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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  Dig this car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By olevet - January 9 - 10:00 am

  It took me more than a year of research and days of test driving competitors to come to the conclusion my new 2003 Mazda Protege5 was the best choice among the econo vehicles -- great handling, rock solid construction (still made in Japan), features galore and just a heck of a lot of fun to drive. Doing my new car shop via the Internet (feature story on Edwards web site), got my new Vivid Yellow rotege5 “out the door” with a standards along with roof rack, bumper guard, ABS/side airbags, tinted windows and wheel locks for $15,000 and some change. A no hassle negotiation ending with a great deal and a lot of car for few bucks!

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  at home with 2kids - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By homemaker of two - January 9 - 10:00 am

  purchased the ES with 55000 miles after family mechanic evaluation. So,far no major problems.My two kids loves the feaures of the ES especially the tv,windows and the 2nd row seats that can pulled together. My husband likes the way they can be pulled apart ( stop touching he yells! ). We have only taken this car to the mechanic once because it would cut off (needed new battery covered under warranty). Brakes sounds like they are going out coming down hills mechanic says there find.

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  1999 Miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By hondahabit - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. It is quick and very stable - the car cant be upset. The top is rarely up on my car. Very reliable. Only complaints are a check engine light that refuses to go off and a couple of occasions when the oil cap has blown off (what a mess!). The car is a great conversation starter and often causes people to think that Im wealthy!

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  Just Purchased 2003 MPV ES - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By RTB - January 9 - 10:00 am

  We chose this van over 04 Sienna, not only because of the obvious price difference, but because of the driving experience, and comfort. The MPV is relatively quiet, and there is ample power. The quality of interior and exterior fit and finish can stand with any van on the market. Park Mazda of Akron handled everything in a polite and professional way.

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  Fire Mazdas Marketing Dept. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By robbieboy - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The wife had her heart set on an Odyssey (who doesnt?), then the new Sienna (for some, size DOES matter) until reality set in and cost became a key factor. In willing to compromise on size, I came to Edmunds.com where I learned that the Mazda MPV has that coveted disappearing 3rd row seat, like Hondas and Toyotas. Took a test drive during lunch break, wife drives it later in the day - struck a deal that night. She loves her MPV. No regrets....oh, and no egg smell either. Fire Mazdas marketing crew if the best they can do in selling this wonderful sports van is "zoom zoom"! Zoom, zoom indeed...but its an even better value.

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  Best Car For The Money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By CRW7096 - January 9 - 1:46 am

  Replaced my 2006 Mazda6 i Sport sedan with this in October. Completely impressed by the 3s capabilities. I lost very little interior room moving from the 6 to the 3. Gained nice features like aux input and electro gauges. MPG could be better, but then again I drive on the aggressive side.

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  Zoom-zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoom-zoom - January 9 - 1:26 am

  Ive owned almost every type of foreign midsize sedan out there, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Infiniti J30 (upscale Altima), Suzuki Verona. The 6 by far is my favorite. Next to my fathers 350z understandably, the 6 is the most fun car Ive ever driven.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By lespitz - January 8 - 8:43 am

  Great little SUV for the money. The Ford 3.0 V6 performs great. We live in the mtns with tons of snow and the 4wd system performs great along with the 4 wheel ABS. Gets better gas mpg than the Subaru outback wagon we used to own and has more power.

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  Fun, Hot, Reliable, Good buy! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaisgreat - January 6 - 12:40 am

  I love this car to death. Its such a great buy for what what you get. Its stylish and fun to drive. Ive never had one problem with it. The only complaints are that the trunk doesnt open with the remote. The AC/heater is a little weak too. But I live in San Diego so this is not really a big problem for me.

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  Great CUV for Money and Great Gas Mileage - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By ericdanzas - January 5 - 10:09 am

  I looked at most of the CUV in this catregory and test drove them all (and rented a few while on business) I even looked at a couple of hybrids (C-Max and Prius V). I have owned a lot of Hondas over the years and thought I would buy the CRV but I was disappointed Honda did not move to a 6 speed transmission in the last update and just stretched the 5 speed gears to get better gas mileage. I decided on the Mazda and could not be happier. The ride is definitely on the sporty side (stiffer than most) but fun to drive. The MPG are truly outstanding and the Mazda looks more expensive then it actually is.