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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  Awesome car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By me - April 30 - 1:16 pm

  This is just a terrific car. Reliability has been very good except for shocks and battery been replaced at 24k (Puerto Rico roads are awful), otherwise excellent. Power is impressive for a 4 cyl engine, and ride comfort is acceptable despite having 17s on 50 series tires. Handling is awesome, it just sticks like glue. In the end, the best compact you can buy today

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  My favorite car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Seva Popov - April 30 - 10:33 am

  I was shopping among more expensive cars like Acura TSX and Subaru Legacy when my attention was captured by the Mazda3. Immediately I liked the Mazda3 looks from the outside and the contemporary design inside the Mazda3 cabin. I did a test drive of Mazda3 and fell in love with it. Ive been enjoying it for three months now. Mazda3 is a very fun to drive. I am very happy with my decision to buy it.

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  Love to drive it but its junk - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By binkey - April 30 - 9:50 am

  I have had the transmission replaxed after 30,000 miles and the keyless entry replaced & thank the lord it was under warranty as well as the transmission. At 25,000 miles I needed new tires even though I rotated them as needed as well as all maintenance thru the dealer. I have always owned GM products & got atleast 40,000 on my tires so what is the deal with that? $800 a bit early. The last straw was a headlight that went out and it was a board that was $850. My milage at this time was 36,500. Too bad for a car I love to drive but will never buy another one & am looking to trade for a GM model. That will be the last foreign car I buy!!

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  CX-7 Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Jazzg1 - April 29 - 8:33 am

  This is by far the nicest cross over suv on the market today. It is fast, fun to drive and a head turner for sure.

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  Excellent; luxury car comfort, sports car feel - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By jpedmonds1 - April 29 - 6:12 am

  This car has surpassed all expectations. It is sleek and stylish; I get compliments from strangers. It is the most smooth-driving and responsive family car Ive ever driven, by far. Hands down better than my wifes Camry which I drove for years, and the newer Camrys I test drove recently. Its also comfortable and convenient. Lots of leg room for passengers. The trunk is massive and uniformly shaped, with back seats that fold down almost flat (unlike the Accords which dont fold down at all). Awesome gas mileage, despite the sportiness. Sports mode, which I usually think of as a gimmick, is actually really impressive and gives it even more kick.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mary_228 - April 28 - 1:20 am

  I"m writing my review after the thrill of new car ownership has faded. Im happy with the car in general, but there have been a few problems. The brakes are still extremely squeaky even after 7500 miles. The dealer changed the front brake pads but this had no effect. Secondly, there is still a noticeable catalytic converter smell if you go to the back of the vehicle after turning it off in the garage. The dealer claims there is a break in period for this. How long, I wonder?? There is no area for a purse if you choose to use the driver side cup holder. Finally, the car handles badly in snow. The small incline to my garage is impossible to manage with even the smallest amount of snow.

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  Robust - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kitt - April 27 - 5:56 pm

  I adore this car. The engine is robust and perfectly suited to this vehicle. Thus far, I seem to be getting just about the 24 mpg hwy. that the dealership sticker promised. I feel much safer in the CX-7 than I did in my Protege and prefer the engine to small V-6 engines I have driven. I have had my CX-7 for six months and am extremely pleased with it and have had no major issues with it.

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  Mazda 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carolina - April 27 - 2:50 pm

  Great car, very reliable and fuel efficient if its use in normal traffic (not stop and go).

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  Mazda3 S - touring. Still 2nd best - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By rogracin - April 27 - 12:49 pm

  Purchased our 2006 Mazda3 s - new. Went with the Touring package to get side curtain/seat airbags and sport tires/ rims. We have 77k miles now, While it is good car the quality is low. Carpet, seats, visor, rear view mirror, visors are all worn or broken. One major thing I hate is the oil filter placement. Had to replace the drivers window/lock cluster cause that stopped working. I do all my oil changes but to reach the filter you have to remove the underbody shield consisting of 5 bolts and numerous clips. This car replaced our 1988 MX6 we kept for 23 years. I did not have these problems until well after 150k on my MX6.

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  A Great Sedan That You Should Consider - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By DVX135 - April 27 - 12:26 pm

  If you want a car that is fun to drive, comfortable, sporty and utilitarian all in one, get a Mazda 6 5-door. The back seat folds completely flat, so I can haul bikes, guitar/amp, home improvement supplies, and 5 4-5 people comfortably. I have the 2.3l 4cyl engine with the 5 speed manual trans, and I dont know why anyone would want/need the V6. This car can move and has been a pleasure to own. The bottom line is that I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one. Do yourself a favor, and at least test drive one.