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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  Mazda 3 lives up to expectations! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By VWGator - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I was on the market for a reliable new vehicle that I knew I could build up to high performance standards. The Mazda 3 has given me a jump start on this goals at a great price. This vehicle should be around a long time.

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  Loving My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jose21 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my loaded 6 last week and each time I have been behind the wheel I just totally smile. I researched this car and many others for about 5 months. I also test drove an Acura TSX...it was very plush but with no V-6...it just could not match the performance of the 6. The low end torque has not been an issue for me. The engine pulls strong all the way to redline. It never feels strained and it sounds awesome! I am very satisfied with my decision to buy the 6.

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  Great Econo-box - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gone Ron - April 5 - 9:20 am

  Purchased the car for business trips. Has averaged between 32 - 35 MPG on highway, has plenty of power and has proved to be very comfortable on long trips. Stereo (6-CD changer) is awesome, still getting used to the atomic cockroach exterior styling.

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  Even works for the family - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmb - April 5 - 3:43 am

  Weve had our Mazda 3 for a little over 2 months now and we are very happy with our decision. We wanted something that was going to get good gas mileage and the Mazda 3 has lived up to that. We are constantly getting 30 mpg which is greatly improved from the 16 mpg we were getting in our SUV. We thought this would be a vehicle for commuting back & forth to work, but actually our 3 children, ranging in age from 14 to 2, fit in the backseat just fine (even with a car seat) so we use it for family outings too. It has great handling and acceleration.

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  95 Miata - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By K Bear - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I was so lucky to get a Miata for my first car. A 95 Miata with 70k on it, excellent condition for $5500. This car is more fun to drive than anything else Ive driven, esp. with top down. Just watch out for sunburns. Handles like a dream and looks great. Everything about it is so perfectly designed. I dont have to take my eyes off the road to operate the radio for example. The shifter is near perfect. This car is definitely a future classic.

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  great car - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By l.c - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Leather is great Quality.Best value.Rides A+

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  1 year review - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Etienne - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed our expectations. It is only 1 year old, so it is too early to give a full evaluation, but it has performed well both in city and on the highway. Its seating options and fold under rear seat allows us much flexibllity as we use it for business.

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  Love my new Mazda3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By L.A. Girl - April 4 - 8:46 am

  I reluctantly said goodbye to my 11- year-old Saturn after repair costs became too great. I would have considered another Saturn but I have concerns about the future of the company. Since I know nothing about cars, I spent a lot of time here researching. Consumer reviews for Honda and Toyota were mixed but reviews for the Mazda3 were great so I decided to start my test driving there. After my first test drive, I didnt need to test anything else. I drove two hours to the only dealer who had the iTouring in gunmetal blue. Im glad I did...the color is beautiful!

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  great package - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By william montgomery - April 4 - 7:40 am

  Being an older couple with the desire to have a van and not be burdened by difficult driving with a large vehicle, the MPV we have is perfect. It can handle our family needs and is a pleasure to drive and park in our city environment. The external update for 2004 is really neat. Just enough "sass" to make it interesting.

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  Impressive!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By marla - April 4 - 2:56 am

  I am really enjoying driving this car. It is fun and gas saving!! I love how tight the steering is.