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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  Bingo. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By howard44 - March 12 - 1:50 pm

  I wanted a five-passenger sedan that is agile, stylish, fuel efficient, equipped with the latest safety technology, and available for $30,000. After much research, I found one vehicle that meets these criteria IMO: the 2014 Mazda6 GT. The Mazda6 is widely regarded by professional and consumer reviewers as the “driver’s car” in its segment. Its good looks are perhaps rivaled by the Fusion and Optima, but personally I find the 6 more gracefully sculpted. MPG is great at 28/40. The suite of available safety features (listed below) is incredible—again, the Fusion comes close, but for more money. As for price, I paid under $29,000 after dealer discount and Mazda rebates (+ .9% financing).

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  All around great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eury - March 12 - 1:10 pm

  My wife got one of these as a loaner when her 06 Jetta TDI died, after driving it for a week, I loved it so much I went out and bought one for myself. It has excellent space, Im 6 tall, and can sit in the backseat after Ive adjusted the front to where Im comfortable. The hatch is a wonder of engineering how it can be reconfigured with all the compartments, and it is big enough for everything I can throw at it. I love the seat fabric, its comfortable, tough and cleans up well, and best of all, this car is FUN to drive! It handles great, and the ride is sporty without beating me up. Honestly, I love it more every time I get in it.

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  Very Pleased with 1st Mazda Top Notch - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christian - March 12 - 12:20 am

  Recently bought my 3 and I am very happy with it. I have put about 1800 miles on it. Handles great, decent brakes (like to squeak when backing out of driveway). Hatch is very roomy, I am in the process of moving and it has been able to carry everything so far. The fog lights are useless, not worth buying on the 4 door; come standard on 5 door. I love the styling, projector headlights, euro style tails. Visibility is excellent, back seat a little tight for taller people, good for average height. Cant wait for the speed edition coming next year; do I hear TURBO ALL WHEEL DRIVE? Look out econo cars....

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  A decent car.... - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Mudbone - March 11 - 11:00 pm

  Got a good end of production deal on the Millenia - 5k rebate w/the dealer taking another 3k off sticker. Great looking car with lots of room. The ride is stiff with the performance tires. Very wide turning radius. The vehicle sits low so its not e-z to get out of.

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  Still the best - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By azwildcat - March 11 - 9:33 pm

  This is my third Miata and it is still the best bang for the buck! Great styling and even better handling.

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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By geisen111 - March 11 - 7:33 pm

  I just bought this car and I love it. This is the first 4 door car I have owned and it is very comfortable. Fun to drive. I love the style and sporty look of this car. I want to drive it all the time. There are some very nice features that make this car a great purchase. It has a luxury feel at a very affordable price. It has a lot of room considering that it looks small from the outside. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sporty 4 door car.

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  ~*mAzDa6*~ - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tasha - March 11 - 10:00 am

  the mazda 6 performs great is fun to drive and has a very sporty attractive appearance. Compared to similar cars on the market it has the most to offer with more standard options (ie: Honda Accord). The appearance package, lip spoiler, and sports grille added a lot to my vehicles sporty look.

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  Auto - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By yuytu - March 11 - 10:00 am

  good car because i like how it drives and what it has, also a great car to drive very great

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdaguy - March 11 - 8:53 am

  Great vehicle. You cant beat the ride, quality, reliability and performance for the money. After much searching, this is the perfect vehicle.

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  Im as happy as can be! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dquestic - March 11 - 6:40 am

  I searched and read reviews and hunted for a car for over a month. I went to Honda, went to VW, looked at Nissans and Toyotas, and its all by chance I got the Mazda. And boy has it been a blessing and just a treat to own. Phantom Blue Mica and the only one of the few. Just a gorgeous car. Smooth on the road, and living in NYC I have to deal with the constant potholes, but in this car they feel like a hump in the road and nothing more. Gas mileage is amazing, at 950 miles and have filled the tank 3 times. On the highway the gas mileage is amazing, around the city it seems to fall off a bit. Just a fun car to drive. And it can move too.