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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  Almost Dream Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By dynamho - December 22 - 8:13 am

  The sheet metal of this car is definitely a matter of taste. Anything passionately designed is bound to have its critics. Whether its beautiful or ugly, one certainty is that it turns heads all the time. I have two kids and they are perfectly comfortable in the rear seats. We have another "blue jeans" car for all the hauling. However, this car is fine for 80% of everyday duties. Handling is extremely forgiving. Its easy to drive fast. The engine needs a little more attention than a regular piston engine, but treat is right and it will reward you with many grins. Critics complain about the lack of torque. But, the torque is spread over a wider powerband, making it less temperamental.

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  All the minivan you need - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Braq - December 22 - 4:46 am

  After really discussing how much cargo and passenger capacity we need most of the time we found that the Mazda 5 is actually all (and sometimes more then) the car we need. The handling is fantastic, for us the engine power is sufficient for everyday use and the great pay-off is a moderate pricing and good fuel economy.

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  Zoom-Zoom, little go-cart - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By kertruss - December 21 - 9:13 pm

  This car is excellent in every area!! It gets awesome gas mileage and is so much fun to drive. All of the reviews are right! I had been looking for a car for about 5 months and was real tired of it. I was at the volkswagen dealership and my mom saw it. I fell in love and now its the best car Ive ever owned. I hope to have it for many years. The interior is very suitable and I love how easy it is to clean and so comfortable!! I would buy it all over again.

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  We Love it! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By brettr75 - December 21 - 8:00 pm

  We have owned the CX-7 for about a year. I bought it for the wife as we needed a vehicle to haul the Grandkids around and our 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse was just not suited for passengers or carseats! The acceleration is stellar ans the handling is supreme! Yes, the gas mileage leaves something to be desired, but overall we are happy with the vehicle!

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  I love this car. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hannah - December 20 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had this car for only three days now and I am infatuated with it. When Im not driving it, I am wishing I were. I love doing errands now! It handles so well. The steering is incredibly responsive and the brakes are excellent. It feels like a much more expensive car than it actually is. Mazda did a fantastic job. One complaint - the ride over a bumpy road can be pretty rough. Also, if you turn on the lights during the day, you cannot see the numbers on the dials because of the electroluminescent lights. Other than these tiny things, its great! Im cutting this review short so I can go drive.

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  Very cool car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justin - December 20 - 8:16 am

  I am a new buyer of Mazda cars and so far, I am impressed. Everything about this car works for me. The look on the outside as well as all the standard features are awesome! I have a 3i sedan with the standard trans. and the power out of the 2.0 4cyl is more than enough for comuting.

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  I Love this car!!! it is Awesome! Great - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pedro Repollet - December 20 - 1:20 am

  I was in Real estate for many years and always drove the E Class Mercedes Benz, and honestly, This mazda 3, 2.5, has nothing to envy that car from Mercedes Benz, this Mazda 3 drives perfect, handles beautiful, saves gas, lots of features like, bluetooth,system ready for I-Phone tunes, and MP3, I-Pods, car looks better than any other car in its class, i drove the civic, sentra, corolla, and they look like old cars compare to this modern and advanced Mazda 3 , 2010, I highly recommend this car, it drives so smooth, and yet looks so sporty, there is no competition on its class! Run and lease one!

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  All other compacts - eat your heart out - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sandi - December 19 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 at the beginning of November & so far have had NO problems but lots of fun! This car is fun to drive, has room for all 4 of my family, and a cute sporty look to it that gets constant comments.

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  WOW! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By vbbuilt - December 19 - 5:40 pm

  Bought the Copper Mica, with Tech Package and Sirius. I love how the Navigation, Sirius and audio features are tightly integrated. The sound package is phenomenal! Fit n finish superb. Handles exceptionally well and plenty of ZOOM. On the down side, the A/C is barely adequate and being a turbo, theres a slight hesitation when suddenly accelerating, but when the turbo kicks in, hang on for dear life!

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR FOR ONE!! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Larry Hubble - December 19 - 9:53 am

  The Pros of the 2016 MX5: 1. Modern body styling; 2. Fuel economy increased; 3. Better interior plastics; 4. Pedals in more comfortable position; 5. Dont have to open fuel door from inside vehicle; 6. Electric steering enhances handling. The Cons of the 2016 MX5: 1. Smaller Trunk space; 2. No glovebox; 3. CD player very inconvienent to access; 4. Cup holders in a very awkward place; 5. Infotainment screen hard to adjust, set up; 6. No way to turn electronics off; 7. Still NO spare tire;