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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  CX5-FWD Touring with Tech/Bose Package - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By tirang - July 22 - 6:14 pm

  Firstly, heart felt thanks to all the other reviewers for their reviews in helping in my car purchase process. Had to make a decision between the CX5 vs Forester and went with the CX5. So far so good. Car makes engine noise when just started and also on windy conditions, you can hear the wind noise inside the car. Drives real smooth around corners and in city conditions. For me the lack of reclining back seats nor enough rear leg room for adults was not a deal breaker. Forester has better reliability and AWD as standard. CX5 Bose/Tech package is amazing especially the night adaptive halogen headlights. If you drive around poorly lit areas, this will make a ton of difference.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tim C - July 22 - 12:26 pm

  This car is a great daily-driver. The ride is smooth and the car handles beautifully. The Bose system sounds great.

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  5 Stars for the new MX-5 PRHT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Snugglz - July 22 - 3:03 am

  My 2007 PRHT MX-5 is awesome! I love everything about my roadster. It handles and drives great! The power top is nice and the cockpit is much quieter than a soft top. Love the 7 speaker Bose system and the heated seats! Thanks Mazda for building such a fantastic car!

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  An Okay Vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fluffy - July 21 - 10:03 pm

  I have had this car a couple months and it is not a bad car, but it could use a few improvements. The road noise is the worst, esp. when travelling on road paved with recycled blacktop. The carpet is cheap, more like a felt. I probably will go to the 09 Toyota Matrix which is offering Bluetooth and XM. I got a good deal on this car, but I dont think long term that it will hold up.

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  Rotary car doesnt fade - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andy - July 21 - 7:16 pm

  There is a tendency to do errands in zig-zag back and forth across town style. It is very difficult to go home after completing the errands. It is difficult to do the actual errand, because you dont want to get out of the car to go in anywhere. I plan out huge, inefficient road trips on computer trip software. Im fond of poking along routes that skulk through the corridors between the major interstates. 18 hours at a pop sometimes. Always sticking to posted speeds because Im in "local territory", unshielded by the usual pack of rabbit-chasers and "what I can get away with" cruisers. Bottom line? Theres no end in sight with driving this car at this point.

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  Too bad is its last year!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By zm - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Before the rebates, this car was out of my price range, but when I added it all up and realized I could get this car for about $21,000 after rebates I could have not pass on the oportunity. The fully loaded Accord and Camry dont even come with as many options and they sell in the $25k-$28ks depending on the options. Car companies should sell cars at such discounts more often. Such special deals make consumer dreams come true. I always wanted a car with all these features... The car drives great and is very comfortable. I get a lot of complements on the car, is very attractive! Great car for long trips.

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  Mazda Protege 5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Carolyn Miller - July 21 - 10:00 am

  All around excellent car. Totally fun. I am loving it.

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  happy - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By dino - July 21 - 10:00 am

  this is my fourth mpv.only problem not enough horses.this one great though i miss 4x4...get 21 + m pg time will tell

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  WOW! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By hitNrun - July 21 - 3:20 am

  I purchased my 5 door S with about 15K miles (2004 model). 5 speed, moonroof/6CD, ABS package, xenon/tpms, Winning Blue. Bought it for commuting with a little fun. So far my mileage is what I expected; 28-30 mpg in mixed driving. The fun-to-drive factor is outstanding! This car gets a lot of looks, while I have actually gotten my 3 kids in the back seat. Ive owned a Protege before, and it was very reliable. If this model meets the reliability, with the added fun factor, Im a Mazda customer for life. My wife is even learning to drive it.

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  money pit - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By laylow26101 - July 20 - 5:56 pm

  do not buy this vehicle. they are money pits. the coil packs go out in all of them over and over again. the pvc hoses always crack in them, the power door cables break in them, and the newest problem is the radio, interior lights, and power doors quit working and none of the fuses are blown. noone knows how to fix the newest problem. these vehicles are built to fail and to be a money pit.