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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  High Mileage and Reliable - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Limric - August 30 - 4:06 pm

  I purchased my Protege5 as a new model after doing considerable research. I found it to have more features for the dollar than any of the competition. After 120,000 miles, it has been almost bullet proof. The only issue has been warping front brake rotors. Coming from an amateur racing backround I can say that it handles as well as cars costing 10s of thousands of dollars more and consistently get 34 mpg to boot. The only thing I wish it had more of is horsepower.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sid - August 30 - 8:20 am

  Sporty, fun to drive hatchback for less than $19K -- what more could you want? I got the car with the sunroof package as well as the safety package, with the 5 speed manual. The car handles very well and accelerates smoothly. The interior of the car feels like it should cost about $5K more. All this with the practicality of a hatchback.

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  My Fourth Mazda and the Best Yet! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By guitar_guy - August 29 - 10:58 pm

  I bought this after finally retiring and selling my 2003 Eclispe, that was still running strong after 200,000 miles. I love this car. I had test driven others in this class, but the 2012 Mazda 3 could not be matched in terms of combination of preformance, comfort and styling. The build on this car is solid. The manual shifting on this car is smooth as silk, and the gear ratios are very good. I love that the car is equipped with timing chain and stainless steel exhaust, which make for a relatively maintenance-free vehicle. Looking forward to the next 200,000 mile in my fun-to-drive Mazda 3. A great transition from sports car to great performace sedan.

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  Function and style - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Lots of Utility - August 29 - 10:10 pm

  Bought the Tribute for me and my wife, it has been great, lots of cargo space, fuel economy is exceptional from the 4 cylinder; and it has lots of power considering the other models we looked at with comparable engines. We typically see 29-30 mpg on road trips in West Texas it is primarily flat so cannot speak much of hills but out here it is a great combination of function, fuel economy and style

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  Thrilled - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By dustboo - August 29 - 8:40 pm

  Just picked the car up last week, and am so thrilled with it. So much car for such a great price. Got the i Touring with the 2.0 liter engine, has plenty of pick- up. (Probably the shortest first gear ever, though.) Bose/moonroof package totally worth it- the bose speakers are great. I get constant compliments on the car. People love the new styling. The graphite mica is gorgeous when its sunny out. I plan on running this thing into the ground- so hopefully reliability will be good.

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  Fantastic! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sbs - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Though the Miata is a small car, it is remarkably comfortable. The manual transmission has a lot more pickup than the automatic, so I recommend the manual.

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  My 2002 Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By sphilips - August 29 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle. Rides nicely and very roomy. Exterior is quite attractive. Mazda has an excellent warranty. Jeff Haas has a superior service department. This is my third Mazda, I plan on buying a 2005 Tribute. Love it!!!!

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  Spirit - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Razzzzzzzz - August 29 - 10:00 am

  After the first day I brought it back to the dealer for the A/C. Then found out it was the enviromental design flaw. Needs more cooling capacity for the interior. Looks like when you have Red everyone wants to race you. Test drove the GTO,350z, G35 and the Acura TL 260. Best overall value for the money. Not Bouncy like my old 3000GT or the new 350z. Ah.. real fun to drive.

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  So Far so Good - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Timeout - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I have 1744 Miles on the RX-8 and it has just started to move in the last 300 miles.It needs to be turning over at least 3000 to get any performance and has no PUSH at low RPMS. The transmission is super in both automatic and manual and is fun to use. There have been absolutley no problems with the car mechnically!!! I had to learn to drive all over again after a 350HP TransAm but that is part of the fun and an very satisfied after driving it this far. The start stop is not a problem after you understand whats required.

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  Alot of Bang For your Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fonzi37 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Very quick and handles excelent. The brakes are exceptional, probably overkill. ave. fuel economy 31mpg. What more could you ask for out of a $16,000 car. The most bang for your buck out there.