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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  Drives like Sports Car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By GetinAticket - March 1 - 10:00 am

  After driving my last Mazda for 190k+ mi. I expect a long life out of my 3. This car is just fun to drive. It has great pickup, and it corners like a sports car. The cars comfortable speed is 80mph. ;-) I did a lot of research before my purchase and bought one of the first ones sold in my state. This car is truly the best value of its class.

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  2004 mazda3 4dr se - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By christine123 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  this was my first car and i did a lot of research before deciding on the mazda3. i was on a budget and mazda ofered the most for the money, including reliability. it has more passenger seating room than any car in its class. The transmission is very smooth and the independant suspension takes the bumps out of many roads. test drive the mazda3 and you wont want to buy any other compact sedan.

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  Fun to Drive!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mark - February 28 - 8:23 pm

  Been driving my Mazda3 for over a year now, and absolutely no complaints. Its a ball to drive, and the 2.0L 5 spd, packs quite a punch as well. MPG are an awesome benefit, have averaged 36 mpg for the summer & 28 mpg for the winter. Took a road trip to the smokies this past summer, and the car handled awesomely in the S-turns thru the mountains. I am very happy to be driving/owning my Mazda3!

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  3 Series? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Itsjustlife - February 27 - 10:06 pm

  Ive never really been impressed by any new car under 20k and definitely never have had a huge desire to buy one. It was at little to no sacrifice. I cross shopped the Acura TSX and Volvo v40 (The mazda 3s cousin) Nothing really compares to the 3 for the money. I got the titanium gray w/ all the options, and the excellent NAV system although a little slow to program. The handling compares to most sports cars double the $ but double the fuel economy as well! It was my first 4cyl but that didnt let me down. I havent had to bring it to the dealer once and the interior layout and quality is top notch. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  Lovin it! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Miata Fan - February 26 - 9:50 pm

  Wonderful little car. When you get this car, youre not just getting a vehicle to get from point A to B. Youre getting a lifestyle. Youre getting other friends (Miata fanatics) on the road. Youre getting looks from girls. Youre getting an "in" to a worldwide base of Miata enthusiasts. Youre getting exhilaration on your morning commute (I cant tell you how many coworkers complain about the drive to work...but never me!). Mazda has the right to put "pure fun" in the official list of features.

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  The best car Ive had - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By MDCruiser - February 26 - 7:10 pm

  I bought my 6i automatic on 6/1/06 with 9 miles. Ive had only small issues with it, now have 58,000 miles on the vehicle. Ive done a lot of modifications to the suspension and some to the engine, and I drive the car pretty hard. Never a problem thus far. Im extremely happy with my purchase. The handling of the car is great, it has adequate interior room, OK fuel economy, and reasonable maintenance costs.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Frazier - February 26 - 5:30 pm

  Ventured back to Mazda after reading all the reviews on SUV/CV market and love the CX-9. Purchased Touring AWD on 1/11/08, and have about 5500 miles on it. Smoothest and quietest ride ever, great stereo, a real joy. Makes my wifes Camry XLE seem awfully loud and rough riding in comparison. Only drawbacks... avg about 16-17 mpg in town, and 18-20 on highway. With a 20 gal tank range is nothing more than 350 miles. Only needs reg gas though so some savings here. But no trip computer. Overall, I would buy again... a real joy to drive. Not a single issue in the 4 months and 5k miles, just an oil change. Enjoy the drive.

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  The SUV I Always Wanted - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JessieHope - February 26 - 11:46 am

  I love my Tribute. I wanted a smaller SUV and looked at several makes (Jeep, Ford, etc.) before deciding on the Tribute. It has great cargo space and the area around the driver is comfortable and very well laid out. The gear shift is on the steering column which took a little getting used to but now I love it. It opens up the console as more usable space. There are plenty of well designed cup holders and a flat floor across the back seat, making this the perfect ride for roadtrips. Even with 5 adults its comfy.

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  My first Japanese and luxuary car - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By dfe109 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Mazda provided great incentives for pricing the car. I agree that this is a lot of luxury car for the money. I never dreamed I would pay this price for luxury! Ive never purchased a Japanese car before but Im a changed person! Quality is great!

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  The car with the most fun for low price. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Misbehave - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. For style, the aggressive outlook will make people jealous all along the road. For driving pleasure, this car rank number 1 for its class and price. For value, the below 20k price tag gives you all the good things you want most in a sport car. I am proud to own this car. I no longer have to pretend I am driving a sport car, because it is a sport car.