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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  Would buy again. In fact, about to! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - June 6 - 8:46 pm

  Interior & exterior look stylish & expensive: people often assume it cost $10k more. Fast, with good midrange power (though more at low RPM would be nice). Manual tranny feels good (but improved clutch feel would permit smoother launches, and the too-tall 2nd gear ratio drops you out of the engines sweet spot around town unless you wring it out in 1st.) Precise handling, yet good comfort (although more steering feel and suspension travel would be nice). Road noise seems excessive but thats partly because the engine is so quiet (silent idle, & easy to forget to shift to 5th). Brakes are fantastic (though the rotors eventually warp, as they seem to on all modern cars).

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  Way Over Rated - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By natelogggg - June 5 - 11:45 pm

  The build quality seems cheap. It feels like some one built it out of legos. Lots of road noise, and not very comfortable. Best gas milage was 26 mpg. The suspension is rickety as well. Within 3000 miles, it was in the dealership because it was pulling to the right. They did the alignment for me and sent me on my way. A month later I had it back in for the same issue. This time I was accused of putting the car in the ditch since they found mud under the fenders. I live a mile up a dirt road, and it rains alot. The dealer tried saying that this is not normal wear and tear. After an argument and a threat to call BBB, they fixed it again. Now the transmission is shifting hard. Car has 60k mile

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  Rotary Lives - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By RotaryRocket - June 5 - 4:33 pm

  I have owned 2 Mazda RX-7 FC3s and One FD3s and I love these rotary rockets. Since Ive learned of them I switched over from pistons. Yes, people have their preferences, but i enjoy driving a different engine. I love it to death. Sure it has lower torque than a 350z and eats up a bit more gas but its a risk I take and dont even question cause I enjoy the pure driving experience I get from driving it. Its great on twisties and city driving in NYC. I love the car, dont get me wrong I like 350z, G35, Vettes and Mustang but the rotary is so nimble and agile. Its styling took me a while to get used to it but its unique and has been compared to Italian cars design by Road and Track.

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  Expect the worst and it will happen - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By lowinpro - June 5 - 1:53 pm

  Weve owned this MPV for a few years, got it for less than blue book from a private party. Recently (at about 80k miles) some things started going wrong - both manifolds, water pump, oil pump, timing chain, pcv, and many electrical problems. Both the passenger front door and one sliding door have electrical/mechanical malfunctions (one only opens from the inside, the other only from the outside). In short, a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, and engine problems that are very expensive to repair - about double the actual value of the vehicle at this point. None of them fall under "routine maintenance." Advice: steer clear of Mazda vans of this vintage.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By cgirl - June 5 - 11:03 am

  I started out looking for a used mid size suv. Looked at due to 4,000 rebate which helped my upside down on trade in. Loved this car more than any I have owned. At first thought I made a mistake. Read alot of reviews on CX7 and other cross overs and know I made the correct choice.

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  The interior - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By twinturbodrift - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The 6 speed manual is a great car, although if equipped with the navagation system, you can easily bump the NAV. controls while shifting. the handling is almost as good as the older rotary, the 93-95 RX-7. Owning both, I prefer the twin turbocharged 2 seater RX-7 anyday (even with reliability issues). But nonetheless an exciting car to drive. It gets stares.

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  Great new car to start with! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bugbond79 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  iT WAS SO FUN TO DRIVE. Taking turns was like a race car game. And best of all, I paid Invoice for it. Pickup is excellent, even uphill and the AT transmission switching to manual for pasing rocks.

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  Mazda 3 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 Solid Car - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Great power delivery: it almost feels like a V6 engine (very similar to a VR6 Jetta I used to own). Great handling: Its roadholding is 0.87g according to C/D mag. That is close to Infiniti G35(0.88) and higher than Acura TSX (0.85). Interior: The individually sunk dashboard looks spectacular especially at night. Remote radio controls placed on the steering wheel comes in handy. Exterior: It looks a little chunky from certain angles but overall looks very sharp.

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  Zoom Zoom... You bet! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By chirpcan - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Went from a Winstar to this!!! We might miss the extra space, but thats all. This is a fun car to drive and its comfortable even with the kids in the back! They love it too. Weve found it to be quite versatile so far in our use.

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  My black beauty - 2002 Mazda 626
  By tefus - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car, tranmission rough, and could use a little more leg room.