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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  Better than expected - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob - August 9 - 6:50 am

  Having driven mini-vans for 20+ years, I wanted something more economical (MPG) but still had some room to haul things. I also wanted to stay with Japanese. The M3 wasnt on my radar screen until pretty late in the game. Im embarrassed to say this but the heated seats sealed the deal for me. The price was VERY attractive, too. Now that Ive had the car for a few months and have put 6,000 miles on it, Im quite enamored with it. Great amenities. Its fun too drive -- too fun maybe. I often have a hard time going easy for the better MPG. I miss the space/convenience of a mini-van but life is all about tradeoffs. Bottom line: no regrets, at least so far.

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aliona - August 8 - 11:20 pm

  I needed a compact wagon, Mazda3 seemed to be the best in this class in March 2006. I enjoy driving it, although it aannoyingly falls short of expectations while there seems to be no reason not to make it perfect.

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  More Room, Less Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Now its the wifes! - August 8 - 10:20 am

  I bought my 3s to replace my totaled 626. A desire for better fuel econony and performance drove me to the 3s over the Mazda6, which had a reputation for being unreliable.Ive owned the car for exactly four months, drive 40mi daily. Im 510" and in good shape. But, no amount of seat/steering wheel adjustment has rendered a comfortable driving position. I cant find a comfortable spot for my right leg with the tapered design of the center console. The two lane black top I test drove the car on proved what a quick, nimble fun-to-drive winner Mazda created. But, I spend most of my time in rush hour traffic at 15mph. Never wouldve guessed this woould happen. So I gave it to my "dainty" wife.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Jerry - August 7 - 12:03 pm

  Bought this truck used with 2600 miles. Automatic transmission started slipping at 30,000 miles. Had to replace at 35,000 miles. Poor gas mileage for a small truck, 17 - 18 mpg. Interior trim quality is sub par. Plastic dash trim is peeling. No doors on the extended cab make the area behind the seats hard to access.

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  Wonderful - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By WstEndZoom - August 7 - 12:30 am

  This is a wonderful car. Mazdas done a great job combining sportiness/design/value in this car. Exterior really draws the eye, it just looks quick. Inside everything about where you expect it to be and falls to the hand easily. Ride is what sells the car to me its fantastic. I took the 4 cyl for gas mileage (getting 28 from a midsize is fine by me). A little raspy when you put your foot down but it moves. Goes exactly where you point it - handling is a good as previous BMWs and Audis I have owned. This car wants you to push it. Brakes are 1st class.

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  Super Fun! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By C. Z. - August 6 - 10:00 am

  very great car! Its like my cute toy as a child. Very reliable. Never caused any problem for the year. The only thing I feel can be improved is the engine. A couple of dozen hp more would be great.

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  ES Rocks - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Smoke286 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is sweet, so much fun to drive

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  Great handling and looks but lacking. - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By RDB - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. Without question the best handling car for the money. This car has a great engine and a nice interior. Small things need changing to make this car the best small car.Rear window is hard to see out of when backing up. Gas mileage could be better. Expierenced average of 17.3mpg in mixed driving. Best highway mileage expierenced was 24. Both way below the sticker. Only other complaints were build quality and broken trunk release. Build quality not up to Honda or Toyota.

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  Just Amazing! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By avman - August 5 - 3:20 pm

  This car really lives up to the mazda saying of Zoom Zoom. With all the features I could ever want in a car the mazda 3 surpassed all of my expectations. The 2.3 liter engine is quick. The throttle response time is quicker and when you want to go fast the only thing standing in your way is traffic. This vehicle is not only fast but it has a beautifuly designed interior. The handling is amazing, and so is the ride. The bose sound system is the best Ive owned, and the heated seats are great. Overall the Mazda 3 is a car that will continue to leave its drivers in awe even after the drive.

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  Expected better gas mileage. - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By starbright - August 4 - 7:27 pm

  We have had our Mazda 5 for 2 yrs now. We arent happy with the car. The gas mileage is very poor-only 23 mpg highway and we live in the Canadian Prairies so dont have alot of hills. The cable for the manual shift went out on me right before I went on the highway-scarey!! It was covered and we were told it was "unusual". Then, my power steering pump went as I was driving into the Mazda car lot to find out about a strange noise I had. The service center was very kind and replaced it right away at no charge since there was a recall (get yours replaced!). I love the concept of the car. But we must have a dud and are looking at replacing it soon.