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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  Beats the Competion - Hands Down. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By logun - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car a few days, but after special ordering the 2003 just the way I wanted it it was worth the wait. This car is Fun Fun Fun to drive and has most all the bells and whistles youd ever want. Read Car & Driver Review June 2002 - they describe this car to a T.

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  Ruby - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By das0421 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this car and plan to buy another one as my next car. Great buy for the features and my particular dealer offers exceptional service.

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  Im in LOVE with my Mazda5 !! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By krispy - February 1 - 11:53 am

  After lots of research we purchased our Mazda5 08 Touring Automatic. We are so happy we decided on this car. This replaced my 96 Explorer. We have 2 young kids & they love it. The 2 folding seats in the back are perfect for any little friends we bring along & when not in use the back fits all my Costco groceries. Love the sliding doors, steering wheel radio controls, power locks/doors & sunroof. I drive a pretty even combo of city/hwy & got 25 mpg. It looks so sporty! It drives great & is really quick. Im impressed with the engine I have no problem passing cars. Since going from a V8 I was little scared but for no reason. Great for the price, mpg & room! Go get one!

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  Makes Me Smile - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Capt. Joe - February 1 - 11:10 am

  This car make me smile every time I drive it. Wanted one for quite a while and a year ago found one in good shape cheap. Customized some of the exterior and put her up for the winter. Changed the oil and put a new battery in this spring. I am middle aged and had MG, Fiat, Triumph etc. convertibles from the 60s and 70s. Miata MX-5 has all the best characteristics and traits of all these cars with none of the problems. Starts, runs, super reliable, no electrical problems when it rains. Top super easy to use. Great exhaust note. Winds easily to 6500 rpm and get 27 mpg when you beat on it. Dont buy this car with a auto transmission. Quick fun to drive. My wife and I are reliving out youth.

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  Great little Roadster in Austin - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mike Brewer - January 31 - 12:10 am

  Wanted a great 2 seater roadster and got one. I really like the styling and handling. I like almost everything about the car. Only mods so far are oil pressure sending unit change and added front grille. Lots of fun to drive and great gas mileage.

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  Great family car with sporty flair and sexy look! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Nancy Sayles - January 30 - 6:30 pm

  We just traded in our 2007 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring for this new master piece! The wait was absolutely worth it! If you are not sure - test drive the car... We never had any problems with our 2007 and expect nothing less from the new one! The 2016 CX9 Grand Touring comes with all the bells and wistles you need...

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  Mazda3 S 4 dr - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TerryNB - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun driving, good handling

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  great for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By et1penn - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Wow, i love this car. I origanaly owned a mazda Protge5 and realy enjoyed it but i always thought it could use a bit more zoom. Well this car has it, and the potential for much more. With the larger 2.3l dohc engine bringing 160hp and 150ft/lb of torque, its exactly what mazdas compact hatchback line needed.

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  First 18,000 miles - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shep - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent compact car. Fuel efficient. Fun to drive. Plenty of power to pass with the 5 speed. Drove to San Antonio TX from Arkansas last May. Got 41 mpg. I get about 37 mpg combined city/highway (mostly highway).

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  Mazda Tribute 2008 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Chicago - January 30 - 9:10 am

  I have had my new car for about 2 weeks now. I bought the black on black but had the dealer cover the white seats and dash with black leather. I love the drive and the comfort. It is a great suv without having to pay big bucks. A lot of room inside and very sharp dashboard design. I have the 6 cyl. There is a lot of pick up. Also very easy to handle on the road. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this midsize suv. Not sure on the gas mileage yet although we are taking a road trip in a couple of weeks.