10:56 am

  A car you should have if you are looking for practicality, fun and power. Mileage is great and balance on curves make it strongest in its segment/category. Great resale value and lot of things are already included in the base s model.This is not possible in civic as the required options make it $3k more expensive than Mazda3. There are no Cons, other than car could have used little stronger AC.

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  4 months and 5000 miles - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By bsailing2 - May 29 - 10:57 pm

  Purchased this shortly after they arrived in US. Decided on Mazda over CRV to be different. Also like BSM and that the better radio/speakers can be added to the mid level Touring model. Wife is primary driver and she is getting about 26.5 MPG w/ 30 mile city daily commute. Also very comfortable on highway. Noise level is very acceptable. Now that my wife has driven this a lot she likes it more and more compared to 2001 Town & Country which was actually a very quiet and competant driving vehicle.

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  2010 cx7 sport - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By jtl2 - May 29 - 11:36 am

  Fun to drive! Steering, responsiveness, handling (for a SUV/crossover), and gas mileage are all pluses. Mazda certainly lives up to the "zoom-zoom" reputation. We had test driven several cars/SUVs some while nice dont give you the fun sensation you get with the CX-7 and a couple of others. The 2.5 liter while not a powerhouse is adequate and responsive enough for our driving needs. We just went on a short trip and were amazed that everything we needed to take, including our daughters two dogs, fit and didnt seem cramped or obstruct the view. Pleasantly surprised since we were replacing a somewhat larger SUV and space was our biggest concern.

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  Mazda 3 best in class! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TLH028 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  The 2010 Mazda 3i Touring (Auto) is a really fun car to drive. Its has a very tight feel and handles extremely well. Although the ride may be to firm for some the driver really gets a feel of the road. The styling both exterior and interior crush the competition, (Civic, Corolla, Colbalt & Focus). The 3 is a little bit small in the drivers seat and prob would not be comfortable for 62" or taller drivers. The quality and set up of the interior controls are outstanding. The funnest and most enjoyable car to drive in its class...ZOOM ZOOM