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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  Retirement Car - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Great Gramma - March 10 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my 97 Miata when I was 60 years old and newly retired - 8 yrs ago! I enjoy it as much today as when it was brand new. I had wanted one for years. We drove Lincolns and other large cars but this was to be my car. Granted, it has low mileage (65,000) but its never had a problem other than something very minor. I love it! Just cant say that enough. Terrific MPG, great get-up-and-go, loves the mountain curves I drive and sounds wonderful - that Miata muffler just cant be beat and, it looks absolutely fantastic. It always gets comments as we drive it to church and around town all the time. Get one - youll never regret it.

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  A minivan that is fun to drive! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - March 10 - 6:23 am

  I was pretty skeptical that I would ever like a minivan, but we love our Mazda 5. I am amazed by how well it handles and how fun it is to drive. It doesnt have that big bloated feel and look of other minivans. We get better fuel economy than quoted for this vehicle. The good fuel efficiency and availability of a manual transmission is what sold us on this vehicle, but we have been equally impressed with the utility and ride quality. It has a very nimble feel to it that makes you forget you are driving a van.

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  A worthy little sedan - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jefferson - March 10 - 5:23 am

  I needed a reliable vehicle with good fuel economy. The 3 was my final choice. So far Im pleased with the car. Ive put about 800 miles on it and its averaged 33 mpg thus far. The 2 liter engine has adequate pickup, but I would recommend the 2.3 if you dont mind paying about $1000 more. I test drove models with both engines. The brakes are very good and the handling is excellent. The build quality is very solid. The interior is very well laid out and materials are of high quality. Road noise is very pronounced at highway speeds.

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  Awesome car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ash Khawaja - March 10 - 3:53 am

  I purchased a Mazda 3 s Grand Touring last week,and it is awesome. I own a 3 series BMW,and this the closest car that comes to it in handling. I love the feel, and fit and finish.

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  impressed so far! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cu503 - March 9 - 11:47 am

  coning from an Infiniti G, this was something I never anticipated buying! I researched a lot of cars and found this to be a great value. I compared it to cars costing 10Kmore! I am 6 3" no issues with room! The new Mazda 6 is great looking,comfortable and while I just brought home a few days ago. I am really impressed!

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  Great car, horrible dealership - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By njnyarea - March 8 - 10:46 pm

  Car handles absolutely awesome compared to my Lexus SC300. Not powerful at all, but the fun factor makes up for it. Its decently comfortable and roomy inside.

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  My new baby - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By amy - March 7 - 10:00 pm

  I always wanted my Mazda 6 and I just bought one. I cant sleep just knowing its in my driveway. It took me 2 years to get it but I did thanks Mazda I love your Mazda 6. Its my new baby

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  Cant stay out of it. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By sdavis - March 7 - 11:10 am

  I commute 45 minutes each way to work. Since I bought M3 I find myself getting a earlier start each morning so I can take the back rodes to work. I have 2008 S Touring 5 spd manual and it is a blast to drive. Prior to that I owned a 2004 Mini Cooper w 1.4 liter engine. Mini hugged the curves better but did not have pep that 2,3L engine provides. M3 revs at about 3100rpm at 80 mpg, Mini over 4000. Suspension stiff on both, which I dont mind. M3 looks cool and theirs more room in the back for the kids. M3 doesnt get the gas mileage that Mini did but I can run 87 instead of premium. Trade off is worth it. In my mid fortys but I feels like a kid again when i get in this car.

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  Hunter Family - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg Hunter SR. - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is down right fun to drive,Enjoy outstanding highway gas mileage,Handles very well in wet wheather,

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  Scotts Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Scott.R - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is such a fun suv to drive!! It is so sporty and it looks cool. I really enjoy all the features. the horsepower is great. My kids really enjoy the dvd system. This suv is a real pleasure.