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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  An excellent car thats fun to drive... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By natas74 - April 17 - 10:16 am

  My 06 Mazda3 GT 5 door has almost 40k miles on it and its been a great car so far! I read the consumer reviews before purchasing and researched it well. I really enjoy driving this car, its very responsive and fun to drive. With all the features, I feel its an excellent value. When folding down the backseat, you get a good amount of cargo room. With the backseat up, you can comfortably seat 4-5 in the car. Overall, the car has a sporty look/handling, but is also a safe family car.

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  GRX8T car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Voter - April 15 - 6:26 pm

  Best handling car Ive ever driven. Gets lost of looks on the road. Very comfortable to drive for a sports car.

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  Best car for the buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lucaspl88 - April 15 - 11:20 am

  I recently bought a mazda 3 hatchback with manual transmission. It was a used car, and the only words that came out of my mouth when I drove it for the first time were OH WOW!! Car is incredibly fun to drive, great gas mileage, and it also looks great. Great torque, no need to down-shift when passing someone up on the expressway. Great car, fits all my friends, and the most important, fits my personality.

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  Great commuter car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By cardriver15 - April 15 - 4:43 am

  After test driving the Civic, Focus and Elantra, I decided on the 3 because of that fun factor. It doesnt necessarily feel like an economy car when driving. Im getting the advertised 32-33 combined mpg. 40+ highway mpg is feasible if you stay below 70mph. Ive found 37-38mpg is more realistic if youre like me and tend to drive faster than 70mph on the highway. Its aged pretty good for an almost 3 year old design. I think newer designs like the civic and Elantra already look aged compared to the 3.

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  My Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Mavis Gardner - April 13 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda has given me good service. It has never stopped on the road nor caused me any concern. I always take good care and get maintenance when necessry,

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  Fun To Drive and Dependable - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Randolph B. Mills - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Having had a Mazda for 14 years prior to buying this new vehicle there was no need to doubt that we had Purchased a Quality Vehicle. We know that the Mazda Tribute will give us many years of Quality Performance and Driving Comfort. We are very pleased with the Price and Service Policy, including the Warrented Items offered at the time of purchase.

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  Scootin Along - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By LDavisca - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Driving this SUV is more than easy, its downright fun! It handles like a dream and the smooth ride feels like cruising in a pricier, larger vehicle. The spacious cargo area doesnt take away any of the backseat legroom, passengers are comfortable and enjoy the ride. Easy rear access through either the window or whole tailgate is a real treat. This SUV responds well on any road surface and handles like a dream on freeways as well as in city traffic. My choice was made after a lot of research and Im extremely pleased with this happy little vehiicle! Front legroom and headroom are the best in any small SUV!

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  Nice Little Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By reed jones - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I currently have 2 Mazdas in my driveway; a Protege 5 and a 3 sedan. Why? Because Mazda builds a great car for the money. Fun to drive, handsome, decently built, well equipped; whats not to like? Yes, my new 3 has a rattle in the door to be looked into and some parts of the car are executed better than others, but the sum of these parts is simply not to be beat at its price point. More soul than a Honda or a Toyota, fewer quirks and better reliability than a Subaru, less over-the-top styling than a Nissan, WAY more reliability than a VW: in short, Mazda is on to something. Vroom-Vroom!!

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  Style and Substance - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MTTX - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Gorgeous car (in 5 door form). Vette drivers stare. The metallic Velocity Red Mica paint is stunning in sunlight or other strong lights... it burns with orange fire highlights. Lacks a bit of Protege5 visual character, but is much more refined. Driving it is very pleasant. Handling is very good up to the limit, but then it becomes vague. Engine is so quiet, using auto-manual mode requires watching the tach. Weak, thirsty engine. A/C is weak.

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  Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gilbert Goodman - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Very good car. Good poweer,handling and everything else. Best in class. Cant wait for 280hp mazdaspeed version.