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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  Made of Win - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By shawn - January 12 - 3:00 pm

  Love my car, it is a beast, so glad I got the manual trans though, without it I could imagine this machine being a little sluggish for my tastes. I wanted a car I would enjoy for many years to come and I think I have it. Excellent gas mileage, even considering how I drive it at times, got 39 recently, mix of highway and back roads, and I tend to drive fast, needless to say, impressed with the zoom zoom. This car is a flat out awesome for its price, and has a lot of potential and I just got the base line model!

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  Update to driver from Salt Lake City - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By utahdriver - January 12 - 11:22 am

  After 2,600 miles everything is going great. The performance is better after the 2,000 mile mark. No problems to date. The last three gas fill-ups used 33 gallons with 921 miles driven, 27.9 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway. This car is very tight and drives like a dream on the highway. I really like the blind spot monitor system and the center rear seat fold down is handy for long items. For you owners with the auto I found that by shifting to Neutral and pressing the engine off button the radio/blue tooth says on, and engine is off. Then shift into park and finish the phone call or radio until you exit. Just push the engine run button twice to completely turn off the car.

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  Trouble from the beginning - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Nambi - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought used from a cheat. Next month engine trouble; cost: $2800 3 months later transmission; cost:$2700 Few months later water pump and alternater belts-changed 3 time;cost:totally $1000. Always trouble with sensors; cost:$950 Overall disaster Thought it was from original Japanese company: turns out Ford bought it and ruined it.

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  Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Bonkey - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This mini van is very comfortable, and roomy enough for 7 adults to sit comfortably. The cargo hold is very versatile, as it features a flip down rear seat which allows the rear cargo space to be completely flat for transporting large objects. With the rear seat flipped up, the rear cargo hold becomes a nice sized pocket able to hold gracery bags steady for the trip home. Plenty of room for luggage, too. We took a car trip with 2 adults, and three teenage children, and we all fit into the car comfortably, including two pieces of luggage each!

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  fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mr.pv - January 12 - 10:00 am

  love it, iam big guy and need a lot of room. the sound will blow you away.a 10 in my book.

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  We love this car! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By tomandtess - January 12 - 2:49 am

  We traded in our 2011 Ford Fiesta for this car. While the Fiesta was fun to drive on short trips, going any distance caused my husband to have to see his chiropractor! After trying out five different vehicles and doing tons of research, we knew this was the car for us! We have two crew cab 4WD trucks and a minivan. We just wanted another car for when he and I take long road trips, skiing, running errands, etc. and still get great gas mileage. We found it!

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  Feels Great! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By A. Brenneman - January 11 - 3:00 am

  Every time I drive this car it makes me smile. The car handles extremely well, has good power and looks great inside and out. Have taken one 2000 mile trip and am very pleased. The seats were comfortable and had good support. The trip felt much shorter than it actually was. Mazda has done a wonderful job creating an an affordable car that feels anything but.

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  fun for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vince - January 10 - 7:20 pm

  A performance vehicle that is also practical is hard to find in todays market. With its good looks, performance and practicality, the RX8 owns this market. Pros: Unique appearance Easy ingress, egress with "freestyle" doors Go Kart like road holding Good ergonomics Good acceleration if revs are kept up Cons: Somewhat harsh ride over rought roads but an acceptable for the handeling (it is a sportscar!) Small gas tank (limited range) OK sized trunk but small opening Pedals are slightly offset to the right. Built quality seems good. Renesis motor seems strong in my car and I have not had the flooding problem experienced by others. Its fun to wave at the other 8s you see

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  Long Distance Driving in a Miata MX-5 - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By spencer08 - January 10 - 2:16 pm

  Before buying my 2008 Sport Hardtop 5-speed, my main concerns were riding comfort and gas mileage. After experiencing my first long trip (5905 mi), both concerns are gone! Ride is firm, but comfortable, with exception of older concrete surfaces that can produce fairly harsh jitters. Driver seat is very supportive, especially the back. Overall ride is very good, not great, and very quiet for a convertible. If youre not a lead foot, you can get very good gas mileage. Ive gotten 32.5 mpg in/around town, and 35.6 mpg total over the long trip above (as high as almost 42 mpg in slower mountain driving, and low of 33 mpg at sustained highway speeds of 70/75 mph. (All mileages calculated.)

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  Nice gas-sipper that sits 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By giveucolorcc - January 10 - 11:46 am

  Traded in my old Ford Windstar for this car. Given that the gas prices have been soaring for the past few months (and they will continue to soar), I chose this car because it has the space I need and the fuel economy I want. I bought the Touring edition with automatic transmission. Lots of people are saying that a 4 cylinder engine is too small for this type of car. Ive been lugging around my family of 4 for a week now and I found the power to be more than adequate. The transmission is very smooth and responsive. Both exterior and interior qualities are excellent. Overall, its a great car for the price.