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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  more fun for the money - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By paprika - March 3 - 4:23 am

  I have had my MX5 for 6 months now, and I am in love with it! The new body style is definitely eye catching.It performs great and corners fantastic. I must admit though I did expect better gas mileage with the a/c on, but it more than makes up for that in the fun category.

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  Mazda3 s sedan, auto - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Loramay - March 1 - 11:30 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Mazda3 s last week, but Ive already driven it over 1000 miles on a trip. My first impression of the car was great, its sleek and drives well. The only issues Ive had with it are that the driver seat seems to be made for tall people with long arms. When I push the seat back so that your foot is a good distance from the pedals, I have to hold my arms out straight to hold the wheel. I also bought this car not realizing that the 2.3 L engine didnt get very good gas mileage. I was hoping to improve over my V6 mustang, but the mpg is only slightly better. But I like the way it drives, and I think it will be a great car for me.

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  Own 4 months and plan to trade for other - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tbonesteak - February 28 - 11:16 am

  I got this car on Oct. 07 and now I am looking for another brand to trade. Gas mileage is main reason that disappointed me. I got only 15/mpg. Monthly gas payment is same as car payment. Also ride is bumpy, very bumpy.

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  Great car, bad build quality. - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Sad - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought a brand new JDM import. The steering rack rattles incessantly. This has just 10,000 km on it. Sorry Mazda but this is just garbage to put it mildly. I am currently negotiating with the reluctant dealer to have the steering rack switched. Other than that the car is great. Great engine, great handling, great cabin, great looks. Comfortable too!

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  Miata fan - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Matt - February 27 - 5:30 am

  Its been a fun car to own. However there was a pesky little $400 problem with the starter coil. Other than that it has been great. Power is mostly in the high RPMs. This lets the car drive more like a regular car during regular driving. The down side of that is when you have to take off from a dead stop.

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  Very good but not great - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Veronica - February 26 - 2:20 am

  I bought this Mazda after trading in my 1999 Protege ES (which I loved)with 110K miles. There are a few things I notice with the 3 that arent as good as the Protege. First is the stereo. The new one is VERY weak. That was one of the impressive things about the Protege - given that it was a small economy car. Second are small things like the window controls and vanity mirrors. The quality isnt the same. It seems like the new version uses cheaper, flimsy parts. The leather wrapped steering wheel feels like sandpaper. The old one felt great. The AC in this car is extremely weak. I could run it on full blast all day and never get really cold. Back seat is not as roomy.

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  Good used car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By dvx - February 25 - 4:53 am

  Had this for a year, bought used with 60k miles on it. Only had to get recall work done (mass air sensor replacement), replace brakes, and oil changes. Very reliable, built-in-Japan commuting car.

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  Good features for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By HL - February 23 - 1:13 pm

  Great alternative to the typical minivan. More fuel efficient and easier to manuever. Fun to drive.

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  350z vs. RX8...RX8 hands down!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By seventhree - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Between the two cars I took into consideration for my next toy, the RX8 was the favorite. The design and performance does not compare to that of the 350z. Despite the 8s lack of hp, the handling is unbelievable. Im a daily commuter and every morning I sit in the drivers seat, and I feel like a winner. If you have to make the choice between a sports car from the $25k-$35k range, get the 8!!!

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  My 2nd CX-9 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By brantw - February 19 - 5:39 pm

  I previously had a 2009 model I put 92,000 miles on and was happy. This new model (2013) not so much. The sheet metal seems thinner as the car easily picks up dings and dents. The front brakes are pulsating and I do not drive the car hard. The transmission constantly downshifts as soon as I tap the brakes and this is irritating. The car sometimes clunks into gear when shifting from park to drive. Finally, the central locking system is not intuitive. I park in the garage and leave the keys in the vehicle. On several occasions the car has mysteriously locked itself. Thankfully I have a spare key in the house. Still a decent car but would not buy again.