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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  Zippy 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tostadoesq - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car. It has all the features of a luxury car, yet it comes in a small package (easy to park)and at a reasonable price. The navigation is great, and the utility of the hatchback comes in handy.

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  too fast too furious - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sal bumpensaro - February 23 - 2:00 am

  awsome ride. awesome speed. out of the box performance that rivials all of the tricked out street racers. its got big rims, low profile tires, a fast engine and tons of features.

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  Susies6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bikemanksks - February 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife picked this car out at an auto show because of its looks, but what a treat to drive. It seems there is the soul of a sports car in this thing! The engine is an absolute jewel, the gearbox delightful, the brakes linear and responsive and the handling excellent. The small steering wheel and quick steering are a nice touch. The interior is a pleasant mix of sport and comfort with great fit and finish - surprising considering this is considered a base model!

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  Mazda M5 - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Laura Bromme - February 22 - 6:56 pm

  Have owned the Audi TT convertible and this is equally comparable at half the price. Fun design which separates you from all the other Miatas.

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  Looks like it is going 100mph at a stop - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Rex8it - February 22 - 8:30 am

  This is a great car! The power of this car is amazing when the revs are high. Over all i havnt had it into service at all. I change the oil myself and have run octane boost through it once to clean it out and it has been nothing but reliable. The paint does seem to chip easy though which stinks since the look is my favorite part of the car. The gas mileage could be better.

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  Worth it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By vimalxxx - February 22 - 5:43 am

  Overall a really nice car. Had a few problems at the start like dusty back brakes. ECU had to be reflashed twice and thermosat went bad but the dealership took care of it. A-

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  Handles like its on rails!! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Dre - February 22 - 1:06 am

  Got a 2010 MS3 in Black Mica w/tech package at $200 over invoice($24,297).. Great freakin deal!! Love everything about the car.. Wasnt a huge fan about the front grill design, but in black you really cant tell at all.. I plan to upgrade the grill eventually.. Ride comfort is surprisingly good for a sports car.. This thing handles like no other fwd car ive driven.. Feels completely planted and exudes confidence in the corners.. Love the subtle styling cues as well.. People have no idea that this car is fast, unless youre a car person.. Very under the radar.. Bose sound system is excellent and the keyless start will never get old.. Plan to add MS CAI and exhaust once they come out.. FUN FUN!!

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  Hands down the most amazing crossover out there - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By meathead212121 - February 21 - 1:07 pm

  bought this thing about a month and a half ago and have since put almost 5,000 miles on it. We researched EVERY 3rd row SUV out there and came through edmunds to get reviews on all. In the end it was this or a nissan armada and we opted for the gas mileage and man has it paid off!!! compared to the Durago that we owned prior to this it goes twice as far on a tank of gas and it still has all the comfort of it. Weve put a 20" flip down in it for a cross country trip were taking tonight actually and the trip doesnt worry me with the possibility of breaking down do to how well this vehicle is built. I HIGHLY reccomend this car!!

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  Excellent Small Car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By boggse - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This is simply a great car. The handling is otherworldly in such an inexpensive automobile. The cargo room and passenger room are perfect. The seat comfort is perfect, especially compared to the Focus. The engine is great in spite of being a little underpowered for the suspension. I have no real complaints, only praise.

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  Great Looking Ride - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Caroline - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle about a month. It drives very well and handles much more like a car than a van. The van gets a lot of compliments for its styling and the features. I bought the LX with the luxury and security packages, roof rack, cassette, and rear step bumper. Overall, its a great, sporty mini-van.