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:

• 

  2014 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Sedan Makeover: The Poor Man’s Luxury Sport Car - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By nfp - February 10 - 5:31 am

  This is my 5th Mazda and by far the best of a good lot. At this early juncture, so far this model, entirely re-designed from front to back outside and inside, appears to be every bit as good as claimed by the automotive reviews that have lauded it as best in the compact class. I chose the classy, sporty-looking sedan over the odd-shaped hatchback that I don’t feel is anywhere near as nice-looking. This car looks, feels and drives a class above others in the compact class, which is good because at the S Grand Touring trim level its more expensive. Its also more comfortable to ride in than my two previous 3s (2008 and 2010). My buns thank Mazda because the ride is still firm.

• 

  Its in the details - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Unbreakable - February 9 - 10:30 pm

  At first glance this car sets itself apart with bold styling. Wide fender flares, an aggressive nose and unique style make it very eye appealing. The real catch is in the details. From the hidden cup slots in the doors to the unique multi-colored dash lights to the leather wrapped steering wheel, the car just feels like a higher dollar car despite the modest price tag. Great bang for the buck!

• 

  creaks, ticking, moans - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kelleyartist - February 9 - 8:50 am

  MY TRIBUTE is a creaking, ticking mess!! These sounds come from all the doors, all the time, except on the freeway. I have a 2005 with 8000 miles and the dealer has determined that the sounds, which are constant and getting louder, are "flex" noise and most Tributes have it. The Factory Rep drove it and determined the same, and Mazda will do nothing to help me. They cannot fix it, and they consider it standard. Anyone else who hears it considers it a defect, and the car a lemon. I have read many other reports from consumers with similar complaint. It is appaling that Mazda passes off a brand new vehicle as "normal" that sounds like a old wooden boat. I will pursue this with Mazda

• 

  Mazda3 GT Sport Hatchback is worth it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NeoSetna - February 9 - 4:33 am

  Great handling, great on fuel and over all this car is worth more than 35 grand, CDN dollars ... and I got it for 27 grand. Import all the way!

• 

  Outstanding "Sport" Sedan, Practical! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Adam - February 9 - 3:06 am

  I bought this car with 2 years left to go in the Army, and I was driving a LOT on weekends (highway) and abusing it during the week, hauling squad members around post. I have a little over 70,000 miles on it, and have just changed the original tires at 65k miles. Everything else is original (including brakes, which look to have about 10,000 miles left on them). The first two years was a lot of highway driving, the last year and a half was normal mixed driving. Its held up extremely well to a hard life of icy winters and scorching summers (Missouri, Florida, and Louisiana). This has been the perfect balance of a "fun to drive" vehicle with a "practical" vehicle.

• 

  Best car ever had. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Roland Reyes Burgos - February 9 - 12:56 am

  This car is unique. Rotary engine, fun to drive, its fast, 4 doors, 4 passengers and a lot of space in the trunk. What I can say! Look good and its fast like a sport car. 4 doors and a lot space like a sedan car. Plus you can take your friends for a fun ride.

• 

  Would Buy AGAIN ! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By joe mcmahan - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I also own a 2003 Honda Civic EX 4- Dr.Comparison of the two is like night and day.My wife and I drive the Mazda when we go on a trip or vacation.The Mazda drives, ride and seating is much better.

• 

  Very impressed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Huhu - February 7 - 12:20 am

  The handling and all around safety (brake is amazing) of CX-7 are superior in this segment and beyond! Design and build quality is outstanding too. I am pleasantly surprised and very impressed. I think its gas mileage is quite acceptable.

• 

  Best car ever! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By slttexas - February 6 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car off the showroom floor in 02. In all these years I still get compliments and people are always asking if I just got a new car and what kind it is. It still drives solid and very comfortable. Only routine maint. has ever been required, weve never had any mechanical problems. The controls to everything are conveniant and the car has lots of room. With recent additions to the family I have hsd to purchase a new mini-van, and my husband took over my mazda...I sure do miss it.

• 

  Firecracker - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By mrowley - February 5 - 9:20 pm

  I bought the MazdaSpeed 3 to provide some driving fun. My other car is an Escalade, which is wonderful for long distance trips, but lacks soul. No such problem with the MazdaSpeed 3 - I have had an almost continuous smile on my face since picking it up. I cant get over the combination of handling, performance, comfort and sheer fun in a car costing $25,000. Ive had Saab 9000 turbos, a BMW 735iSE, Toyota MR2s and many other great cars but none was nearly as much fun as this. Brilliant.