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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  Practical for a sports car... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By crickett - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Zzzippy! More fun to drive than the 350 Z, however I assumed the mileage would be as great as my Rx-7 in high school and didnt check before I bought. Big mistake! I average 16 mpg. Small tank too [15 gallons] But I love the aesthetics! Interior is nicety! Back seat is perfect for a baby seat when my sister comes to visit with my niece, also you can crumple up drunk people and stuff them back there when you dont want them on the road. [not an option in my former 93 Vette] My boyfriend says its a girls car yet always has a creative excuse to run errands in my car.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By PAT HEMPHILL - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE TAKEN THE SUV ON TWO TRIPS AND HAD BAD WEATHER ON BOTH TRIPS. THE MAZDA DID GREAT IN THE STORM ON BOTH TRIPS. THE GAS MILAGE WAS NOT GREAT,BUT GOOD. I HAVE ENJOYED DRIVING THE MAZDA TRIBUTE YOURS TRULY, PAT H.

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  Sweet ride for the family & under $17000 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3ownder - October 19 - 10:00 am

  WOW, what a ride for $16962.00 out the door. 17" allows on a great looking sports car, big enough for a family. No minivan for this family with two kids under 5. After 6 months I still love to get into the 3 and drop the clutch. Mazda scored huge with this one.

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  Pauls M6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kim - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We drove many other cars in simular class, and size. Drove the Mazda last, mainly drove it for a fun ride didnt feel it would live up to what we wanted in a new car. To our surprise it surpassed all of our expectations. We chose the four cylinder, for the fuel economy. It is a little down on power but at 33 miles per gallon the very little we give up is made up in fun, and style. It has more class on the outside and the best in class interior design. The handling of the car is incredibly nimble on the 17" rims and Michellin Pilottires. All it took was one drive after driving many other cars more than twice. Great car at a great price.

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  05 Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee - October 19 - 6:53 am

  For a small car, the front seats have plenty of room for my 64" frame. Love the steering wheel audio controls, snazzy interior, and good stereo system. I added a mask on the front and graphics on the side and frequently get comments on its looks. Ive put 26,000 miles on it in my first year of ownership and LOVE driving it. My 3 has the the 17" wheels and the handling is great. I love zoom zooming around curves.

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  Fun, But Thirsty - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - October 19 - 5:33 am

  Based on extensive Edmunds.COM research, I decided to purchase an 04 6s Wagon. I considered the Outback Impreza, but at 61" and desiring a powerful V6, I went with the Mazda. I love the style of the car and the power of the V6, but have noticed pretty horrendous gas mileage since day 1 (17-22 mpg (max)). There is a ton of cargo space in this car. I can fit a full adult bike, golf clubs, and luggage for 2 for a week with the seats folded down. Long road trips are pretty comfortable, although the low ground clearance makes getting in and out cumbersome. Recently, thick plumes of gray smoke emit upon startup. Dealer is perplexed. 3 weeks in the shop on 3 occasions yielded nothing.

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  worse value loss; cheaply made - 1999 Mazda 626
  By shana - October 19 - 1:10 am

  This car blew its engine at 116,000 miles; you be the judge of if thats good or not. It was very well maintained. I work in appraisals of cars and the Mazdas lose value very quickly and are not the best engineered vehicles by any means. Looks of the car lead me to it and also purchased it before I entered my career of knowing now what holds value better than other vehicles and which vehicles have a better track record on performance than others. Looks cute, drives okay. No value and cheaply made.

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  Best of the Third Row Seat SUV Bunch - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By TimC - October 18 - 8:13 am

  After considering the Highlander, MDX, Pilot, and Enclave, my wife and I settled on the CX-9. While not quite perfect for our needs, it was clearly the best overall SUV, and came out on top for functionality, ergonomics, and as a bonus, it didnt look like the box that a more attractive vehicle came in. We had only looked at the Mazda as an afterthought, figuring wed end up with the Highlander, but were very surprised at the overall quality and attention to detail in the CX-9. While the Highlander had arguably better performance and interior storage space, it lacked many things the CX-9 offered, such as a split-row third seat and ample room in all three rows, among others. A very good buy.

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  Fun - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Chris - October 16 - 3:20 pm

  Had gone out looking for a fun but practical car and checked the entire class out. Ended up choosing the speed for functionality, 5 doors, hatchback, nice upscale inside, etc. My wife wasnt going to see me walk away in a 2 seat sports car. Theres very little I dont like about this car, the digital turbo gauge, lack of a temp gauge, low shift points (power peters out past 5500 RPM or so and I came from a Vtec). But the interior looks great, and is roomy for me (62" tall). I get decent gas mileage with it, somewhere around 23 or so overall (though the trip computer keeps telling me I get 27), and while I am still not too fond of the smile, it is growing on me.

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  So nice - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Skoobaed - October 16 - 2:23 pm

  This is the first new car Ive owned and by far the best. Everyone I know likes it and Mazdas definitely still reigning at top of the economy cars(if you wanna classify it as such). It drives like a sports car and the interior is so nice. The gauges at night are one of the coolest looking Ive ever seen glowing a cool blue while other features are glowing in red. If you were an older person you might think that the interior is too hip, but being a 19 year old guy I enjoy staring at it.