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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  Needs work - 2002 Mazda 626
  By RPG - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Lack powers and is very sluggish around the city. Seats very uncomfortable, even with power seat adjustments.

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  rx8 review - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tbird - February 21 - 3:10 am

  Great car, fun to drive. Never owned a rotary engine. Been impressed

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  ZUM ZUM - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By zum_zum - February 20 - 10:08 pm

  700 Letters cant do this little red rocket justice but Ill try! It handles like its on proverbial rails. The steering is so tight its easy to oversteer for the first few trips out. The ride is as it should be fun and tight. You do feel and hear the road more than a lot of cars, but thats the way things are when youre riding in a Road Race car suspension. This Zoom Zoom straightens out the highway with flat corners and extremely tight steering. The engine revs like a sewing machine but not like Grandmas!! The Turbo brings it to life like no 4 cylinder Ive ever driven. RPMs are quick and effortless. The interior is comfortable with everything within reach and it seats "5"

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  A Fun Value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Reader - February 20 - 8:50 pm

  After 11 months and 14,500 miles, Im still extremely happy with this car. I have an automatic, with ABS, and sunroof. Its fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable, even on long highway trips. Mazdas done a great job in developing a car that is both fun and practical. Thats not to say its a perfect car as it does have some minor problems - but for the money, its very difficult to beat. The dealer experience was also much better than expected. Complaints are relatively few: gauges tend to wash out in bright sunlight, the tires are great in normal driving but not very good in the snow, and the textured interior material, while it looks great, scuffs easily.

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sheri - February 20 - 6:00 am

  I have driven many vehicles and the Mazda 6, by far, is one of the most fun rides I have been in! The use of space works really well for me and everything is user-friendly. If you are looking for something to ride in, look elsewhere, because this is one you will want to drive.

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  Rollin the Rockies - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DOC - February 19 - 10:13 pm

  Although Ive only had my MX-5 for a few weeks, driving it is already one of my favorite pastimes. Its a hunny... without a doubt. The power hard lid is just plain sweet. Looks, handling, power, and curb appeal are outstanding. Cant wait for warmer weather and mountain roads.

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  My 2nd CX-9 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By brantw - February 19 - 5:39 pm

  I previously had a 2009 model I put 92,000 miles on and was happy. This new model (2013) not so much. The sheet metal seems thinner as the car easily picks up dings and dents. The front brakes are pulsating and I do not drive the car hard. The transmission constantly downshifts as soon as I tap the brakes and this is irritating. The car sometimes clunks into gear when shifting from park to drive. Finally, the central locking system is not intuitive. I park in the garage and leave the keys in the vehicle. On several occasions the car has mysteriously locked itself. Thankfully I have a spare key in the house. Still a decent car but would not buy again.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By FamilyOf4 - February 19 - 12:56 pm

  We test drove all the minivans out there, since we needed the sliding doors feature for our growing family. After doing all the research, its hard to understand why there are so few on the road out there ! We have every option, minus the navigation, and love it. To get the Bluetooth, DVD system, etc., on other makes, you have to buy the top of the line. Not worth it ! The gas mileage is much better too, and these days that factors into the purchase greatly. Very comfortable for everyone, from driver, to the people in the 3rd row.

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  Zoom Zoom Indeed - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By chris court - February 19 - 4:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Handles extremely well. Very responsive steering and suspension is a great balance between a good ride and great control. Excellent vision through front windshield. Love just everything about the car. My only complaint driving is the car does not coast well when you take your foot off the gas. You can feel the downshifting as you coast up to a stop sign. It took some getting used to. I kept coming up short to lights and stop signs and would have to reaccelerate. Only automatic I have driven that does this. Dealership says this is the Mazda transmission.

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  nigel and i are in love <3 - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By damiya peebles - February 18 - 11:17 pm

  I just bought this car today and named it Nigel. Its so cute and sporty!! I shopped around for other crossover styled cars and this is by far the most stylish and the best car for the money. I love the back up camera feature, and the display screen which pretty much has all the cars coolest feature. space wise, it does run small. however, for a girl like me with a small dog and not a lot of cargo, this will work just fine. Its a step up from the mazda 2 I owned. Im so happy with my car. Comfy, cute, stylish and has all that I need!! great gas mileage as well!