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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  Headlight Problems - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brittany - November 27 - 10:40 am

  I have had my car for three years this Feb. and so far, Im content. However, Ive had to replace my front headlights, two times each, and my tail light once; within a year! Im really annoyed because the dealership charges $36 for the bulb and $40 for labor! Then they said bulbs only last a years time. Im not so happy with this. Plus, Ive had instances where the drivers window wouldnt go up when I tried the first time. The second go around, it worked, but it becomes temperamental.

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Jonathan Z - November 27 - 1:23 am

  Just had my GT Tech package CX7 delivered to me Friday night (10/6/06) and used it immediately on a 550 mile trip to Plainfield Mass. and back. Heres the skinny. Sound system...everything everyone said about it was correct. Rocks power...better than expected for the weight, nice acceleration. Tech package...must have, simple as that. Handling... by far the best thing about the car. I was doing about 75mph on serious switchbacks up in the mountains and I can honestly say that this car handles about as well as my old Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 did, and that was a high end sports car. This car is tight and a real joy to drive, especially in the right circumstances.

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  Everything I bought it for - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mudshark - November 26 - 9:23 pm

  This car has done everything I expected very well. Mileage at 28mpg. Good performance with 5 spd. Fun to drive. Got rid of a Mini to get this and am much happier. I would have gotten the Speed 3, but need the mileage as I drive long distance to work. I am 6 ft. and 300# and car is roomy enough for me. I highly recommend the Mazda 3.

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  A dash of exotic for the Miata - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2007 D-Blue Tan Leat - November 26 - 7:00 pm

  Epitome of FUN,. from 1000 - 6500 rpm this 2.0 liter engine sounds suspiciously like the 3.6L boxer power plant from Porsche. The interior is much more exotic then any previous MX-5 with the dark tan/reddish leather. Just a all round fun car but its hard to be your only car. Not great in winter. Great on gas, gets a LOT of looks. You get a $60,000 look for less than $30k. May cause younger age appearance.

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  Good Sense for Major City - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By nole795 - November 26 - 1:46 pm

  I have had this car for over a year. Bought it brand new in Sept. 2003 and have over 34000 miles. This car is absolutely great as a commute car. It is great on gas, easy to park and can hold a lot of stuff. I bought this car in Florida on my way to Texas for job relocation. I turned in a minivan packed with items. Everything fit in the Protege5 when I put the back seats down. I have never had a problem with it. The Bose sound system is great. The seats are comfortable. The inside details do look a little cheap but then again this is a cheap car. With a 4 year warrant, you cant go wrong. I will buy another Mazda.

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  Fast, Practical, and Dignified - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By daniel - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned BMWs Audis, VWs and other exiting cars, and this is one of THE BEST. A coupe with all the practicalities of a sedan without the drawbacks. If you have passion for exciting cars, this is the right for You.

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  2011 Mazda2 ZOOM! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By P. Vestal - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my new 2011 Spirit Green Mazda 2 Touring 5-speed! As a 50+ professional female who was considering the purchase of a Lexus Sedan, I shocked myself by buying the Mazda 2 after I saw one zoom by earlier this month. For me it is somewhat nostalgic as I remember in high school and college driving a hand me down 72 Subaru, a 70 something Ford Fiesta and 79 Mazda 323. I have be a Toyota driver for years: 2 4Runners, 2 Rav4s, and 2 Tundras. My 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited hasnt moved from the driveway since I purchased the Mazda 2! I love cranking up the stereo even though I mostly listen to classical, driving the The Mazda 2 rocks!

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  Ive had a few problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jessica - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2002 Civic for my Mazda 3... Ive had 4 Hondas in the past and regret my Mazda purchase some days. To start, the tires had to be replaced at 22,000 miles, my rotors are warped, and my a/c stopped working this summer because I had an issue with the thermostat. The only thing that the warranty has covered is the problem with the thermostat. Its not bad to drive and it starts every morning, but I certainly wont be purchasing another Mazda in the future!

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  Everything we couldve hoped for! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By needamazda5 - November 25 - 12:26 pm

  We absolutely love this car. It offers everything we wanted, capacity to haul items, lots of seat configurations, ability to carry 6 passengers with just enough leg room for everyone to be comfortable. We really like how this car is more responsible, with less weight and bulk it uses less gas. We also enjoy the looks we get and the inquires as to what the Mazda 5 is. It looks much more exciting than the traditional minivan and is a blast to drive! Zoom, Zoom.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Terry - November 25 - 10:46 am

  Dont let the sze fool you. THe MPV is sized just right for what you really use a minivan for. Perfect for small young family of four.