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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  So in love - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Gabriela - August 19 - 9:16 am

  Ive had my Protege for almost three years, its my first car and I will never buy anything but a Mazda. I have never had any problems with it except with the oxygen sensor, but I think that was a defect in the the replacement. Gas mileage is under par, especially on the highway. I did have to replace the radio because the volume would go up when I was turning it down and the CD player didnt play burned CDs and I was spending too much money on real CDs. Other than that, P cuts like a jack knife and is so fun to drive. Acceleration is excellent and the interior is perfect, not to mention that the outside is so cute :)

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  SUCH a great car! Hidden gem! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Hector - August 17 - 11:30 pm

  I really feel this is one gem of a car. It does so many things well that one wouldnt expect in a family car of this type. Its refined and performs well, yet its still economical and affordable. It handles like a much smaller sports car (Miata/MX-5 and 3 DNA immediately apparent), has good pick up, a nice ride, a quiet interior, many luxury features, safety, comfort, convenience, good fuel economy AND loads of style/good looks. Can you get any better? I drive my 5 with pride and sing "Zoom Zoom Zoom" in my head while doing so.

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  nice car, happy with my purchase - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By CZBrian - August 16 - 10:03 pm

  I bought this car to keep the miles off my truck and save on gas. Im really happy with my purchase. The car is nice to drive, handles well, and has pretty good performance for a four cylinder.

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  Downsizing - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By drumnow - August 16 - 3:06 pm

  Traded down (size wise) from a Chrysler town and country, also have Jeep Cherokee and Mazda miata. As far as size, there is a noticeable difference. Some things also seem cheap compared to the Chrysler. But we bought this car because of the price and gas mileage and sliding doors. Mostly for the gas mileage. Wish we could have found a galaxy grey with leather this late in the season.

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  Can you trash it? - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Street Breed Rx8 - August 16 - 2:50 am

  I drive my 05 GT every day and take it to the strip every weekend. Its a great automobile for the person that likes to go a little faster with a little more style. Amazing grip on the black top. Aggressive look, cant go wrong with a 9,000 rpm redline. When you first start the RX-8 the motor makes the best sound in the world. I thrash my RX-8 every day of the week. The Greddy turbo is a great turbo to add to the RX-8 upwards of 70hp gain. and it makes you forget about the absence of torque. Top end never fails. Had it stock up to 143 mph. No problems with maintenence so far. However be careful where your feet are. a couple wrong moves and the RX-8 will flood in a heart beat. Best car ever.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - August 15 - 6:00 am

  Mazda has earned its reputation. This is a fun to drive "pocket rocket". The 2.3L engine has the get-up & go of a sports car, and the car handles to match it. I typically drive it at 80 mph on the highway every day, and get 28 - 30 mpg depending on how much I drive it in town. When I had to make a 2000 mile trip recently, I easily chose this to drive rather than my SUV, and did not regret it.

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  One Great car for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3_4_me - August 15 - 2:00 am

  A few months back i walked in to Lithia Mazda of Fresno, California and purchased a 2004 Mazda 3s. Since then it has been that greatest car i have ever purchased. I love the way it looks inside and out. It reminds me very much or my old BMW 325i. I also cant seem to stop driving it. I love this car a would rate this car a 10.0

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  Love my Mazda5! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By NJ Mom - August 14 - 12:20 pm

  The Mazda5 drives like a car, has the storage capacity of our old gas guzzling Explorer when you fold all the seats flat in the 2nd & 3rd rows, and has the convenience of an ugly minivan with the sliding doors and 3rd row seats. Its larger than the Toyota Matrix but smaller and infinitely more attractive than the typical minivan. Its a great little car!

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  A Winner! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By MPVer in Michigan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Did my research. Honda was our second choice, but the interier was too boring and the vehicle was bigger than we needed/wanted. The MPV was the perfect fit. Size and features are very nice and the price very competive. I didnt want a van, but now I love it!

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  getting old, bought a mini-van. - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By dadof2 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Had planned on buying a Nissan "Quest" GLE, but the MPV ES blew it out of the water in all aspects except for the onboard entertainment system. Have been a loyal Nissan owner with (2) Pathfinder SEs and a "Hardbody" P/U, but the MPV has changed all that.