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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  All Around Winner - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ClausS - October 25 - 2:00 am

  To the person that wants rims and not hubcaps--buy ANY trim level except the very cheapest and you have alloys? Thats a no brainer - The 2011 is near exactly the same as the 10 but the rear headrests tilt and they added a Moonroof/Bose pac as standard on all GT trims so the only upgrade it the tech which they toyed with by trading the aforementioned for the Xenons, Leds and rain sense wipers + auto headlight. Also switched to Synthetic 0W-20 oil! good move! Great car others pale, a honda fit? please 15" rims -zzz , I love the design as its grown on me and quite frankly Im sick of insecure people that need mean looking cars , the smile is great! as is the car!

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  Great Buy for an SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John Taylor - October 24 - 2:16 pm

  Vehicle goes anywhere without problems...weve been off road, the beach, highway travelling, city commuting, Texas thunderstorms, Texas heat, loaded with family, and never experienced any problems with over 95,000 miles on the vehicle.

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  Finally feel like a Dad! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By gdogmoney - October 23 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car with a 2-year old son in mind. I needed a four door car with a little sportiness to it. I found it in the 2009 Mazda 6. I was impressed with the overall design of this car. I considered it better than the American cars I saw on the road. It had the right amount of power for my taste and the amenities are extraordinary. I got the iTouring with the Bose system, it has some kick. The 2.5 4 suits me fine, but the fuel economy was a little lacking, but thats ok. The quality and design are the reason I got this car and I left the dealer feeling pretty satisfied.

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  MP5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By - October 22 - 10:23 am

  I simply love it, especially the handling.

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  Zoom! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lonagarr - October 21 - 10:23 pm

  I love mine! It handles so sweetly, and the sporty feel is unbelievable for a compact...which it doesnt really feel like at all. Strong, fast, tight...who could as for more?

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  Interesting.... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By thenileprincess - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second car, and I have to admit, the frills drew me in. I LOVE the handling, the enterior and exterior styling, and the amount of power you feel behind the wheel...BUT...for such a little car, it takes up a lot of gas!!! You also have to be careful who/what you are carrying around with you, b/c I notice a substantial lowering in mpg when Im driving around friends or furniture (which is pretty often, seeing as I am a college student). On the whole, though, if the car proves to be reliable, I will be VERY satisfied with it! :)

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  Best Buy For The Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By peaceman - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Fast, fun, and cheap!! Mazda came out with a great compact that feels like a sports car. The 3i engine with 148hp is fast enough and you can upgrade to an 3s with 160hp for an affordable price. The features and design is great. The dash has an awesome design. The sound system is good too.

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  Mazda 3 - Nice Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3runner - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I compared features and drove every competing car including the Civic SI, Sentra SE Spec V, & Matrix. The 3 beat these going away. Its the total package of acceleration, handling, and good looks! Theres many other little niceties that are also pluses for this car. Theres not a better vehicle for <20K, Im sure.

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  Ticket Getter - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Need 4 Speed - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Purhased after reading reviews. Being a "motorhead", I had a pretty good idea what was out there, and without the bump to 160-horses, I probably wouldnt have considered the 3. Also drove left over Proteges, which has entirely different feel. Whereas the Protege is flingable, the 3 feels more substantial. Bought for less than $500 over dealers invoice. The January issue of Car & Driver magazine provides a good review on this model. More comparable to the discontinued Prelude than the Civic or Matrix in its class and pulls as hard a a 330 Bimmer 0-60.

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  Cant Beat it for comfort! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Midwest - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car based on the age of my Subaru (7yrs - 100K) and I did not want to drive my truck every day. I couldnt be happier with the comfort and pickup on the car - a lot of stop and go traffic doesnt decrease the enjoyment