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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  Easy choice - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - May 16 - 4:40 pm

  The Mazda3 is hands down the best car to buy out of all the compacts if youre looking for value and maybe a little respect on the road. I test drove every car in this class trying to find a car that wouldnt bust my bank and was still fun to drive. Nothing compared to the Mazda 3 when it comes to the fun to drive factor and the amount of options for the price. If you like driving a manual transmission make sure you test drive this car. Nothing else compares when it comes to 5 speed manuals at this price. Ive been nothing but impressed with my Mazda 3 so far. Mazda has done a great job of reinventing themselves.

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  Not A Wonderful Vehicle - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By stantonb1 - May 16 - 1:59 pm

  Bought our CX7 in August 2011 new, vehicle now has 10,000 miles. CX7 is a big disappointment. AC not adequate, turbo hesitates, paint job brilliant black is inferior and gas mileage poor. Complained to Mazda and after BBB intervention Mazda extended the warranty. Trying to sell this vehicle. Just purchased a 2013 Honda CRV base model, because we were not sure we would want to keep it long haul. The Honda is trouble free. AC is wonderful, vehicle is well built and solid. Only have 2,000 miles, but can not say enough positive things about our CRV. The paint job Twilight blue is excellent. The gas mileage is 18 city 30 highway as tracked on computer.

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  The Holy Grail - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By GOD - May 16 - 7:23 am

  I finally logged 2000 miles and decided to run this pup up HWY north of SF and let me tell you this locomotive took off like Tony Dorsett when he won the Heisman and the engine was relaxed and suspension was just working like it was made to finally but never a tire squeal was a heard . I was not pushing this thing to see what it would do, I was dying it to see what it would do while I was still in a relaxed state, and that my fellow Mazda drivers was fast enough to have literally every single car move off to the right and let me pass without even trying. Effortless and incredibly balanced is all I can say - yes folks as near to perfect as any car I can say I have driven-

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  I LOVE IT - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By megster - May 15 - 10:00 pm

  It love my mazda 3!! i got it this summer from my dad for my first car! I got a grey one and i love the automatic/manual feature. I also love the amber lights and the easy-to-use system. It also drives very smooth, and the trunk is very roomy!

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  The only economy part is the price! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nick - May 15 - 5:03 pm

  This is a great vehicle! We lost our 99 Maxima (great car) in a wreck in October. We checked out the Mazda 6 first, then the 3 and fell in love. I cant remember the last time I had this much fun driving a 4 door. It goes wherever you want ... stops before you think it can, and begs to be pushed harder. Its never a boring ride in a 3.

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  I love my Mazda 3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By earlthom - May 15 - 4:33 pm

  I compared the 3i with the Corolla and the Civic. The 3 had the quietest ride, best handling and was the roomiest of the choices. My only concern was gas mileage, but through the first 2 tanks Im at about 28 MPG with an auto for hurry-up and stop driving. Very comfortable interior with a pretty decent factory sound system.

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  Very disappointed - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By JOSEPHINE - May 15 - 12:10 pm

  Two weeks after I bought this car I started experiencing hard starting and a loud clicking sound in the passenger/driver door. I took it to Mazda service center and they confirmed my concerns. They serviced this car 3 times for the same issue and up to now they havent resolved the problem. First they said it was the battery, then second it was the software that needs to be updated. The third time the technician cannot fix the problem and they have to involve the manufacturers engineer. Very disappointing since this car is supposed to be brand new. Almost everyday the car has difficulty starting. As for the door clicking noise no parts available to replace it until ?????

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  Great Car lots of Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Tigster - May 15 - 5:36 am

  The car is very fun to drive, I use it as a daily driver it is very comfortable with a stiff ride. The fuel economy is not good for a bit after about 2500 - 3500 miles there is a big difference and the milage gets better.

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  Average at best - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By kph1983 - May 14 - 2:03 am

  Just sold 2012 CX9 after three years (35,000 miles). Decent SUV for price. Pros: Appearance, good performance/handling, interior space. The CX9 looks sporty and handles/accelerates well for a large vehicle. Large interior space with decent room in the third row. Cons: Gas mileage, ride comfort, cabin noise, The CX9 does not get anywhere near the advertised gas mileage. 18.5 combined driving and 21.5 on strictly highway trips. Not a very comfortable ride if you are in the car for longer than 1 hour. Suspension felt stiffer than other large SUVs and could feel all bumps on road. Car had small annoying rattles on both interior/exterior.

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  2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By det_wings - May 13 - 2:56 pm

  Ive owned the car for about 8 mos and put 20K miles on it. I ordered the car with audio and tech packages (bose and nav system). Car handles great for its class (suspension is a little soft for my driving style, though). Ride is good, but not great. Road noise seems excessive. Gas mileage has been good for me. So far Ive averaged about 27 MPG (about 90% highway miles). I can get 30 MPG if I drive less aggressively, so I think its very good. My wife really likes the car, too. Now she says she wants to replace her SUV with this car. I give the car high marks for its class. Compared to others in its class, the Mazda 3 wins hands down in my book.