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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  Fun At Last! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Mootarjim - March 21 - 10:00 am

  So I just got my MP5. It really does handle the road just as well as youve heard, especially considering the under-20K price tag. Plenty of zip from the 130hp 2.0, and not as bumpy as Id expected. The interior is excellent, and the black cloth will stay "clean" much longer than other colors. Gas mileage is a little sub-par, but this is the most fun Ive had driving in a long time, so Im gonna overlook its thirst at the pumps. I looked at the Corolla, Matrix, Civic, and Sentra before getting my new Yellow MP5. Great car for the money, and much more fun than anything in its class.

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  An Update - Go Get Yours Today! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Billiebad - March 21 - 6:10 am

  OK I have now had 6 months behind the wheel - yes my math is good - sat out the three winter months from 12-20 to 3-20. But WOW what a fun car. No regrets no looking back. Looked at others and this is it. Keep in mind second car - I have a small SUV for hauling business associates, family and cargo. But for fun there is no other. Will hold two sets of golf clubs with small carry bags and with removal of woods and careful placement in trunk - maybe add a small garment bag - that is it. The top design is the best - watch to see what cars are driving on a nice day with top up - not as many Miatas - it is too easy to drop the top. Lower windows and release the clasp - throw the top and go.

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  Solid car - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Stamper2 - March 21 - 3:50 am

  This is my first Mazda. Went from a mini-van to a GT/AWD CX-9. Love the shape, style and performance. I highly recommend this car.

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  Too Good To Be True - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Speed Demon - March 20 - 8:36 pm

  After owning several bona fide "sports cars" (BMW M Coupe, 2 M Roadsters & Porsche 911), I can honestly say I am happier with my MS 3 than any other sports car I have ever owned. I dispute the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times I have read about. Living in Colorado at over 5500 feet I am still able to pull sub-5 second 0-60 and sub-14 second 1/4 mile times. As with most of these ratings, the driver has as much to do with the times as the car. I have noticed torque steer like everyone else, but I wouldnt call it bothersome. The Tech Package is worth every penny. Cant wait for the tuner parts to arrive at the dealership. I was able to buy the MS 3 with 7 Yr./75K bumper to bumper wty. for 26K.

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  Great so far - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By fatherof1 - March 20 - 10:06 am

  After having our first baby in June and we decided it was time for a family vehicle. She wasnt sold on the 5 at first because she likes her "small, sporty, sedans". I knew all along that what she wants is no longer practical, so I let her test drive the Mazda 3 first. Reality set in when we put the baby seat in the back of the 3. Our leg room was definitely compromised. Next we test drove the 5 and she quickly realized the 5 was most practical for our new family. This was a tough one considering my father is a retired GM employee and am eligible for the GM discount. We wanted a vehicle suits our needs now and is fuel efficient. Unfortunately, GM doesnt carry a vehicle like the 5

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  Great little Magic Bus - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By BNC - March 20 - 6:13 am

  Fun to drive, roomy little mini-minivan. Have driven 6200 miles in 4 weeks, peppy with 5 speed manual trans, but experiencing the often- reported throttle hesitation. Will try the ECM reflash at the dealer to see if problem is resolved. Tires seem to flatspot on sitting overnight; bumpy ride for first 8-10 miles each morning.

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  So far so good... - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Pat1usmc - March 19 - 5:23 pm

  So far I am very happy with my purchase and enjoy driving my Tribute very much. A lot of expert reviews complain about the engine and handling but I find the 6 cylinder to be very peppy when you step on the gas. Its no musclecar, but its more than satisfactory. Handling seems very solid, as it stays very flat through turns. Steering feel is also excellent. I bought it for the space, comfort and ability to handle offroad situations once in a while. Most SUVs that reviewers say are better than the Tribute can not go offroad. The price can definitely not be beat either. AWD Grand Touring edition at more than $2700 off MSRP! I feel like I got a lot of car for the money.

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  The alternate to my Corvette - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - March 19 - 8:36 am

  I love driving a Corvette on the weekend, but the Mazda 3 makes my 80 mile workday commute more than enjoyable. Over the years, Ive also owned an RX-7 and a Protege, and this Mazda is another winner. My 5 speed wagon has leather, sunroof and 6 CD player, and no problems to report at 80K. Excellent car and looking to replace it with either the MX-5 or a Mazdaspeed 3.

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  Literally a bang for your buck! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Charles Family - March 17 - 11:56 pm

  Picked up the Touring AWD on 9/15/09. All I can say is that Mazda has the gem of 2009 here. Forget Toyota and Ford, test drive the CX-9 and you will be in for a shock. There are items that come standard in this puppy that you would have to get as options on anything else. With the dealer incentives (4k) you are driving away with a vehicle that would cost 40 large anywhere else! Factor in the end of Model year and dealerships trying to get rid of inventory.. there is just a ton of value here! Our 3 kids love this vehicle for the space and the wife adores it because it literally drives like a car. Before you buy anything else.. Test drive the Mazda CX-9

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  Love My Van,Not The Dealer - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Barbara Olson - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my van for 3and a half years now. I dont think I could ever go back to driving a car. I love the extra protection I feel being up higher and with the size of the van. The only problem I had was it pulled to the left, which my original dealer claimed they fixed. I found my tires on the left side wore out at only 41,000 miles,even though I had them rotated regularly.