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:

• 

  Wow!! Best bang for the buck! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By WJE - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 2002 Millenia "P" for a whole week now. This an excellent vehicle. The ride is great! The sunroof is excellent - this is something we never considered purchasing. The side airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and security system take the cake - these are probably options I wouldnt have picked on another vehicle because they would have been additional options and not a standard like on the Millenia. I only paid $20,700 - including the $520 destionation fee. 4.99% financing for 60 mos. I still cant believe I was able to purchase this outstanding vehicle for $20,000 - somebody pinch me to convince me Im not dreaming!!

• 

  Excellent ES 5 Speed - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By ProES02 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  A very solidly built and very fun to drive.I test drove the Civic,Corolla,Sentra and Elantra GT but went back to the Protege ES because of the classy styling and excellent handling not found on the others.Also,with more standard equipment and the available ABS/Side Air bag/Moonroof option makes it a great deal.

• 

  I love to zoom zoom! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By zoomzoom - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is a great mix of practicality and sportyness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Tribute. It is a great value for the money and towers about its class. The CRV and RAV4 seem cheaper but with options they end up being more expensive with a smaller engine and a rougher ride. I put 5000 miles on my Tribute in the first two months and I have had no problems thus far. While the interior is plain it is practical and you cant get more without paying a lot more money. I dont mind the odd gear shift--it actually makes a nice hand rest when you are flipping through radio stations and allows for more storage space between seats. Zoom zoom!!

• 

  Great Mini-Van Alternative! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Luv2Vacation - May 14 - 8:16 am

  I purchased our Mazda 5 sport about a month ago with a Cash for Clunkers deal trading in a Kia Sedona. I wanted better gas mileage, and we didnt need quite as much space, but I didnt want to give up being able to carry extra people, or lots of stuff. This car was the perfect choice. I took it on a 600 mile trip a few days after I got it. We had no problem fitting my family and all of our stuff in it, and when we got there, we were able to fit the other family traveling with us in for short trips. My worst mpg so far has been 23 mpg around town on the first tank of gas. My best was 33 mpg, mostly highway driving on our trip. I have been averaging around 26 (mostly around town driving).

• 

  3rd review--07 sedan 5 speed 4 cyl - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dick Tater - May 14 - 5:13 am

  Ive had my cherry red mazda6 for 2.5 years now, with 30,500 on odometer. Its been great; still fun to drive, no major mechanical or build issues (I did get the steering clunking noise fixed according to the factory service bulletin), and it still seems to be the best sedan in this price range for someone who likes to drive--not just get from point A to point B. My lease is up in September; Id buy it then, but Id rather have the hatchback version, so Im actively looking for a hatchback with a manual tranny, 6 or 4 cyl engine, and a few more options than my car has, like fog lights, mooonroof and spoiler. I just cant get real excited about any of the new cars on market now.

• 

  a good buy - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Jim54 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  A great college car for me until I recently plowed a deer and totalled the car and deer. Great for carrying 4-5 people with ample space. Nice pick up and smooth metal brakes. Lasted through many long hauls across the Nevada desert without the transmission problems that my 2000 626 had.

• 

  2004 Mazda 3 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Watersdeep - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Some things can be fixed for the 2005s but for the price I payed i cant complain to much. Overall the I love the car. Great craftsmanship both inside and out. Not many people have discovered the Mazda 3 so their are not many on the road just yet and thats one thing i like as well.

• 

  Zoom Zoom Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lilo - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the 8th Mazda Ive purchased, leased, or owned and is by far my favorite. This is the 4th Mazda sedan I have driven and I do not miss my old sports coupes one bit. My Mazda6 is the 4-cylinder i-model and the car is just as fun to drive as any of my 2door V6s. Now I see where the slogan comes from. I love that no matter what size or class, Mazda manages to keep the ZOOM-ZOOM in their vehicles!

• 

  Familyt Road-Trip Rock Star! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By tdough - May 10 - 1:23 pm

  We have 17,000 miles on our 2010 CX9, 5000 of those have come in a 5000+ mile cross-country and back trip in the past five weeks. I have really liked this car since I bought it 15 months ago, now I love it! It really excels on the highway - very fun to drive, great handling, and very comfortable. I really shopped around before buying it, especially giving the Honda Pilot serious consideration, but I am SO glad I went with the Mazda.

• 

  Loaded & Love It! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ptbuckingham - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my first SUV after much research! Compared to the Ford Escape, the Tribute has many more interior features, and looks much sleeker & sportier. The "cold pkg" & "luxury pkg" are a GREAT VALUE! To get heated seats with the Ford Escape, you have to purchase the "limited" model which is very expensive. Mazda Tribute also has a better warranty 3yr/50 bumper to bumper compared to Escapess 3 yr/36. I paid just 2% over dealer invoice for a 2003! No body roll & rides like a dream!