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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  Zoom-Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Predator - March 16 - 2:00 am

  probably the most versitile, enonomical, fun-to-drive car on the market. Right at home in bumper-to- bumper traffic or carving up the twisties on a country road.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Freeze - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, inexpensive, and practical.

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  Richard - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dicsern - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, driving car. With the lower torque numbers, I started out driving in lower gears, ie, 3rd and 4th. After a little experience with it, I found 5th and 6th are strong gears also, but certainly not a blast at acceleration. The engine doesnt seem to lug at lower RPM, just doesnt pull out like a BMW. The car is well built, solid and fun!!

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  Cool Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TeamMom - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This car gets alot of looks. It has been a fun car to drive

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  Awesome ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Miller - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I think the 6 is the best midsize car to come out in a long time I have always loved Mazdas but when this came out it caught my eye it has the interior of a $40,000 car, It has the exterior of no other its sporty and stylish and beautiful.

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  Great wagon and easy on the wallet - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iusta - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Other than the power vacancy, this car is awesome. Great style, incredibly comfortable seats, plenty of room for my dog. What the car lacks in straight-line acceleration, it makes up for in handling. Also, the car is wonderfully forgiving on the highway. Makes the miles slide by comfortably. After driving a Jeep Cherokee for the last three years, Im happy to get into a reliable and affordable car that fits all of my needs. And besides, Id just get in trouble with the law if the car was as fast as Id like it to be.

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  Terrible! A huge regret! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By bumbieb - March 15 - 7:29 am

  My mazda is 3 years old, has broken down on me 4 times, and I am now told by Mazda that my car needs a new engine. I regret buying this lemon. Terrible customer service too. Stay away!

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  Outstanding - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By LeConte - March 15 - 3:56 am

  This is my third RX 8 had a 2006 Shinka, a 2007 GT RX8 and now the 2008 40th Aniversary Edition. The looks never stop from people even from those in Porche and other sports cars. The handling is great on this one and much better than the 2007 that I had. As for the gas mileage as many before me have said who when they buy a sports car ask what the gass mileage will be. I have been driving Rotary engine cars going back to the 76 RX4 and I have never tired of driving one. All one has to do is drive one and they will know they have gotten into something special.

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  Gas Mileage review - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Tom A - March 15 - 12:16 am

  Replaced LF strut. Bad from factory; had to align at 2000 miles. Gas mileage was 29 to 31 first trip. Gas mileage was 19 second trip same route. Cant figure out what changed. Dealer of course does not know why.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Natalie - March 14 - 11:40 am

  I got my Mazda almost 2 months ago. It is my first car, and I absolutely love it. Everybody is jealous! It gets great gas mileage around town, and the interstate mileage isnt bad either. It is a really great car, and its the best to drive. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a sporty sedan. It has plenty of room for you and 4 other people. For all the options that you get compared to other cars in its class, it is a number one pick, especially for the price.