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:

• 

  The most fun car I have ever driven! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tyler Gaudioso - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I worked as a valet parker for a year and a half, and Ive driven anything you can think of. Ferrari. Porsche. Aston Martin. Mercedes. BMW. Name it. The bottom line? The Miata is more fun to drive. I wanted one for 2 years before finally finding the perfect car. Ive had it for 6 months now, and everything is working as it has since I bought it. Crisp handling, that x-factor oneness you feel, powerful braking. The Miata has them all and then some.

• 

  First impressions - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Rickem - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck on New Years Day. First new car and all I could get approved for ($8900). Dealership service was below average. As for the truck, it is as bare bones as you can get. I highly recommend you pass up on this unless you are in bad financial shape. The truck is too small and underpowered for any serious utility usage.

• 

  overall, a great bang for the buck! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MazdaProtege1 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a year and a half and have absolutely fell in love with it. The ride is quiet and smooth and the placement of eveything is wonderful. Its so fun to drive down the road, especially with the wonderful stereo system and the comfortable seats. And the best part about it is that its like riding in a Lexus, but for thousands less than a Honda. Hondas are cheaper, in my opinion, and have horrible styling. This car offers style, comfort, affordablitiy, and dependability.

• 

  Great Value - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Crockins - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I guess you would call this a 30,000 mile report. I am very pleased with my purchase of my 2002 Mazda Tribute. I have used it for long trips, camping, skiing and have not had one problem with it. All I have done is the routine maintenance. The only annoying little thing is the rear window creaks when going over bumps in the road. When I take it in for service next time I will have them check it out. Other then that I have been very pleased with it.

• 

  My car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Abby G. - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had many wonderful experiences such as my friends loving it and always wanting me to take them places.

• 

  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ricky G - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 1500 miles on the car, and already it is a nightmare. The problem is, there is foam in the oil. I took it back at 1K. Dealership/manufacturer didnt have a clue. They changed the oil. At1.4K, the foam was back. Also, the engine shut down on me prior to this. The oil light stays on constantly. The dealership/manufacturer dont know how to repair it, so theyve asked me to drive it till they figure it out. And, of course, keep making payments till it breaks down completely.

• 

  Incredible! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Taco - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Mazda Rx-8, and it is the greatest car that I have ever driven! Almost everything about it is perfect. The engine, transmission, looks, and comfort are all superb.

• 

  Incredible! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mickster - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Mazda Rx-8, and it is the greatest car that I have ever driven! Almost everything about it is perfect. The engine, transmission, looks, and comfort are all superb.

• 

  Amazing Buy - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jslnlb - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the M3i to replace a 96 Honda Accord EX. Its faster, more frugal, and handles better than the Accord, for $4K less than what I paid for the Accord in 96. Its quiet and solid though not as smooth as the Accord. It has many more features than the Accord had, including side curtain airbags, 6- disc CD changer, Tilt/telescoping wheel, steering wheel mounted radio controls. I test drove other compact cars before purchasing the M3i. I believe the M3i is the best in its class.

• 

  ZOOOOOOM ZOOOOOOOM!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Italy3344 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Let me just say.... I saw this car a while back in the car magazines and I really wanted one.... Just recently my old car 2001 PT Cruiser!! FELL APART! (FYI: Chryslers SUCK!!) So I had the chance to test drive the car and automatically fell in love with it! Great Car, Great Dive, looks much more expensive than what it is!!! MAZDA DID A GREAT JOB!!!!