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 "Axela" excels competition - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaMan - March 1 - 3:13 am

  The new Mazda 3 puts the competition to shame when you compare it to a Honda Civic or Kia Spectra. Ive taken a lot of cars for test drives and none felt quite as solid as the 3, otherwise known as the Axela. The turning ratio and grip to the road is amazing, especially compared to a Dodge/Plymouth Neon or Chevrolet Cavalier. Aside from that, the styling is way more appealing to the eyes than any other car, even more than most in the sport compact class. Another HUGE plus, the interior design, though very race-inspired, is still luxurious and comfortable. On the exterior, there are no lines more than a centimeter away from each other making this car the best choice under 15,000.

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  Own 4 months and plan to trade for other - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tbonesteak - February 28 - 11:16 am

  I got this car on Oct. 07 and now I am looking for another brand to trade. Gas mileage is main reason that disappointed me. I got only 15/mpg. Monthly gas payment is same as car payment. Also ride is bumpy, very bumpy.

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  Faux marble interior is weak... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - February 27 - 1:16 pm

  Let me start by saying that in general I love this car. The instrumentation is very intuitive and I find the exterior to be very sleek and it doesnt scream "Ive got car seats inside" like some other family targeted vehicles. I love the bigger V6 and the room trunk and cabin. My only complaint is on the Grand Touring model I have is it has the cheesiest faux marble plastic trim along the dash and the cupholder. A few editor reviews mention this but I havent seen it much on readers comments so perhaps it just me. Waiting for an aftermarket solution but for me a flat black or polished aluminum trim would have made the car almost perfect.

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  Great car, bad build quality. - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Sad - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought a brand new JDM import. The steering rack rattles incessantly. This has just 10,000 km on it. Sorry Mazda but this is just garbage to put it mildly. I am currently negotiating with the reluctant dealer to have the steering rack switched. Other than that the car is great. Great engine, great handling, great cabin, great looks. Comfortable too!

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  Happy with Mazda - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By srmbaker - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Planned to by a Chevy Equinox but after I test drove the Mazda CX-7 I was torn. After reading many reviews, consumer complaints and recall information Mazda pulled ahead. The Chevy had more creature comforts but the fear of spending that much money on a vehicle that might be a plush piece of crap made me nervous. The Mazda was everything I wanted and needed. It had a solidness to it that felt like quality. Maybe not plush or overdone with gadgets but it had a good simple design and seemed well thought out. I wasnt buying a car that was in every third houses garage. If I wanted to resell, that would help. Plus, every time I did see one going down the road. I smiled. I like how it looks.

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  Buy this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By medken - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I agree with a lot of the reviews of this terrific little car. I previously owned a BMW 3 series, for ten years, and so I am used to great handling and a few creature comforts indoors. This car, so much less expensive (which in this economy was important for me) made me feel right at home, right away. So fun to drive, I dont want to arrive home. In fact, I drive slower just to prolong the joy. This is my take on the car and believe me I am not prone to giving excessive praise to anything or anybody.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marlea - February 27 - 10:00 am

  It took me forever to decide what kind of car I was going to get. Theyre all so similar, I didnt know where to begin. The moment I saw my Mazda in person I knew it was the car for me. It wasnt even the color or model I had the dealer quote me via email, but I knew it had to be mine. It is so much fun to drive, music up sunroof open, its my "me" time!

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  This car laughs @ Corolla and Civic - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tony the test driver - February 27 - 10:00 am

  This automobile is exactly what I wanted. It handles well, comfortable and well designed and executed car, loaded with all main safety features. It has a pleasant growl during acceleration. The shifter is nothing short of magic. The exterior is perfect (besides the smile). It feels nothing short of German sedan, especially at night when the dash goes red with bunch of lights. You feel the road and you feel as part of this car when you drive it. Seat has good lumbar support. Ergonomics are good. Ride not worse then in Civic EX. Fuel economy should hit 30 mpg combined. Build quality is top notch. Headlights are super bright at night. Protege beat Civic/Corolla 12yrs ago for me and did it again

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  Miata fan - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Matt - February 27 - 5:30 am

  Its been a fun car to own. However there was a pesky little $400 problem with the starter coil. Other than that it has been great. Power is mostly in the high RPMs. This lets the car drive more like a regular car during regular driving. The down side of that is when you have to take off from a dead stop.

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  Very good but not great - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Veronica - February 26 - 2:20 am

  I bought this Mazda after trading in my 1999 Protege ES (which I loved)with 110K miles. There are a few things I notice with the 3 that arent as good as the Protege. First is the stereo. The new one is VERY weak. That was one of the impressive things about the Protege - given that it was a small economy car. Second are small things like the window controls and vanity mirrors. The quality isnt the same. It seems like the new version uses cheaper, flimsy parts. The leather wrapped steering wheel feels like sandpaper. The old one felt great. The AC in this car is extremely weak. I could run it on full blast all day and never get really cold. Back seat is not as roomy.