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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  HappyCamper - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rocketron - December 25 - 6:36 am

  Ive waited a year to give an accurate review and I have to say I am still very happy with my car. Drives great, looks good, and this summer started getting 30 MPG compared to 25 MPG last fall. Drove well this winter. The traction control got me up a snowy hill when I dont think anything else would. Two other coworkers bought one at the same time and all have been happy. All had low tire pressure 3 months (cold day?) in all tires, but put air in them and no problem. Only issue I have is car is eating factory tires. 14K and looks like I will need 4 new before 2 years old. Warranty is 12K (not kidding) so Mazda planned this. Will spend $450 for new, OUCH.

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  Cool Car! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jesse - December 24 - 11:40 pm

  Since I bought my RX-8, Ive gotten lots of comments. Too bad Im not still single otherwise I would be able to give more rides. Smooth as silk drive, except in snow and ice with the stock tires. Extremely treacherous --- do not attempt winter driving with these tires. I bought Pirelli Wintersports and have no problem now. Wide range on each gear. Excellent pickup at the 5000-6000 rpm range.

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  Recommended by a Van Enemy! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By doctorrafido - December 23 - 9:06 pm

  We needed a bigger vehicle since our family became larger. It was either an SUV with a third row seat or a van. Couldnt go Odyssey, too expensive or GMC Suburban (bad gas mileage); MPV was the way to go. We bought it used with 32,000 miles on it. And it was great. Surprisingly i fell in love with it the first test drive. Usually i would not drive a van because it made me look like a soccer dad (hahahha) but when you feel the power as well as the comfort I couldnt resist.

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  Zoooom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - December 22 - 1:23 pm

  It was a difficult decison, being a Toyota man for over 20 years -- Mazda 3 or Scion TC. 4 doors won out. First two weeks have been fun fun. I use the car to commute 65 miles each day. I recommed the 2.3 engine and all the extras that come with it. Have sun roof and ABS and side and window air bags, all for less than $18 k -- hard to believe

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Denver Dude - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Into my third week with the car, and Im still honeymooning. What an excellent automobile! It has decent acceleration, but in the first 800 miles I averaged an unbeatable 32 mpg. Also, Im 64", and the car has enough headroom, esp. with the sunroof option. I also love that option packages are reasonably priced ($690 for Moonroof/6-CD, $490 for ABS and Side-Airbags). I bought the LX model from McDonald Automotive in Centennial, CO. Ive been happy so far with the precise manny tranny (five-speed). The dealer was wonderful, the car is great, what a terrific few weeks it has been. I hope the rest of my experience with the car is as much fun.

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  light heavyweight - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Zenith - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Being an owner of a very powerful and fast,very low mileage Nissan 300ZXtt, I can tell you with certainty that the Miata Shinsen is just as much fun. I also own a WRX, and the Mazda is more fun (though obviously less practical)

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  Fun To Drive - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Wendie - December 22 - 4:13 am

  I spent 2 months shopping for a SUV. I narrowed it down to the Nissan Rouge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento. The Mazda was my favorite for handling, reliability, and looks. Its sassy and provides power to ease in and out of Atlanta traffic. The CX- 7 has sleek lines and doesnt have that boxey SUV look (like the Sorento and Santa Fe). The cargo area is large enough to accommodate my 2 sheepdogs. Ive owned a couple of American made SUVs and Mazda blows their doors off.

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  MPV: Makes the Most Sense - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By BRANDON CHASE - December 20 - 10:50 am

  I purchased my MPV nearly a year ago and have not been disappointed in any way. Whenever I see shoppers at home improvement stores trying to stuff items into SUVS that would easily fit in my MPV, I load up a ROOM of furniture just for kicks. Whenever I am able to park in grass by climbing over curbs when others cant find a parking spot, I pat myself on the back. Whenever I switch on my theater-quality 10-speaker (including subwoofer) 6-CD sound system, I dance. Whenever I crank up the AC on a hot summer day or roll down the REAR windows for the kids, I sneer at the sad offspring in the backseats of other minivans who cant roll down theirs. In short, my MPV makes me feel very good.

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  Loving this vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rtm76 - December 20 - 1:40 am

  I had an 03 Murano before this vehicle and I have to say that this is quite a better vehicle than the Murano. From the looks, to the performance, to the saftey features, this is one of the best SUVs out there. Roomy cabin makes it easy to deal with children in car seats. Plenty of room for large adults (vertically and horizontally!). Outstanding vehicle, outstanding value.

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  Golf clubs - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By alfbc - December 19 - 12:43 pm

  Just took possession of MX-5 PRHT auto GT and loving it so far. Packing golf clubs in trunk needs a little work. Clubs longer than a six iron have to be removed from bag before getting it into trunk. Need to remove tire jack cover in order to get the driver inside the trunk. Traded in my Mazda 6 so there is no comparison with my new toy. I can now easily get into the parking stall in my condo.