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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  Best Buy out There for a Minivan - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By zoom zoom - February 13 - 1:00 pm

  I love my MPV. It has 115K miles on it, and Ive had NO major trouble with it at all. Oil change, rotate, and balance are the only things Ive ever done, and it runs like new. The only repairs to this vehicle have been a new lock actuator for the drivers door, and a new cable assembly for the power window in the drivers door. I still have the original brakes on it! My next vehicle will be another MPV!

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  Buy 2, theyre small - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By runsincircles - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Like other reviewers on this post, I love this car. I had a 1991 Miata and loved it and cried the day I sold it. 16 years later I found a pristine BRG SE with a matching hardtop and bought it on the spot. The dealership had it inside with the new Miatas, so I had a chance to compare them visually. I was truly disappointed with the 2009 Miatas interior..cheap plastic and the long strip of fake chrome over the glove box didnt ring my bell. I compared it to my 2001 interior, nothing can touch the beauty of the wood steering wheel, gear shift knob and tan leather seats. Handling is superb and the 6 speed tranny is a joy to shift (Amsoil gear shift oil eliminated my 3rd gear crunch.)

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  2004 RX8 as a weekender. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By themo2v8r - February 12 - 5:50 pm

  This is a great 2nd car. I do not recommend this as a daily though. Gas is fair (12-15mpg), room is A++ and fun factor is off the charts. The RX8 is a great car for attention and getting somewhere quickly, very quickly. To address some reviews that the car has no horsepower, keep in mind most of these people have autos. Also this car was meant to kick but after 4,000 RPMs. A Z will get you off the line, but you will catch up and pass! With a six speed you can 40 in first, 70 in second, 90 in 3rd (never went past 90 yet, I have a good driving record:). I dont recommend driving like that all the time, but if you need to get out of the way fast, you can.

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  Best kept secret - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By dledezma - February 12 - 4:43 pm

  This little bottle rocket is the best kept secret in the auto world for the most fun and fastest car in the economy class. Just got it 4 days ago and wish I could drive it all day!!! If youre looking for an inexpensive super fast, very economical car, this is IT!!

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  Excellent value for a safe ride - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By NPR - February 12 - 2:40 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 9 months and have had no problems. I have really enjoyed the 4wd capability this winter because of the terrible weather.

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  Its right where everything else isnt - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Charlan - February 10 - 3:33 am

  This is the perfect car for us (me, my wife & 2-year old daughter). Handles very well, solid built quality, and great gas mileage. Very flexible seating. Exterior design was excellent, one of my friends thought this car was a hybrid. Sliding door was a great feature to have especially in tight spaces. Keep it up Mazda, ZOOM ZOOM!

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  My Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By R. Glass - February 10 - 3:00 am

  I LOVE my Protege. I purchased it brand new (5/01). Ive put 76K miles on it and ABSOLUTELY no problems! Only oil changes & I did the timing belt & water pump at 60K as recommended.

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  Civic Who? - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phillie86 - February 9 - 9:56 am

  Honestly, best looking interior car in its class - Civic has nothing on this. Exterior is very stylish. 2.3 could do better on fuel economy, but its still much better than a 6 cylinder. This the best car for bang-for-your-buck. You get so much - safety options, toys and gadgets and styling all in a very reliable lil car.

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  QUITE SATISFIED - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barry Brooks - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Ordered a silver6 in Jan with the V6 5sp auto and sport pkg but it came with 5 sp manual so I took a gray one. There is nothing I dont like about this my first Japanese/American car. Its comfortable, smooth, quiet, very well built and I love the features such as sports pkg, headlights, chrome exhaust tips, red dash lighting, heated seats, rear seat latches, console. Great exterior and interior styling, materials and fit and finish. Hope this satisfaction lasts for the next 10 years. It draws a lot of looks in steel gray especially with the 2 narrow pinstripes I had installed down both sides and around the back.

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  Good for Us - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Paul E Oakes - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the right size for us. We appreciate the roominess and versatility of this size vehicle. We enjoyed 95 and 98 Honda Odyssey but Odysseys got too large. Glad Mazda was there with this size van.