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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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jimbolio - June 21 - 11:23 pm

  My Protege 5 gives me 33-36 MPG on the freeway pretty reliably. Only about 28 around town (5 speed). Drives like a Ferrari. Hauls like a minivan, and runs like a Rolex.

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  Best Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gennie - June 20 - 10:00 am

  My 2007 Mazda 3 Hatchback was an outstanding car. I only had one issue, the air intake manifold needed to be replaced, and was done so under warranty. Amazing pick up, very safe, and I fit lots of stuff into the back. Did great in the snow, too!

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  Best Car I Owned! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By CathySimon - June 20 - 10:00 am

  After having owned many import and domestic cars, including high-end full sized family cars, this car easily can be given the crown for fun-to-drive, super-handling, great-pick up, great-mileage, categories. So far I have done 6000 km and am truly glad with my purchase and happy to recommend this car as an overall great buy!

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  Great 2nd Car - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Leon DeHart - June 20 - 1:20 am

  I was coming from a long period of driving full-size pick-ups and looking to downsize! This was a good choice to go smaller with good fuel results, and yet not feel much had changed in the process. I still sit up higher. Interior can carry cargo too.

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  Great ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mcintire - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Having owned an Audi A4 for several years, Mazdas 3 feels very similar. A solid drive...doesnt feel like Im driving a compact. Plenty of muscle and a beautifully designed interior/exterior. Mazda really outdid themselves with this one. For the money, I cant imagine more in a vehicle.

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  Great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mick_StLouis_MO - June 16 - 2:00 am

  At 3,400 miles the car was struck in the rear on a highway and sent head on into a concrete barrier at near full highway speed. Every crumple point gave and passenger compartment stayed intact. Front was gone and part of the driver rear panel was embedded in the hood of the car that hit me. Was worth every star in its 5 star rating. Super built car for safety. Going to get another.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By DrJ - June 16 - 1:50 am

  Ive had two Maximas and one Infiniti I30 and this Grand Touring is more fun, has more toys on it and handles better than any car Ive had so far. I love this vehicle - solid, handles well, stylish and FUN to drive.

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  2000 mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Mike - June 14 - 2:46 pm

  I bought the car in 4/2002. Replaced battery and brakes only (besides normal maint. items). At around 185000 I need to replace the fuel filter. Mazda builds great cars.

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  zoom-zoom - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By JetsToBrazil - June 14 - 10:00 am

  this thing moves! Ive never had more fun in a car before. So far, so good, its pretty new and all but nothing is wrong and I have no complaints at all at this time, if I think of any, Ill let you know...but its fast and it hauls a$$

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  2004 Mazda MPV - only get the rare ES!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Tyler - June 13 - 12:26 pm

  I had a 2003 MPV LX and loved it but then I decided to go for some new technology like the 2004 has. I looked at Odyssey and Sienna but they are really too bulky and wide which makes them unsafe to manuever out of someones way. I loved the 2004 MPV (the new body style) but had to order an ES. ESes are very rare since they are the top model and I also wanted all the options and packages, DVD, sport package - very rare, sunroof.