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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  2014 CX9 - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Robert - June 29 - 9:23 pm

  Fuel mileage is 22 highway

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  B2300 AUTO - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By CMAN - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The only item that I dont like is putting the automatic gear shift in park it feels like you have the force it in.

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  Nice Car Fun to Drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By cindy - June 27 - 1:56 am

  I have had mine for over a year, still love it. Of course its bad in the snow but its rear wheel drive so I expected that.

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  MP5 Review - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By karak - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Totally a head turner. I actually have people talk to me about the car and tell me that they think its sharp. Great on gas and loaded with extras. The only thing that it is missing is a giant key on the back window. It drives like a wind up toy. Leather seats and a bigger engine would make this car a perfect 10.

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  A worthy successor to my 93 Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eric - June 22 - 4:46 am

  I really wasnt planning to buy new, but with more than a $9,000 discount off sticker, how could I pass up a new Miata. Great car! I miss the go-cart feel and exhaust noise of the 93, but the ride is much more comfortable. Definitely leans more in corners. Ill be adding RX8 sway bars soon. Looking forward to many happy years in my new Miata.

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  Great Value - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By L Proulx - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Great value as used car. Thousands less than corresponding Lexus, Infiniti, etc. Too bad they stopped making them, but on the other hand I guess thats why they are now so cheap.

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  Unhappy Ride - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By walterlee - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this MPV (2000 model)after putting 160,000 miles on a 1990 MPV- I liked both ride and durability of the 1990 better than the 2000!! Transmission jumpy, engine warning light goes on and off without reason, small socket wrench was found inside engine compartment- obviously left behind at the assembly plant- and the ride is stiff and uncomfortable.

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  She Loves It! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tee1Up4Fun - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought one for the Wife and She LoveS it! Im 65" tall and I have Plenty of room. It rides great and handels very well. The first snow storm we got I had to take it out, It did great! We Love it so far!

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  Love my car but BEWARE - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sydneycmiller - June 19 - 10:40 am

  My car is the plain Jane type but it was still love at first sight. I bought it used and had trouble with the second day I had it. Its automatic and it would stall at every light or stop sign I hit. Mechanics suggested it was a faulty computer. Mazda told me unless I could prove it, it wouldnt be covered. Reset the computer and it seemed to be fine until I hit 133k kms. Then the transmisson blew. So now Im stuck with a $2500 bill, AGAIN. I guess I got a lemon but most resellers dont even want to consider selling these transmissions anymore because they continue to come back on a regular basis. Also, the CD plyr is faulty and hates most CDS, old or new.

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  Think reliability ! - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Nick Tremblay - June 19 - 10:00 am

  If you look a the quality/price ratio, the Mazda B-series gives you a higher quote compare to competitor. My criterias was reliabiliy, fun to drive, fair cost: the B-series was the one. Especially, the reliability...it is as reliable as a japanese truck ! Who cant say that !