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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  Good All Around Mini-Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By kazman - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The smaller size just seemed like a better fit to my wife and I. It is very stylish and full of clever little features. It does have some flaws but so doesnt every vehicle.

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  Best of its Breed - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Andrew - December 22 - 6:13 am

  When you purchase this car you must have the understanding that this is a basic roadster. It doesnt pretend to be something else. Its raw, tiny, a little unrefined in some areas but definity fun. It will be hard to come from a complete car such as an Accord or an SUV to go to Miata because somethings just doesnt work right in the Miata. The cupholders in the center are completely useless because they intrude into the elbow space while shifting gears. The grade of plastics is from the 70s and thats not a good thing. And the sound the comes from opening and closing the truck is truly horrible.

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  engine problems - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By wendy trotter - December 21 - 12:56 pm

  I have not owned my CX7 Touring for quite a year yet, next week will be a year, have 10,000 miles on it. Blue smoke & black smoke pouring out from engine, turbo very noisy. Took it to dealership, they took it right in,problems with the turbo on this vehicle. Also poor fuel economy takes premium gas. Will not keep this vehicle once warranty is out.

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  Like the Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Peter Riess - December 20 - 7:06 am

  Really fun to drive. Very roomy cargo area. Gets lots of compliments on its sporty looks. Must burn mid-grade fuel or performance is severely downgraded.

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  RX-8 vs. RX-7 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rotary lover - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 2nd generation for 14 years and waited on the RX-8 for three years. I started watching the Japanese version with anticipation of its arrival in the USA. Im glad I waited because I AM IN LOVE WITH IT! The ride is smooth and fast. Its so cool to have the on-wheel operations. This car is the best on the market so far!

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  Good car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By RHB - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had car now for three months. Nice car to drive. Had a manual 1988 626 previously for 23 years and that car, even old, gave much better mileage (27 city, 35 hwy) than this car; probably due to all the added built in features on 6. One cannot choose options as in old days. Performance ok now, cannot judge reliability after 3 months--maybe in 3 years. Appearance is good, trunk nice and big. Could only get black interior with manual and shows dirt quickly; Mazda should provide more interior options with this style. Seats are hard, lumbar feature not as useful for me as my old 626, wrong position. Good car with advanced features but old 626 was much sportier with better gas mileage

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  The most fun available for the price - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By toddman - December 16 - 9:30 pm

  I have owned my 2004 RX8 for 1 and 1/2 years. I have yet to have a single problem with this car. I commute over 60 miles each day, in mostly stop and go traffic. I LOVE this car! Sure, it could use more power, but for what? More speeding tickets? If you are looking for a fast 0-60 car, buy the Vette. Even with HALF the power of the Vette, the RX8 can catch and pass one on a road course. I know because I have done so. The complaints about excessive oil consumption obviously come from people who have no idea how a rotary engine works. If you dont know about rotaries, learn about them before you buy one so you will know what to expect. I also own a Mazda Millenia. MAZDA IS THE BEST!

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  One nagging question - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ROOKIE - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  Why does this M5, a Mazda product have to be primarily manuf. in MO? Appears all things fit but am concerned that Japanese tend to on average put together products w/ more costomer care in mind.

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  almost a great ride - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By D - December 13 - 7:53 am

  Excellent drivetrain, fun in the snow (with winter tires), fun on pavement. This car does have Zoom Zoom, especially for a 4500 pound wagon. Everything about the car is good, except for the coolant leak that has presented odor in the car (while in traffic especially) with no visible signs elsewhere. The regional service mgr. refuses to step up and acknowledge / fix the car, with empty statements of protocol, Mazda almost has a winner with its flagship automobile. I really like driving the car, just the annoyance is enough to steer towards another make next time.

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  Cocky lil car huh! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By rltaylor - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I had done research up on 3 cars (Honda, Toyota and Mazda) for about 3 mo. And decided on the 2000 Protege LX (standard-only 20,400 miles). Its a snappy tight lil car. Toyota and Honda are a lot more expensive but the Protege LX (my opinion) has the same performance if not better and made in JAPAN too. purrs like a kitten!