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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  Some nagging Problems - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hizz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this car, but it does have some nagging problems. I had a 96 Secial Edition and was totally problem free. This one has had two recalls in the first 3 months of ownership and a clutch chatter problem that the dealer tells me is "normal". Cant believe that, but they swear its true.

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  Great 3rd Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By MI-Mazda - January 13 - 9:33 am

  I loved this car for the first six months. The handling is phenomenal. Convinced my wife that it was practical for our family b/c it was a 4 door. However, this car is undriveable in winter, and thus, remains parked for nearly 4 months of the year here in Michigan. If I could, I would keep it as a third car to drive for fun. It just isnt practical for me as a daily driver.

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  Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joe - January 9 - 3:26 am

  This is a driver oriented compact car, Ive had a lot of fun driving it these 9 months but it sacrifices some comfort for handling. Exterior and interior styling is the best in the segment, its a very sharp looking little car. The fuel economy needs to be worked on though, Im only getting 20 MPG in the city, very disappointing. Also, there is a lot more hard plastic than the Civic, but it is put together very well. Even though the Civic has some advantages over the Mazda, I would still pick the 3.

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  (Sometimes) Ol Reliable - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Brittanyd - January 7 - 1:59 am

  This car was my first purchase. We bought it from a family friend who had it as an extra and didnt use it much. The owner before it put 113,000 miles on it. As soon as we got it all the eletronics went out- radio, clock, lights, etc. $700 all the dealership. Over the past 2 1/2 years we have sunk over $2,000 in repairs. We actually got it out of the shop again today. Thankfully, repairs for this car tend to be on the lower end and its easy to find parts. Despite everything Im in love with this car. Its just the right size, I love driving it, and the gas mileage doesnt seem as horrible to me because I take short trips.

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  Great Crossover for the Money - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By jasonsfolks - January 4 - 3:13 am

  Leased this 2008 CX7 after looking at Chevy Equinox, Ford Edge and Murano. Mazda offered best value for the money. 2008 edition can take regular unleaded which is what we use however the performance and turbo really needs premium gas. At $4 plus a gallon, we will use regular unleaded and loose some performance. Moonroof and Bose stereo with power seats is terrific. A fun car to drive. Im not tall but I wish the headroom was a little higher. Sometimes feel a little tight with near the sun visors.

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  WOW... Me likes... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Cbass - January 3 - 4:00 pm

  I have three kids and a wife and we use this vehicle always. Great compromise between the practicality of a minivan and the fun and pep of a sport car. We got it with the manual, very peppy indeed. Very happy thus far. Perfect vehicle for my family at this time. Hard to fit three full size car seats in a sedan/wagon/or two row SUV, this one does it all very well. Even though this is a "Ford" it is predominantly engineered and built in Japan; that sold it for us. All of this plus the NAV for less than $23K... WOW!

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  Fun, Reliable car to drive with some not so good features - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jwonger - January 1 - 11:06 am

  I bought my car from my brother 4 months ago. It currently has 157k miles on it and it runs great. Just changed the timing belt at 155k and so far its been running like a dream. Its a great affordable commuter car that has some quick speed on turns. Very reliable, every Mazda my family has owned has had 230k+ miles put on it. Definitely will be buying another Mazda after I put another 100k miles on this one!

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  Fun car - needs more power - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Dan Charlebois - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Protoge in October of 2002 and it now has 11500 miles on it. The handling of the car is more than I could have expected. The car has very precise steering (perhaps a bit of oversteer) and the suspension is tighter than most in its class. This makes cornering quite fun, especially with the 195/50 R16 Dunlap tires. Living in Syracuse I had to buy a set of Blizzaks to get anywhere. The Dunlaps were useless in snow. If I had a problem with the car it would be that it lacks power. The engine doesnt get into its power band until around 4000 rpm. I highly recommend the 5 speed to get full enjoyment of the engine.

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  Will never purchase a mazda again. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By coakub - December 29 - 6:59 pm

  words cannot explain how horrible my experience with mazda was. first my clutch failed(due to pressure plate wearing unevenly) with no warning at 19500 miles, after only owning since november, and then the service department treated me like crap, ignored their mechanics who said it was defective, screamed at me to the point i was in tears in the middle of the floor, and refused to cover the repairs, corporate was not much a better experience as they didnt care and wouldnt give me any answers. i contacted the local news stations and everyone in PITTSBURGH PA will know what has happened.

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  Fun but Unreliable - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Zach - December 29 - 5:13 pm

  Lack of reliability has been the biggest disappointment with this vehicle. Tires were bald before the warranty expired. Within a year after warranty expired, oxygen sensors had to be replaced ($500) and engine coils had to be replaced (another $500). My sister-in-law has the exact same make/model/year, and shes had the same problems--its like clockwork. It also emits a stinky sulfur smell immediately after turning off. At least its purty and comfy and fun to drive.