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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  Worth the Wait - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Whalebelly - April 25 - 10:10 am

  We were ready to replace our old Mazda6 back in April of this year, but decided to wait for the 2009. Im glad we did, for this vehicle is so much better. It has a larger interior, larger trunk and we opted for the i Grand Touring with remote keyless doors and ignition, dual zone climate control, leather heated seats and we opted for the moonroof and sound upgrade package. The car still handles great like the older version but is so much more comfortable.

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  good car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By KKURT - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the bucks. I purchased it new in 2002. Seats are comfortable, good head and leg room even at 63". V-6 has plenty of get up and go. In two years the 626 has been trouble free. I had a Mazda GLC 20+ years ago and it was a great car, oil changes, brakes and tires where about the extent of repairs. Two years with the 626 oil changes are all the service it has required Never will understand why the 626 did not compete better as far as number of units sold. The ES V6 with leather, CD, traction control, fog lights etc was a great bargin as compared to similar cars.

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  King of the compacts! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By wetcoaster - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Protege as a replacement for a totaled Corolla. Suffice to say, the Toyota isnt missed too much! Mazda has done well with its Protege series, blending attractive, if not standout, looks, sporty performance, and a good range of features. The Protege is great fun to drive around in with its tight handling characteristics. Its comfortable interior is well-appointed and coordinated for a car of its price range. All in all, its a good-looking car thats equal parts practicality and sportiness. Lets hope Mazda is able to maintain this balance with the new 3. So who says nothing good comes out of an accident?

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - April 25 - 3:00 am

  I havent had the car for long, but I love it so far. Nice power, handling, ride. Ive had two Mazdas in the past and loved them, so I can only hope this one works out as well as the others did!

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  THIS ONE MAKES MY WIFE SMILE - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By POSE - April 24 - 7:26 am

  We just purchased our CX-7 Sport and find it more fun than we had anticipated. It is quick, smooth and handles extremely well. I test drove a Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Rav4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda CR-V. None of them has the leg and headroom and the power of the CX-7. I am six feet two inches tall and 300 pounds and I fit in the car with lots of extra room. The four cylinder turbo is great. Only the Mitsubishi came close to the power and quickness of the CX-7. The outside is very sleek. It looks more like a sports car than a SUV. The other thing that was nice was the price, very nice. We look forward to driving our CX-7 for a long time.

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  Great Car!!! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Bill Nye - April 23 - 6:53 am

  I commute several hundred miles a Week for work (800+ mi.). This car just runs and runs, no problems, just change the oil and it goes. Has almost 30K miles and takes a beating.

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  I went from a 01 Miata to this... - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dave - April 22 - 8:20 pm

  I love Mazda vehicles to begin with. They are one of the few car manufacturers that actually build 99% of their cars in Japan. The quality shows. I was very skeptical about a 4cyl. engine with an automactic. The 2.3L with the 5 speed auto is an absolute blast to drive. The 6 speed Miata was a blast to drive, but try commuting 70+ miles a day in LAs freeway traffic. The fit and finish is s good as any BMW 3 series, and the performance will make you wonder why you need to spend an extra 15K on a Bimmer. I have owned them as well. First thing I did after I had 1500 miles was change the oil to Royal Purple, K&N oil filter and K&N air filter. I know the car doesnt need this.

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  Very Happy with my Mazda3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By earlthom - April 22 - 1:03 pm

  After 2 months I have no regrets about my decision to purchase the Mazda3. I have the 3i Touring with automatic. Gas is around 27-30 MPG for mainly city driving. Comfort, sound, fun...all there!

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  Mazda is back - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By eric yip - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,the best sport wagon ever made, this car is offering more than what I expect. One thing is money can not buy.......(fun to drive).

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  Nice Compact SUV, drives great - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MZCMDR - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Very nice ride and suspenion. 4WD is nice. Great visibilty. I like it but there are a few annoying issues that need Human Engineering refinements.