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:

• 

  Best in class - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By wanorris - July 8 - 1:30 pm

  All cars in this class involve tradeoffs, but if you want an affordable, reliable drivers car, the Protege ES is unbeatable. Its got the best handling in the class, its the roomiest in its class, its as reliable as a Corolla, and its peppier than the Corolla or Civic. The Sentra SE has more under the hood, but it wont handle as well, and it will likely be in the shop some. Ive had this car for 2 years now, and I still absolutely love to drive it. Bottom line, this is an extremely practical car thats a lot of fun to drive. One final note: compared with the ES, the 2000 DX and LX have a smaller, underpowered engine. The ES is the one to own.

• 

  vroom is for real - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By george mouzakis - July 7 - 5:50 pm

  Have just had a month. No problems. The tranny lets me take turns being a teenager and a sedate 60 year old. Air and heat could be a little more powerful, and fuel economy is zilch -- but you know this when you buy it. Everything else is awesome - my gut gives out long before the car does in cloverleafs. Just hearing the solid sound and the way the door closes reassures you of the quality. And driving at night with the red/blue dash lights allows me to believe Im captaining the space shuttle. Go for it if you can!

• 

  Love the Car-Real Value for Money - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Sandy - July 6 - 2:46 pm

  We bought it as a second family car after lot of research by me, my wife & kids who have an eye for stylish things. We test drove CRV, Tiguan, RX350, RAV4 and so on. I was driving a CX9 rental for 2months and loved the car but its fuel economy always put me off. One day driving past Mazda dealership, I saw the 2010 CX7 on a pedestal outside the dealership and loved its looks. Went inside and had a look at the interior that was very impressive. Dealer offered a test drive to my house and my wife & kids made an instant decision to buy this. Been using it for 4 months and love every minute of it. Has helped us a lot in hauling everything from lawn mower to formal area furniture - love the space

• 

  Surprised - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Debbie - July 5 - 8:06 pm

  I was reluctant to purchase the Mazda3 automatic, but after shopping for almost 3 weeks,and driving countless cars, I found my Mazda3. I love it, it handles awesomely, it is stylish, clean, the engine is sound, the stereo system is fantastic for such a small sedan but it is not small inside. I can fit 4 average sized people comfortly. The only problem I see thus far is the dashboard is a very dark brown, almost black, and I live in Florida, so it collects the heat and makes for a hot car until the air gets going full blast for a few minutes. I would defintely buy another Mazda!

• 

  I was looking for you all this time - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By xabo - July 5 - 5:20 pm

  This is "the almost perfect family car". I studied every possibility for our family and couldnt find the right match. I finally discovered the 5 and realized quickly it was the one. Space, quality, price, doors, features, design and MPG, it has it all. Its a pleasure to drive this car. I must admit some jealousy as we found the 5 in Switzerland with dark tinted glass and a sporty luggage rack system. It looks even better. The seating possibilities are endless and easy to play with.

• 

  Amazing inside, out and under - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By MARIOS LOUCAS - July 5 - 12:36 pm

  Ive purchased this car 2 weeks ago and I have to say that the more I drive it the more I like it. Mazda was not in my priorities when I was out in the market, this is my first Mazda and I have to say that if this is the kind of products that will keep coming from this company Ill stick with them. The CX-7 has excellent road handling; please note that Ive owned big Alfas and Lancias in Europe for years and I know what I am talking about, the brakes are the best Ive ever driven in a car so far, the built quality much better than the all of the European cars Ive owned and if the reliability proves to be just "Japanese" then there wont be a problem.

• 

  Zoom Zoom Zoom.......................... - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By oconn11 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my eye on this van for quite awhile. I also have a 99 Ford Taurus. One selling point for me was that the Mazda MPV has the same engine. My Ford, which is 10 inches longer and weighs just as much, has fanatastic get up and go. So does this MPV. The MPV looks great and catches everyones attention. I paid 21300 with a roof rack, fog lights, and alarm. Also I got a 5 year 60k mile warranty included. Truly is a sports van. Zoommmm

• 

  Best Buy Minivan! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Victor - July 4 - 10:00 am

  You have to drive one to know what the rave is all about. Its the best driving feel I ever had in a mini-van. Does not feel you are driving one big hauler. Got $5000 worth of discounts! What more can I say

• 

  Harley Davidson Replacement - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gus38 - July 4 - 1:43 am

  Traded an 04 Ultra Classic and havent looked back. The MX5 is a 2-dr/4wh replacement. It has all of the thrill of driving with the wind without having to worry about the weather. Top up/top down takes a few seconds. I have the Gr Touring with 7-spkr Bose system. Sound is great all the time. Cloth brown top with 6-spd manual. This car is by far the most fun vehicle i have driven. Past vehicles include Audi A6 & A4 Cab. I do wish there was some better answer for spare than Fix a Flat and run flat tires. Mileage has been 28 MPG combined. All in all it is hard to imagine a replacement for the HD but this car is IT. Decide on the top up/down when you get in the car. Simple

• 

  Best Fun Factor on 4 wheels - 2006 Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2006sonata - July 1 - 4:25 pm

  These cars are so awesome. Fun, fun, fun, and reliable as can be. Cheap to fill up (small tank). Dont buy one of these if envious stares annoy you. Dont buy one of these if youd much prefer to spend a lot of money on a true roadster. Dont buy one of these if you are on a first name basis with you auto mechanic and prefer to stay that way. I dont have the top of the line leather version of the car, but slapped on some upgraded 17" alloy wheels, and great tires ( Michelin Pilot Super Sport), and handling actually improves dramatically - didnt think that was possible.