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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  Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kyle/isuzuman - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I dont own one of these yet, but I have looked at them and I have to say they are very nice looking. Inside they have all the features you would expect from a compact, and it is pretty comfortable. I didnt get a chance to drive it because the dealer didnt have the model I was looking for, and why waste time on one Im not going to buy. Thats all I have to say on it now.

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  Best Car I have owned - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By mazdafan8 - January 3 - 5:46 pm

  I love my Mazda. I bought it used in 2004 with 25,000 miles on it. It now has 88,000 miles. I have only replaced brake pads, tires and one hose in addition to oil changes. My engine runs flawlessly. I get better than rated mileage. She handles great for a sub-compact. Has road feel instead of the numb feedback of a Toyota. The stick is smooth with shifts. Seats are comfortable. I will keep it until it dies since it has no resell value. I hope to get at least another two years.

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  Great car, if you like large - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By joellein - January 3 - 3:07 pm

  I ended up turning in my leased 07 Mazda6 I sport value. That was a very nice car that I could have driven for another 3-5 years. But, with the zero interest loans on purchase of the new 2010 Mazda6 I decided to get one. This model has a few more features (auxillary audio input and rear spoiler) than the 07 model and is a bit quieter (less road and engine noise) and a bit more powerful engine for same gas mileage.

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  Who says Ford Cannot Build a Quality Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Mel - January 2 - 10:23 pm

  Lets face it - this is a Ford with a little flare. Most of the Mazda lineup - why cant Ford go in this direction? This is my first SUV. My Mom has an Escape, Dad has an Escape, and buddy has one as well. My Tribute stands out, as well is more stylish on the inside, as well as the outside. My neighbor has a CRV; this performs circles around his, gets as good as fuel mileage, is bigger inside, and cost much less. I paid new $18k with the rebates, auto show cash, and dealer discount. Although his is AWD (which I didnt need due to where we live and hinders mpg -- Honda does not offer without). This is a little pocket Rocket and great for hauling my newborn.

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  Darth Vader Grey GT/AWD with Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By NMK - January 2 - 11:33 am

  Knowing that this vehicle will go when asked, stop when needed and take curves with aplomb, brings joy back to driving. A driver can have ones cake and eat it with both an automatic and a six speed manual transmission all in one. Have owned this vehicle for one month and have put on 1500 miles in all terrain except off road driving. Climbed Mt. Whiteface which was a kick. Driving curvy back roads in the mountains was a hoot. Thruway driving was rock steady too. I look for excuses to go to the store taking the long way around and back.

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  2000 Mazda Millenia Premium - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Brent Lutz - January 2 - 10:00 am

  There are only two deficiencies in this car: A luxuray car should have more power, although the Millenia has plenty for normal driving; and the cup holders are too small in diameter to hold almost anything other than a can. The car has been extremely reliable, with no repairs in 52,000 miles. Build quality is excellent, except for the cup holder issue. No squeeks or rattles. The ride is very comfortable. I get many comments about how pretty the car is. Its a shame this car is going away in 2003. It just needs a more powerful V-6.

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  Traded a 2000 XJ8 - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Bill in Atlanta - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Trading a car that had a price tag of more than twice the Mazda made me a bit uncomfortable but the Mazda Does its job well and I am Happy with my purchase.

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  99 Protege ES - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By nickola - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is truely a great car. I purchased my 99 Mazda Protege used in March and love it. My dealership is full of lying pricks though. Nothing new. I have had to have the Catalytic converter changed on the car at 30,000 miles because the previous owners used it around here only in the winter. Otherwise I have not run across any problems at all. The Mazda Protege is worth a look.

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  Great, but need some help - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Sm00ve - January 1 - 2:06 pm

  My van is my baby (I loves my dog [Wuff]). The biggest problem I have is that I cant find a maintenance manual for the body. Shes at 100K miles, but I cant change the rear brakes because I cant adjust them out far enough to accommodate new shoes (theyre pretty tricky for rear disc brakes). Other than that, shes great. I even figured out how to change the spark plugs without having to drop the main harness or the engine (not the easiest thing to do, but its doable).

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  So good were getting another... - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Mr F - January 1 - 12:30 pm

  Weve had the vehicle for over one year. It drives as good as the day we took it off the lot! The suspension is tight, handling unchanged, pretty zippy for a big SUV with a small engine. It really turns heads. The GT model is a must have.