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 2nd Car - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Leon DeHart - June 20 - 1:20 am

  I was coming from a long period of driving full-size pick-ups and looking to downsize! This was a good choice to go smaller with good fuel results, and yet not feel much had changed in the process. I still sit up higher. Interior can carry cargo too.

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  2007 Mazda CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Donna - June 19 - 9:10 pm

  Very pretty head turner but not impressed. Horrible gas mileage and premium fuel need is painful! Peppy turbo has power but very jumpy/jerky. Pretty, sleek interior design but ZERO places to put anything with only a deep, dark cave of a console to fish through. Into shop already for headlight repair with 15000 miles on it. Stock tires are winter death traps. MUST purchase snow tires at $200+each or risk death. What traction control? CX-7 is all style but no substance! Dont bother!

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  Mixed feelings - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By DJ - June 18 - 4:56 pm

  One one hand, I love the power and handling you get with such a small sticker price. The Protege killed the Civic and the Corolla in the test drive. Its been a lot of fun!! However, Ive had to throw a lot of money at it in the four years Ive owned it. Ive replaced both wheel bearings twice and the stabilizer links twice also. Very disappointing. The mileage isnt all that great either.

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ddcast1 - June 17 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this car for work. I drive a lot and needed something good on gas and not to expensive. So far I am happy with it. I have put 10000 miles on it and only have one complaint. The transmission doesnt shift properly all the time. Doesnt happen enough for concern and the dealer said they couldnt find a problem. The ride is nice and it looks great.

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  MX5 Sport 6 speed automatic, a zoomer - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Denny - June 17 - 3:16 pm

  We bought the car out of state and drove it 750 miles home. It got a good workout. It rides and drives good. The seats though are a little narrow for a wide bottom person. All the gauges are in a good location. On a long trip the car is not ideal because of its limited space on the interior. There needs to be more room inside it so the seats can recline further back. You never feel like you are in a "little" car when passing and being passed by other vehicles. The Miata feels very substantial. For a daily driver the car is great. It is the best stress reliever from a long day at work. Gas mileage on the interstate is over 32 mpg. The top is easy to raise and lower. The trunk is fairy large.

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  2002 MPV is OK - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Nigel Chubb - June 16 - 5:06 am

  Has been reliable and fun to drive. The five speed transmission sometimes bangs audibly between 1->2 and 2->3, especially after braking and then accelerating. Im worried about what this might mean we keep it past the warranty period. The rotors went at 18,000 km but replaced under warranty. The Dunlop tires it came with wore out way too fast - before 48,000 km for the first set and the second set almost done at 56,000 km now. Dealership would not compensate, Dunlop would not answer my emails to discuss. Otherwise service very good at Mazda dealers - due to job changes and moves Ive used three different ones regularly.

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  Great ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mcintire - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Having owned an Audi A4 for several years, Mazdas 3 feels very similar. A solid drive...doesnt feel like Im driving a compact. Plenty of muscle and a beautifully designed interior/exterior. Mazda really outdid themselves with this one. For the money, I cant imagine more in a vehicle.

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  Great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mick_StLouis_MO - June 16 - 2:00 am

  At 3,400 miles the car was struck in the rear on a highway and sent head on into a concrete barrier at near full highway speed. Every crumple point gave and passenger compartment stayed intact. Front was gone and part of the driver rear panel was embedded in the hood of the car that hit me. Was worth every star in its 5 star rating. Super built car for safety. Going to get another.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By DrJ - June 16 - 1:50 am

  Ive had two Maximas and one Infiniti I30 and this Grand Touring is more fun, has more toys on it and handles better than any car Ive had so far. I love this vehicle - solid, handles well, stylish and FUN to drive.

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  Great Commuter car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By David - June 16 - 12:16 am

  We love ours. Its perfect for commuting. I can drop three kids off to school, drive to work, and still have a fun drive while getting 20+ MPG.