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:

• 

  Its the not so "Minivan" minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Family Man - January 29 - 8:40 pm

  I really love to drive my 5. We use it to haul the family around and it does great. I love the lines and features you get for the money. Mazda did it right when they redesigned their line up and gave birth to this great new model. The sport shifter is great and the fuel ecomony is acceptable. The 17" wheels really help it stand out from the rest and makes me feel more sporty. When I drive this around I dont feel Im driving a van. In fact many people ask me what it is. I have started to see more around and everyone I talk to loves it. Great car for the money and perfect for the person not ready for a really minivan.

• 

  Fun! Fun! Fun! Economical! Oh and Fun! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By James - January 29 - 7:50 am

  I used to own a 04 RX-8 which was a total blast to drive. So I was very happy to discover the fun factor is even better with the MX-5! The RX-8 was fast and agile but so too is the MX-5, it just doesnt have all the stress raising quirks of the RX-8! Like poor gas mileage, thirst for oil, and Hot interior due to the hot nature of a rotary engine. The MX-5 seems every bit as quick and is very agile! I love the sound of the engine, quick shifts, and solid road feel! The Bose sound system is terrific and adjusts automatically to compensate for ambient noise top up or down. The feel behind the wheel is fantastic! The dash layout is classic european sports car, I love turn indicator placement!

• 

  Great car! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Grampa - January 28 - 4:53 pm

  I bought this car used - 2 years old with 26,000 miles. Ive now had it for 6 years and have had only tires and brakes needing replacement. Its been a great car and I love driving it. Just wish it was a bit better on mileage, but cant complain, cause it really gets up and goes!

• 

  Excellent Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 Driver - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mazda 3s 2 months ago and could not be happier. As a first time car owner i could not be more pleased with my purchase. The car drives smoothe, looks sharp, and is comfortable.I read on this site that the seats/leg room can be uncomfortable, but I feel that is a matter of who drives the car.I am 59" and have no problems with the seats/leg room.I can see someone taller having problems as there isnt much room left for someone much taller.It runs at 90 mph (dont tell anyone i drive that fast) the same as it does at 55. You can easily lose track of how fast you are going in this car.

• 

  Very Smooth Driving - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By depetydawg - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a shear pleasure to drive, and I should know, I traded a 2000 Mustang GT Convertible for it. It hurt to see the Mustang roll away, however, the pain was short-lived. After driving my Mazda 3 I have all but forgotten about putting the top down and just cruising. I highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Economifun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomers - January 28 - 10:00 am

  These have been the funnest 8 days I have had in a long time...zoom zooming that is! It hugs the curves nicely, and its pretty awsome to see cars in your rearview getting smaller (not larger) when you "cut" them on the highway. I press it for speed and it responds. My husband said something about loving the variable valve timing above 35000 RPMs. A "must drive"--if you ask me.

• 

  incredible - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By thierry dieu - January 28 - 10:00 am

  i use to drive hight performence car in europ .bmw,mercedes,bis turbo renault 21.it is a car react on shift ,good acceleration,good road stabilisation,good sound system,quiet car ,speedy car and saving monney in gaz any drive 400 miles i use to save 15 dollars gaz very nice

• 

  Practical Sports Car - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By new mazda lover - January 28 - 9:50 am

  I looove my RX8. It seats 4 adults and it so fun to drive. This is my first Mazda and I regret not buying this car sooner. Its worth every penny!

• 

  Love my protege - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jeannesmyname - January 28 - 9:44 am

  I absolutely loved my Protege, it was very reliable, comfy, and fun to drive. I put 150K on it. It also got excellent gas mileage. It will not play burned cds and had a year where I had to have the belt replaced a few times, since then its been running like a top. Just traded it in today for a newer car, but was sad to see it go. I really hope it goes to a great home!

• 

  Poor Mans BMW - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wildcat - January 27 - 7:23 am

  Fun to drive! This car corners like its on rails. Hugs the road with little to no body lean. Compared this with Honda, Toyota, and American counterparts and this one was the most fun to drive with great build quality. Lives up to the "zoom zoom" motto. Drives like a car in a higher class. After 1k miles, 22.3 MPG (80% city driving), but Im a lead foot anyway. This trim comes with great safety features (ABS, side airbags, dynamic stability control). The ride may be too stiff for some. For the money, skip the factory navigation. If youre considering a car in this class, give this one a test drive; youll be glad you did.