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 Zoom Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lakeway, TX - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Youthful touches, great seating, roomy for small car, lots of fun to drive. Nice accessories available. Great mileage. Wonderful steering and braking.

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  Lots of band for the dollar - 2002 Mazda 626
  By kawnow - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 626 and a protege 5, which today I get rid of the protege 5. Stylish comfort. I see complaints about the leg room, which i could see if i was over 6 feet tall, but Im not, so no complaints. Excellent stero. Tansmission is usually smooth, a little, and I mean just a little, rough on cold mornings. Average gas mileage. Its my thoughts that Mazda made basic seem cool.

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  233K mile on it - 1998 Mazda 626
  By leezhao - April 7 - 8:47 am

  I bought this 98 mazda 626 about three weeks ago with 232k mile on it, so far, I feel It is a new car, interior, exterior, engine, etc, the engine is so quiet that when I stopped at traffic light, I thought the engine had stopped running. the gas mileage is excellent, the build quality is superb. the clutch is bit stiff, I do not know if it needs to be replaced or it is way it is.

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  I love my Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NikkiMarieV - April 6 - 11:06 am

  I just love my new Mazda, it really does have the heart of a sport car. The stying is wonderful, it looks a small BMW.

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  Most Fun You Can Have For Your Money - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hu - April 6 - 1:10 am

  This is the finest car Ive ever driven. The ride is a little on the sporty side, and the fuel economy is nothing to brag about (~20 mpg in town, 26 on the open road), but the performance is awesome! Acceleration, braking, cornering are all magnificent. Ive never owned a true sports car, too cheap, closest I ever came was a VW Scirocco. This Mazda is far better than that Scirocco in design, convenience features, quality of materials in the cabin and PERFORMANCE!!!

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  Easily the best compact for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By James - April 3 - 9:23 pm

  I fell in love with the car when it first came out, replacing the interesting Protege 5 with a more substantial car with a much beefier engine. The Mazda3 5-door brings fun, quality, and style to the compact market without sacrificing price and fuel economy too much. I tend to get 23-27MPG in the city with fairly aggressive acceleration. The seats in the 5-doors are a high quality cloth, with a great look and feel. I am tall at 62", and I fit comfortably in the driver seat. I even have it forward a click, and if I do not recline my seat too much, I can get a 6 foot person behind me. Much more room than my friends 04 Jetta. Overall, it is a great car with features and quality to boot.

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  Great Car - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By SOrlando - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive, and is great to look at. The overall quality is great. I am a traveling saleman, and have no problems with the Millennia. it is also my second millennia

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  My First SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MWi1068196 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my 2003 Tribute ES 2WD has been outstanding by most accounts. Previously owning a 2002 Millenia, I was familiar and comfortable with the Mazda lineup. After much research, I decided to purchase the Tribute. Im very satisfied with my decision. Its a great vehicle for me in all areas and I love the way it handles, drives, and rides. The build quality is great, along with the improved warranty over the 2002 models. My Tribute has all the bells and whistles less the 4WD option, but that wasnt necessary for me. Plenty of room, fun to drive, excellent value for the money. Ill definitely purchase another one down the road.

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By nuss - April 3 - 10:00 am

  All Around great car

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  Yellow Peril - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Vic - April 3 - 5:03 am

  I have a gold 2.3 sporty, handles and sticks to the road beautifully. Most impressive car as my last Mazda was 12 years ago and that was the MX6. Stunning performance and reliability.