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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  Can’t get any better - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sitik - March 7 - 2:00 am

  My Mazda 3 was under $18k. Because of its exterior design people thought it was European. Because of its interior design and features people thought it’s was expensive. When I told them that it was under $18k they were surprised. In addition, they were astonished, when I told them that this car pushes 160hp and does 0 – 60 mph under 8 seconds. To sum up, I love this car!

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  What the 3 Series used to be - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By D_Stutzman - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mazda3 2 weeks ago. By far best car I ever owned. Head turner, quality is impeccable, 2.3 litre with manual is fantastic. I put in Bosch quad Platinum spark plugs that bumped my torque up a bit. Great car, handles like a rear wheel drive with no torque steer.

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  Mazda 3 is surprising for a Nissan Guy - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin C - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved Nissans. I thought I would never drive anything else until I drove this little car. Pretty exciting little thing. The only thing I could say I didnt like was the price tag, but after a little negotiating it was a sell. So far the gas mileage has been excellent and I could not ask for a better car out of a 4 cyl.

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  Cx9 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By dmac - March 6 - 2:36 pm

  I like the car very much

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  Nice car, just not for me. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By margaretanne - March 6 - 10:55 am

  I bought this car new a year ago, and traded it in today. Really like the exterior on this car: fun design, sporty look. It was just not for me and I began feeling claustrophobic and cramped. The seat belts were extremely difficult to buckle ~ the buckle was placed REALLY low, esp. in the drivers seat. My kids couldnt buckle the belts for themselves and we would have to dig for the buckles under the booster seat. The fabric on the seats started wearing badly, and the finish was bad on the console. I would buy this again, for a young adult. Not really for a family.

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  Just got it, love it already - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LemmiwinksGT - March 6 - 10:16 am

  The ride isnt harsh with the factory upgraded suspension kit and it corners like crazy. Acceleration is brisk and it seems even more so when youre sitting so low to the ground. The engine and exhaust have a nice sound and the car begs to be revved. I absolutely love this car. The hard top is reasonably quiet and adds to the security of the car while parked. The 2009 / 2010 models no longer have a crazy wheel gap like the 2006-2008s and the front end styling is much more to my taste. The stability control isnt intrusive, the headlights are very good, especially the high beams, and visibility with the top up isnt horrible if you fix your mirrors correctly. To sum this up, drive one.

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  Love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By perfectofc - March 6 - 9:00 am

  I bought my 5 and was one of the first in Canada (and North America) to buy it. Ive been waiting for this car for a long time - finally someone has the guts to bring a European-style Space Wagon to North America and do it right! This is a great little car. Dont call it a minivan, because its not. Its a station wagon, or a hatchback. The one thing you need to realise about this car is that you can either carry 6 people OR you can carry 4 and lots of cargo. Engine-wise, it has lots of pep, more than enough for the car. It gets better gas mileage than any other 6- seat vehicle out there. Its also damn fun to drive, especially the 5-speed.

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  Great family Car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Dan - March 5 - 5:46 pm

  Weve owned this car for 6 years. We put over 110000 miles on it. In the whole time that weve owned we only had to replace CV boots and a timing belt. It is comfortable and has great trunk.

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  New Mazda MPV Owner - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By GeO - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Test drove Hondas Odyssey, and Chyr Town&Country found for the price the MPV was a better buy. The new 3.0L V6 has enough ZOOM for the smaller sized MPV. The handling is great for a van, drives like a car. Would like to see a AWD model in the near future. Felt the Odyssey wasnt all that for the money they wanted, and the time it took to get one. Also the chyr though more on the luxurious side was way over priced.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DS - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car summer 2001 and have loved it since. It is fun, reliable and great for two people. When you start putting more people in the car, it becomes not so comfortable. Every time I have rode in the back seat, I have gotten car sick. The storage space with the fold down seats is super fun for camping, only wish they laid completey flat. The only thing that is weird is the cruise control. You can never tell when it is on and sometimes you can accidentally hit it. Might be a safety concern. Also, no matter where I park, the front end hits every curb and scrapes the bottom because the front end is extremely LOW!!