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:

• 

  New Engine - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Peppy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  So far in the year I have had my Tribute, I have had to have the ceiling liner replaced, an overhead light replaced, a shock replaced, Tires (at my own expense, firestone doesnt honor their tire warranties), and now it is in the shop for a NEW ENGINE. As soon as I get it back I am going to trade it in for a new car. Unfortunately I missed the lemon law by 2 months in my state. Bummer.

• 

  Makes a commute feel like a vacation - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mac - March 21 - 11:26 am

  I have been driving mine as a daily 80 mile commuter for nearly 2 years and it has been simply a blast. Fun during the winter with the hardtop on. Just a delight in the warmer days with the top down. Getting 28-30 mpg. My wife says it makes her feel like were on vacation every time we go out for a spin. Low cost, reliable, daily driver. I SMILE during my commute!

• 

  Another Mazda in the Garage - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By rangermutt - March 20 - 11:47 pm

  We purchased a 2012 Mazda3 i Touring w/Skyactiv engine and auto tranny in Blue Sky Mica a couple of weeks ago and so far could not be happier. The combined mpg is 35 at present which includes about 40% in-town. This is our first new car since 1985 so hoping for many happy, trouble-free miles. We did, however, hedge our bet with the purchase of the extended warranty.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoom - March 20 - 9:40 am

  I love this car. I had the 03 4 cylinder and traded it in for the 05 with a V6 and it makes a world of difference. I liked that car, I love this one. With the V6, traction control, ABS and side airbags it is sporty, fast, safe and I wont get lost in the crowd.

• 

  first car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Susan Samhoury - March 20 - 1:56 am

  From the outside it is beatiful. The inside is not bad. When driving on the highway its smooth but if you drive slow it makes a ticking noise, drives me crazy.I asked the dealer and was told that its normal.He explained why but I still think it should run smoother.I cant wait until I can exchange it. I am not so happy with it even though this is the first time a buy a new car. I think the noise should be a lot smoother than it is. I took to the dealer and I had them listen to it and they said it was normal.

• 

  Love It - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By ZoomZoom - March 20 - 1:16 am

  I have had my Mazda CX-9 for a year now. My husband and I both love this car. I have owned many cars and this 1 is the best by far. We have 5 teenagers at home and have taken them on road-trips in this car. The interior room is fantastic. After years of mini-vans, I am thrilled to have a sporty car that is fun to drive. I have had no problems with this car at all.

• 

  15 years NO MORE HONDA - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mom2DrewAidan - March 18 - 4:13 pm

  After 15 years of Hondas I have moved on. I gave my husband the 2004 Honda Element which is still a great vehicle for driving around with kids and everything at Lowes. But mom wanted a sporty fun car for the commute to work and pick the kids up in school. LOVE IT. Great gas mileage. Pulled ahead during the gas shortage in the Atlanta area.

• 

  Still the One - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By steammerchant - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my triple black base miata since it was a pup in 1995. It is still as exciting as ever. It sits next to my 1975 Datsun 280Z that I have owned since it was a pup, too. The handling of the Miata is incredible, it has done things I didnt know were possible. The Z car is for power - the Miata is for fun... Normal maintenance is all I have ever done and its easy enough that I do most of it myself. Great car - glad I made my decision back in 95 - like I said earlier "my Miata is still the one"

• 

  Bugdet Beemer! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By therealdeal - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car new in 2001, initially impressed with fit and finish, sharp ride and handling, good braking. It whines on the highway at 3500rpm in 5th gear going 120km/h (a 6th gear would help) The 2.0 litre engine has more potential and at a conservative 130 hp, it chews up more gas than it should. With 83000 km on the clickler, Ive since had minor corrosion around the tops of the door frames, my brakes are squeaking, tires are balled, the manual shifter is choppy after starting in cold weather until I warm it up, The radio display is starting to fade in and out, dealer service personel need help identifying problems!

• 

  my opinion if it counts - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gary matheney - March 18 - 10:00 am

  fun fun fun a car that is just plain and simply a fun car to drive