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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  My new Mazda6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jbmam - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mazda experience and so far so good. I think I got an excellent deal on the car. I originally wanted the Sport package, but the $2k manufacturer rebate didnt apply. What I ended up getting was an S w/performance package + spoiler and had the dealer install 17" factory wheels. With the exception of the leather interior its very hard to tell the difference and all for just under $20k! I agree with several of the other reviews: love the exterior look and the handling is great! Excessive brake dust - they must have used organic pads, when they have to be replaced w/metallic I wonder if they will squeek? Hate the low end torque!

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  So much fun! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By oreads - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The best value out there.

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  Protege 5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rada - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love of my Protegé 5 the very first time that I saw it. I love how it feels on the rode. The only complain that I have is that I think it needs a few more HP. Right now I am upgrading my “baby” and is not that hard or expensive to do it.

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  My First Roadster Convertiable - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Daniel Colon - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have always owned a family automobile until now , after the four children moved out,I bought the 2003 Mazda Miata Mx-5 LS and now I fight with my wife to drive it.I drove it from Texas to New York all alone and loved every minute.

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  Fantastic - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LiMiata - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Miata. I leased a 1999 Miata and fell in love, only to buy a Shinsen version. Having a small car allows me to park anywhere. The Shinsen version also gives a shaper appearance and a better ride. The car puts me in a great mood all the time.

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  one hot car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tman - March 29 - 10:00 am

  smooth, fast stylish and a real looker! Handling is very tight.. roomiest back seat Ive ever seen for a sports sedan!

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  Been a long time comin - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Duroy - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Its been a long time comin...waiting for the rebirth of the rx car. The rotary engine is smooth, quiet and jumpy. People complain about horsepower, but its just that much more impressive. No one can handle me in the curves. Its the sexiest machine on the road for under $60K.

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  The Perfect Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotcomp4 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Congratulations! I own an 89 Mazda Rx- 7 it was as good as it gets, so I thought. But now, Mazda, you have outdone Yourselves! Thank you for building this car

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  Great mid size car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By cchristina79 - March 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have a 2006 Mazda6 i and have owned it for a little over two years now. I am very happy with this cars performance and looks. I have received many compliments at work on the exterior paint and design. Definitely an eye catcher. One thing I do not like in regards to the Mazda6 is the cloth interior. It is very cheap and wears a lot (especially for a model that is not low end for Mazda). The Mazda 3 even has better interior than the 6. I have already had the cloth seats redone under warranty and they have worn out again.

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  2011 Speed 3, Initial Review - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By MARROD - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded in 09 GT hatch,(2.3, 5M),a very good car. Had the new Speed 3 for just over a week, 1100 miles with a trip from mid MI to the UP. Car feels more substantial, much stronger and more firmly planted than the regular Mazda 3. Very good brakes and steering. Shifter better than I expected. The Tech Package and new shift pattern have me on a learning curve. Good drivers seat. Power in 1st and 2nd is scary, torque steer, but manageable. In third and up, power flow is great. Even in 6th, power is right there for passing at highway speeds. Read out showed 29.4mpg for the trip, paper/pencil 28.9. Great for a new, tight power train. Nice touring car for 1 or 2. Cant be beat for the price!