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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  Great van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By medicineman - December 15 - 10:00 am

  With 2 growing kids we needed more room than our Altima had to give. We looked at all the minivans rated with good reliability and it was down to this or the Honda. The Honda dealers wont deal at all and the Oddity was bigger than I wanted. It looked like it wouldnt fit in the garage very well. The MPV is the perfect size. The 200 HP engine is very responsive for a van. It handles great, you almost forget it is a minivan.

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  Love this SUV! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ReggieL - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I researched long and hard before buying my Tribute. I test drove the new Honda CRV, the Ford Escape, the Saturn VUE and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Without a doubt, the Tribute was the most fun to drive and felt more solid than any of the others. I would strongly suggest that anyone shopping in this SUV segment test drive the Tribute. You wont be disappointed.

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  Perfect Sports Sedan - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jessi - December 13 - 4:33 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I was ready to buy the 07 Honda Civic (Ive always owned Hondas) until I walked into the Mazda dealership and saw this car. Its exterior design makes this car look like it should be priced much higher than it is. It has a lot of get up and go to it and handles beautifully. The interior is just as nice and has many great features. Very fun to drive and comfortable behind the wheel.

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By wendylou16 - December 13 - 12:53 am

  I got this for fuel economy, after driving a 2000 Ford Explorer. So far I love it! It give me just about as much space as I used in the Explorer, and has the feel of a SUV. I love it so far!

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  STILL RUNNING STRONG AT 175k MILES! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roll Tide!! - December 12 - 1:36 pm

  My Miata has been a "blast" to drive! I drive an average of 900 miles a week! The Miata has NEVER let me down! No engine work or transmission work! Change the oil and filter every two weeks at approx. 2000 miles. Super car!!

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  Miata STO - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bodid - December 12 - 11:56 am

  Well I bought a special edition, and I love it!!! The STO version had just enough of the right stuff and not too much of the poofy stuff, to make it attractive. It is totally reliable, totally fun, and good looking, even though I must admit its probably a chick car (sorry). I love to autocross it and beat the Ford Mustangs, and the Cameros, and the other V8s with my little four banger. It handles incredibly well. Its a bit tight, and noisy with the cloth top, so I leave mine down most of the time. Ive had MGs, Fiats, VWs, and this is the best convertible I have ever had. Would buy another in a heart beat. Life is too short to drive a mere sedan, get a convertible, and drive it

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  best in class - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jean - December 11 - 6:40 am

  After consider all the different entry level sedans i decided on getting the Mazda 3S, and i couldnt be happier. The car is very responsive, and the suspension is tight like a tiger. Fuel economy could be a little better, but 20mpg in the city is not bad. The lights are bright, and the interior is very ergonomic and roomy. Looks and drives like a car worth 10k more.

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  silver bullet - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ared - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchase my mazda p5 after test driving several other cars, (namely wrx, lexus, and accord.) The mazda was the best deal for the price and the funnest to drive. Also outfitted factory racks for my surfboards (quite important!)

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  Our Midlife Crisis - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miminancy - December 10 - 10:00 am

  We are 58 and 62 and were in a weekend rut. Last July 4 we bought our red Miata convertible and have spent every nice(and some not so nice)warm weekend exploring within 200 miles of home. The gas mileage is 28-30 mpg. In September we plan to drive it to New England for a two week trip.It is easy to drive and reminds us of the MG B we owned in the 60s. We belong to a Miata club and have been on several rallies. Most of the people in the club are either very young, or our age. This car is fun for anyone...our 16 year old granddaughter has her eye on it!

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  Just plain fun - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By elden stielstra - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun car. It is what a convertable is supposted to be. Be careful, however, mixing it up with a SUV or a semi-truck is not going to help your health or the appearance of your Miata. It has an excellent power to weight ratio and handles like you think it should. Just plain fun!!