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 MX5 - 2006 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ron Faulds - May 21 - 4:06 am

  Absolutely the most fun car that I have ever driven! Loaded with Bose sound system and Sirius satellite radio, really blasts out the tunes. Seems like every stop light I get praises about the car - Copper Red really flashes. Big guy - 61" and 240 but more than adequate room in the interior. Much easier entry/exit for my wife but I do not have any problems with the space. ZOOM, ZOOM - BTW, personal license now reads "Smilin"... and I am!

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  Fun Mom Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By kitty - May 20 - 5:40 am

  I have two kids, and dont want a minivan. This is a zippy fun auto, with enough space for my groceries. Really enjoy it so far!

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  Two mths and happy - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Dsquare - May 18 - 7:03 pm

  Purchased my tribute in early June 08 and have been happy. Took car from Va to Fla and did well. A little cramped for the 4 of us + luggage, but still managed 26+ mpg with a/c on the whole way. Excellent auto considering the price point.

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  Move over Mercedes - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Freddy - May 16 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car to replace a 320 Mercedes wagon. With 50% better gas mileage, more power, a better sound system, and an interior with real leather to boot, Ill never go back to Mercedes! Oh, did I say at half the price? I have read several reviews of this car, and they are off base when discussing the V6 powerplant. This thing rocks on the highway with the 6 speed automatic. Beware however that this car is hard to equip for towing, despite what my dealer promised me.

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  Speedy Mazda 6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lannette - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 4 1/2 mo. and had to have the front axel replaced and the front disc brakes replaced due to noises and defective product. Post Falls Mazda took care of me while fixing my car though. It ended up making me like my car more because I had to drive a Mazda protege5 and the Mazda 6i and they do not even compare to the engine/handling of my 6s! Im glad to have it back. zoom zoom!!

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  Not a lot of buck, but a lot of bang - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By brb588 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I totalled my previous car (02 Chevy Tracker) and was looking for a gently used car/SUV. I originally wanted a Honda CR-V, but it was way out of my price range. Thank God I looked at the 03 Protegé. It had about 11K miles, and I test drove it along side a brand new one, and they both drove excellently. The thick steering wheel and peppy engine were immediately noticable. Everything was nicely laid out, the seats were comfortable, and the car was rather attractive for its low price. I have had it for a month, and I simply love it. Forget a Civic, get a Protegé!

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  i love the mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By deerules - May 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is tight!

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  Miles-n-Style - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Miles-n-Style - May 16 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this car is steal when compared to the other sports cars with eye appeal. I love the contours and shape of the exterior. Shes such a classy/sexy little vixen. She has spunk, allowing you to explore smooth exhilerating velocity which invites you to explore all her deep dirty secrets. Ease of back seat entry and comfort. Ease of manipulating the interior climate and audio theater allows me to concentrate on the road and the unfortunate drivers of lesser vehicles. I find the rotary accepting of low and high rpms. Often, I find myself shifting from 1st to 3rd to 5th and bypassing 2nd and 4th. One word description: SWEET!

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  very nice car for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blaqcat - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Was looking at the base Accord coupe for a while when I came across the Mazda 6. After a lot of research on the 6, I accidentally stumbled upon the Mazda 3S. I read 6 reviews of the car on the internet- all very positive. I arranged a test drive using Edmunds.com and I can say that this is one of the stylish and nicely built cars in the under $20K price segement. Interior is nicely styled and comfortable. Automatic transmission has a pseudo-manual mode. The lines and curves of the car reminds me of more highly priced sedans- this car turns heads wherever it goes.

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  Best Car So Far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jdr - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is like a rocket..And best of all, we got it in January and have not seen another one on the road yet!! I love having the stereo controls on the steering wheel...When you need this car to move, it does!!! It is also an automatic AND manual transmission....makes driving fun