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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  2014 GT CX5 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By scweeeker - December 8 - 8:19 am

  After test driving the Kia, Honda, Ford, Chevy Equinox the CX5 made it quickly to the top of my purchase list. It offered the style, comfort, more creature comforts and most importantly price. This vehicle is great handling and a pleasure to drive. I simply love this vehicle. I traded my CRZ hybrid for Mazda so the gas mileage, regardless of what i bought, would never exceed my lil hybrid, but this is definitely worth the switch. I have room again!

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  The Best Car Under $22k - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Miikeymaranello - December 7 - 5:30 pm

  Forget Civic, Corolla, even an Accord 4 banger. Buy a Mazda 3. This is the 2nd one Ive owned, and its great. Great option packages, good engine, with outstanding reliability. This car has features that cars in the $30k range dont have i.e. leveling headlights, leather seating, heated seats, mp3 output, navigation. All of these are available, and at a great price. Now for the engine, lots of "Zoom- Zoom", but go for the 5 speed manual-lots of fun. The only thing I dont care for are the tires that come at standard equipment. These Goodyears stink, but when they wear in 15k, Im going for the Michelins. I had em on the last one and they are great in all weather.

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  Happy with M2 - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By rjfinva - December 7 - 1:13 pm

  Dont know what people expect. If you are looking for a high end expensive sports car, shop on! With the 5 speed, this car has more than enough get up and go, and is a blast to drive. First gear could be a little taller. Seats are frim but nit uncomfortable. It handles like a go cart, and rides like one too, thats the cars design! It holds the road like glue, but picks up all the bumps. I live in Hampton Roads, VA, mostly highway driving, and with premium gas (which I recommend for performance) I average 38 mpg if I drive conservatively. Get a K&N air filter for the performance tweak, its worth the money and the filter saves $$ in the long run as it is washable.

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  Used Car Bargain - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DAC989 - December 7 - 10:20 am

  These are the cars that make driving fun. Bought this one used with under 4K miles for my 2 or 3 commute days but has also become the date car for my wife and me. The interior was very efficiently designed and the trunk has more room than you would think. Getting a little over 27 mpg. For the price, you cannot beat this car.

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  fun, fun, fun on the autobahn - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rocky - December 7 - 8:03 am

  We also own a fairly loaded 2.5 X Type Jaguar. The Jag. has been trouble free and extreemly nice on the road. However my 3 is the car I drive the most. I have 5 door that has everything except the nav. system. It has been trouble free, a lot of fun and constantly brings lots of good comments.

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  The Wifes Toy - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris Review - December 6 - 11:46 pm

  Overall this is a very good car. We had some issues early with the dealership and the rear spoiler (color). The car just went into the shop for a leak in the transmission. The dealership says there was a leak at the temperature sensor that was not mounted flush. This leak was discovered at 3,500 miles at a local mechanic -- not the dealer. The car does plow in corners when speed is applied. My wife loves the car and its "pep." The fuel economy is a little weaker than I thought it might be. It also might be our lead foot as well.

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  Happy until - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By KTnNC - December 6 - 11:06 pm

  Purchased our Mazda MPV new in 2003, We were happy with the way it handled and found the van to be very reliable except for a coil replacement at 75,000 miles and oil pan leak at 125,000 miles, seats hard as a rock and now at 140,000 miles the transmission failed on the interstate without notice, leaving us stranded for days. $3200.00 later with a Re-man transmission from the local dealership we are back on the road. Never again Mazda, no second chances.

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  Got me by the price, conquest me after - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthropologist - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I really was not looking for a sedan, but the dealer offered a great price on it. I love it after the first week when I found everything naturally placed. I got the MZ6i (4 cl) with 4spd auto. Very impressive space inside front & rear leg room, all features are usefull and clear. No struts on the way at the trunk. Extremely great handling and suspension -very fun in twisties-. All accesories work and do not feel cheap. Upsole seems very rugged (I did not get leather)

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  2002 Miata LS - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By beaner - December 6 - 10:00 am

  2nd Miata Ive bought new. M1 (90-97) is a classic headturner, but M2 (99+) is more comfortable. Either way, its maximum bang for your buck. Skip the low profile rims/tires, though. They look cool, but handling is negatively affected even if tire pressure is only off by only a pound or two. (N.B.: Recommended only as a 2nd vehicle due to small cargo capacity and 2-passenger seating.)

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By David Mahler - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Wow! This car is AWESOME!! I absolutely love it. Why the sixth gear? 100 MPH in 4th is enough for me. The styling is great and the interior is comfy and classy. My wife does not like the orange display, but fine for me. Silver really shows off the car. Cant wait for aftermarket to get it back to 250 horses. Would recommend for anybody who like to drive fast and does not want a beemer. Very satisfied!!