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:

• 

  my first car - 2000 Mazda 626
  By JD - August 1 - 2:16 pm

  This was my first car. My dad bought it new at the dealership and when he got a altima he gave this car to me. It is a very solid car. It has solid acceleration and good handling. I like to push this car to its limits. I have hit 120 in this car! Anyway the seats are very comfortable and supportive. The air conditioning works well and I think every single person that has been in my car has commented on the rotating air vents! The transmission is ok (I wish I had a manual). The design of this car is ok, I think its a little too round. The newer sixes look a lot nicer, but obviously this car is nine yrs old. Overall this is a good car

• 

  LOVE the CX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By georgebake - August 1 - 9:43 am

  We have 2500 miles on the car and love its comfort, ride, looks, abundant features, room and quality. Looked at them all - Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Handai and Kia. This beats them all hands down.

• 

  Great Car with Little Disappointment! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andrew - August 1 - 4:06 am

  This was my first new car. I wasnt out for a foreign ride but found it to offer the most bang for the buck. The leather and DVD navigation are "must haves." I get many compliments on this car; two people mistook my car for a BMW. It has class, sportiness, and is very fun to drive. The quality is also spectacular for the price. A few quirks: poor gas mileage for the performance and 4-cylinder. Optional 17" wheels equals bouncier ride & poor winter performance. Also, the interior lights (3) must be turned on individually to light cabin. Great options, stereo, and quality for the cost. No regrets!

• 

  Some flaws after a few miles - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Cheaprick29 - July 31 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this car about a year & 1/2 ago. Paid $8k w 55k and now has 82k. The A/C doesnt work on 2 or 3 setting. The transmission makes a growling or humming noise and continues to get worse the more I drive it. The trunk leaks due to a faulty trunk seal; My car smells like mildew all the time because water gets under the carpets. Had to replace the drive belts around 60k due to squeaking. Hit curb and cost $3800 to fix; not the best car to get into an accident in due to thin sheet metal. Other than that, the car is a great car. I switched out the stock head unit for a Pioneer; the CD player didnt work properly. I like the aux connection on my new head unit.

• 

  First New Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bixnewsie - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Mazda Miata Mx-5 is my first car. The handeling is great, and while its a little lacking in acceleration power, the car makes up for it because its so fun to drive. I learned how to drive stick on it, and I had no problems. The clutch isnt tricky at all. (I had previously driven automatics.) The car turns heads. The exterior is amazing. The interior is a bit tight. The cup holders are in an awkward spot. You can hit them with your elbows. The sound system is great. You can hear everything clearly with the top down.

• 

  Extra note... - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By stadiumnuts - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Just got back from DisneyWorld. Loved the way my new Tribute handles. Smooth driving. Turning in lease for a Montana, glad its going back. If your looking for a great dealership in South Florida, go to Gunther Mazada and see Jim Collins. He is the best! They clearly like to give the best deal!

• 

  rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By chappy - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Fun to drive and definitly a head turner. Always getting complements on it.

• 

  Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Lynda Leon - July 31 - 10:00 am

  A roomy sports car that can fit 4 passangers nicely. A real looker!! Its fun and fast, I love driving this car.!! Great design, inside and out!

• 

  Best in class! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Henryli - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great 5M, Most sportier for an entry level compact sedan. reasonable fuel economy. great contemporary design. Good front ergo. many features (auto-manual trans, delay int. lights....)usually be found only on bigger or lux sedans. no cost compromised decontent.

• 

  Recall Poster Card - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John P. ODonnell - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Not since the Ford Pinto has a car been recalled so many times. I have owned the car less than a year and it has already been recalled 4X. In addition the clutch failed after 8 months. The car has been in the shop for approximately 2weeks total. The dealership has been good in fixing the problems and has provided a loaner car but the quality definitely needs improvement. One other thing why are there no rear speakers, this is almost unheard of to have only two front speakers.