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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  Found my Mini Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By SkyArt - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Being a young Couple with two Kids, It was difficult to accept we were going into a mini van, Well Mazdas MPV ES made the transition feel natural, with the roof rack, spoiler, fog lights and leather, we were very impressed it looked sporty and most of all it fit our needs, So far no complaints, we wanted the 04" with the better looking front grill and standard features, but a price of $21,000 before taxes we couldnt resist. and most of all the kids seem to love it : )

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  Sporty fun; comfortable cruiser;guzzler - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By StrickM - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The RX8 fits between sports car and grand tourer. The rotary, which allows 50-50 weight distribution and space efficiency because it is compact and lightweight, is delightfully smooth, but doesnt match torque of the 350Z. For around $30,000, option packages give up-to-date features: traction and stability control, self-dimming mirrors, side and curtain airbags,Bose audio with steering wheel controls,limited slip diff,18" wheels with super braking, 168 mile rated performance tires,

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  pretty nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By phishhead - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a graet car for the money. It has many nice features not offered on many cars in this class. The 6 cylinder engine cound use more torque, its a bit slow off the line. The exterior design is wonderful. The inside is also beautiful.

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  Lots of ZOOOM for the Buck - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rob@ Bement Illinois - May 27 - 5:16 am

  This zippy 2004 manual RX-8 is the 4th sports car Ive owned (79, 84 trans ams, 94 mustang) and I have no regrets thus far. I didnt plan on buying it but test drove it just wasting time while my trade in was getting appraised. Im 5-8 & 200 lbs and found the seats to be a little small for us older Americans. If you ride the brakes at first for 3 seconds after 2 min. warming up, the brake squeak will stop. I get 20 mpg and 18.5 if I have my foot in it more than I should. The smooth ride from this lgt wgt car was really impressive. Controls are many and driver friendly. Wind noise with windows open sunroof closed is above average. Driver visibility req. mirrors to be adjusted correctly.

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  My 2013 CX 5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By skn2012 - May 25 - 1:30 pm

  Hi, Got my Silver metalic CX-5 sport model two months back. Ride quality is very good. Acceleration feels slightly under powered as it feels little sluggish while changing lanes or moving after a stop light, the brighter side its fuel efficient. No regrets. Love it so far.

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  A great little car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By mollie382 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned this vehicle for one year and have had no troubles with this car. Excellent power with the 5-speed transmission. Handling is superb. The only maintenance needed so far were oil changes. Only two real complaints. First, the car turns too many RPM in 5th gear on the highway, making for a noisy ride. Second, the weatherstriping on the windshield causes an irritating whistling noise when youre driving with a moderate-to- strong crosswind. Slight flaws for an otherwise wonderful car.

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  A great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lod - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Theres not much I can add to whats been said many times before: Very fun to drive, comfortable, great looking and affordable. I have no complaints.

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  Mazda 3 Sport - poor mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Susan - May 23 - 6:06 pm

  Purchased car in June 2007, has been in the shop for poor mileage and squeaky brakes twice in less than a year. Mazda claims the car will get 31 m/gal city and 41 m/gal highway. The best Ive gotten so far is 29 m/gal - this was obtained on an all highway road trip. Worst was 22 m/gal. Response from Mazda is that the mileage is considered normal??!! I will not buy another Mazda, they claim false numbers and will not stand by the product to find out whats wrong even when they agree theres a problem.

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  Could use some fine tuning - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By JZA_459 - May 23 - 6:00 am

  We have had the van for about 9 months now with no real issues. I was looking more for an SUV but my wife fell in love with the roll down rear passenger windows, and power opening rear passenger doors. Also, it was easy enough to get the overhead DVD system in even with the large moonroof.

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  Feels more expensive than it is, still... a few bugs - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By leda1 - May 20 - 11:24 am

  Fully loaded CX5 GT AWD is fun to drive and feels higher lux than youd expect. 19" wheels give a stiffer ride than I hoped - Mazda should offer 18"s I think as an option. Since April 2012, 28 MPG city. Need to carefully modulate gas pedal to optimize performance without slipping into passing gear, but even so, good accelleration. Overall, nice. Problems: A/C fuse blown at purchase - blew warm air at idle- Fixed. Noticed a gear slip, momentary RPM redline, and "clunk" when engaging passing gear at highway speeds - Not Fixed yet. Ordered rear sensing system - beeps constantly in Reverse - Not Fixed yet. Could use better TomTom nav controls (zoom lock) and a constant compass readout somewhere.