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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  Do Yourself A Favor and Buy Something Else! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Stella Gee - August 22 - 2:36 am

  Purchased new in March 2007. Constant CELs (check engine lights) from the beginning. I dont drive it much. Has less than 70,000 miles on it almost 10 years later. Just spent $2k repairing timing chain and oil control valve. Has needed prior expensive repairs related to the turbo engine. This is an old car but kept in the garage with VERY low miles. The oil is changed frequently, the maintenance is kept up. It should be a VERY good car at this point but it isnt. You will find yourself with expensive repairs if you buy this car. Researched online and many owners had a blown engine at 60-100K miles. Mazda stopped making them for a good reason. On top of that, whatever the advertised MPG is, is a lie. I get about 250 miles from a full tank of gas. Thats about 16 MPG regardless of freeway or street driving. Yes, its cute but the reality of owning it isnt.

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  Still happy after 1 year - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By DrShmerl - August 21 - 1:06 pm

  Bought my black 3s sedan after seeing one on the road,loving its looks compared to everything else in the price range. Decided on the stick for fun & added power, upgraded virtually everything I could. Car has proven to be a blast! Look forward to driving it whenever I can. Quick, confident handling & braking, quiet, comfortable, tons of room for its small size, stereos great, stick is fast & easy. I would get the automatic next time cuz of the traffic Im often in. Overall, cant recommend this car highly enough. Fit and finish were flawless.

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  Great concept and execution! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By OC - August 21 - 11:50 am

  Have been driving this car for almost a week - very pleased so far! Some highlights: Performance is more than adequate (no gas thirsty V6 needed). Freeway driving/merging is a breeze. Very comfortable and roomy interior despite its compact exterior dimensions. Perfect for my family of 4. Gas mileage - still on my first tank of gas! And it can only get better from now. Build quality is flawless. Materials used are top notch (and I have the base Sport model). Stereo sounds good. Great handling at low and high speeds. Short turning radius for easy parking! I highly recommed this car! It is the perfect car for small families (2 kids or less). Go buy one!

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  The best handling, and fuel economy - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Opher - August 21 - 8:10 am

  I have had this car for the last 9 months, and I dont remember any car having such perfect handling in rain or winding roads. It sticks like super glue to the road, plus I drive it about 60 miles a day to work and get 34 mpg!

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  Outstanding performance - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By RaceCarDriver1 - August 20 - 10:06 pm

  I just bought this CX-7 this month. I am very excited about this SUV. Drives and handles great. Has a turbo 4 cylinder that feels like a V-8. Awesome power, especially when you need that extra boost to get on the freeway, or just changing lanes. The interior feels like a glove. Fully loaded was the way it came. Even have seat warmers and power seats. Has excellent sound system stock with mp3 and media connections. I Drove all the competions SUVs that were in its class, however, this was the best by far for money, performance and style and comfort. Excellent SUV. I am very happy and I got a great deal below invoice!

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  Surprisingly good vehicle... - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Trinbago foreigner - August 20 - 9:23 pm

  I had to say goodbye to my 92 Honda Accord after it began to give some trouble. It took about 3 months of car shopping and a serious test of patience to finally pick my 98 Mazda 626 LX. I took the 4 cylinder standard partly because I prefer standard and Ive read (on Edmunds) that the automatic transmissions give too much trouble. Ill say Im happy with my purchase (used with 124,500 kilometres or about 87,500 miles). I didnt know Mazda still had the swivel vents (Mazda had them since 1980s) which made me smile. I find it very comfortable on long drives (fiancee and son live in Rochester, NY) and the sound system is wicked. Ill tell anyone to get this car, but I wont push them towards the automatic.

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  Good Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Handbook - August 20 - 1:26 am

  I brought a Madza, V6, with 60,000 mi, a month ago. Someone just hit me this weekend and cracked the back fender and wheelwell. So far, Im very happy with this sporty, stylish car. It gets a lot of compliments. The car is bright red with 17" alloy wheels. The engine is very quiet. I can barely hear it while I drive. The car is fast too. The V6 is suppose to have 220 HP. Once I test drove it, I decided to buy it. I do have one issue with the car. Its hard to see out the back window, and the blindside on the passengers side is bad. Its hard to see if there are cars on my right side. I have to be more careful when I parallel park. Other than that, the Madza is a good car.

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  A car I can appreciate every time - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By crazyjerry - August 20 - 12:00 am

  After owning the car for a year, the only car I wish to have instead is the newer 2006 Mazda 3 which added a trip computer. By all mean, this is a car I would otherwise pay additional $5k for, of course with a few more bells and whistles. But the basic feeling and driving is all there to it. This car is not just one step ahead but way better than any other new compact car in this price range. I stick with the basic features for the best value. Skip the ABS...this car stops well in the rain. Choose manual tranny and you wont be disappointed with the performance and gas mileage.

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  Rivals the best - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By matt - August 19 - 2:03 pm

  I cant believe I am saying this but my Mazda is more fun to drive than my Benz AMG. Hysterical- but true. The responsiveness is better than any vehicle I have owned before- and I have owned nearly every vehicle known to man. I bought this for a daily driver/airport car but find myself driving it more than my other vehicles. Sure the engine is a 4 banger vs. a 8, but its truly the most agile & fun to drive vehicle I have ever had. Decided to go frugal this time around, and so glad I did. Now trying to talk the wife into selling the ML500 for a CX9!

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  Love my 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By mandy - August 19 - 12:36 pm

  Easy to handle in all weather conditions, great performance...no problems. Runs perfect, comfy. Only downside is that it gets door dings easy.