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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  Mazda3s - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By darin - November 16 - 9:20 am

  My wife and I always liked the 3 since it came out but never bought one until now. So far I think it is a great car compared to the others in its class. You feel like you spent in the 30 to 40 price range. Upscale interior compared to others in its class, great styling was also a key in our purchase. I am pleased with the gas mileage, although should be better. You will not find a car that gets better MPG that is this fun to drive.

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  The car for tall people. - 2012 Mazda Mazda6
  By jim9200 - November 15 - 10:35 am

  Im 65 and finding a comfortable car without breaking the bank is quite a feat. But here it is, the Mazda6. Plenty of room, great price and the the Mazda6 is a blast to drive! It hugs the corners and accelerates quickly for entering the freeway. Telescoping steering wheel and height adjusting seat makes it a very comfortable ride for long trips and the way the windows are designed, one really gets a beautiful, unobstructed veiw of the outside world. I gave it a 4 in the performance because its a bit sluggish starting off at a light but makes it up once out of 1st gear.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun-better than my Z3 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By texasgirl - November 14 - 1:23 pm

  The only thing I liked better on my BMW Z3 was the body style/shape. This Mazda handles curves like a dream, smooth ride, well thought out interior. Absolutely love the top! Can be put up or down from the driver seat in about 5 seconds. No boot to mess with. Great city gas mileage. Love the combined key/keyless entry remote.

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  Love My Rx8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tecatemn - November 14 - 11:30 am

  I have owned this car now for over six months. I have had only a couple of issues with it such as the center console, replaced once, seems very fragile. Also had a clip replace on the front spoiler. The car drives great very responsive with excellent steering. Not a powerhouse but by no means a weakling.

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  Ill never buy another Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By cs - November 14 - 8:10 am

  I have owned this car for 1 1/2 yrs. and have brought it back to the dealer too many times to count for recalls, cd player replacements (3) and many other problems including vibrations, bad shifting, etc. Am bringing it back this week due to a throttle positioning problem/check engine light. Mazda is NOT customer friendly when it comes to repairs! They tend to blame the customer for any problems - they "cant locate" the problems, although local mechanics can. I have even tried to file a lemon law claim to no avail.

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  discouraged and disappointed - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Baker - November 14 - 12:43 am

  Issues from the start - car has fuel flooded about 9 times. 3 times acts like security or something will not let engine start, let set 30 minutes, no problem. If you were stupid you would think you forgot to push the clutch in. Back brakes have made noise since purchase even after replaced. Mazda normally insults your intelligence about how to operate their sports car. My response - no problems operating a Z3, or Corvette. One of those love/hate cars. Most of the time fun, part of the time frustrating. Going back to a Corvette.

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  Surprisingly Good - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Rob - November 12 - 4:00 am

  Coming from a Saab sport Combi-Wagon I remain mightly impressed with the overall performance. No it is not a fast or corner as well, but in the real world of handling and performance, it does everything I want

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  Fabulous Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gary - November 10 - 10:13 pm

  My Mazda 3 wagon is the coolest car I have ever owned. It is fabulous and I would highly recommend it. It drives like a sports car; it has ample room for passengers and gear. On a recent road trip I consistently got 33-35 mpg. (typically, 27 around town.) Yet is has plenty of power and cruises very comfortably while relaxing and listening to the CD.

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  my blue zoom zoom! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ariesgirl - November 10 - 9:50 pm

  I missed driving a stick. So, I went out lookin for one,and I got the pick of the litter, and at the right price too! I just LOVE my new,low mileage, metallic blue zoom-zoom. It ROCKS!!!!!

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  Great AtTRIBUTEs! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sfbase6 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I went to a Subaru dealer to test drive a Forester because my father owns one and hes very happy with it. The dealer I went to just happened to be a Mazda dealer as well, and they were offering a $5,000 rebate for the 2003 Tributes. I test drove one of the three that was left and totally loved it. I used to drive sport cars and this little SUV was comparable in both power and handling. The stock stereo system sounds great, driving position gives you panoramic view with hardly any blind spots, and I think it is one of the most beautiful SUVs out there.