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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  Pure Driving Machine - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Oleboy - December 21 - 4:50 pm

  This car is excellent for people familiar with rotory engines. Knowing up front that the car needs the oil checked every fillup and let it run for at least five minutes before you turn it off. That is really the only obligations you have from regular cars,that I am aware of. This is no problem for me. The sound and unique. The car is not lightening quick but is very fast once to speed. Handling is a dream,at any speed. Nice leather seats and all the stuff that comes in a loaded vehicle. It has a great warranty and the redesigned rotory eliminates the problems (internal leaks) from 04 to 06. It drives great. Get brocure from dealure and test drive one,thats the best way to decide on any car.

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  Its all right! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tucker72 - December 21 - 7:40 am

  I think my mazda is ok its fun to drive. But theres nothing that keeps me excited about it. Its got average everything, nothing spectacular. The looks are nice but the lack of power even with the 2.3L is a bit disappointing.

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  Fun Drive, But Not Fun MPG - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By zoomguy - December 21 - 2:50 am

  I bought this car new in Dec. 2003 and it was the first new car purchase I have ever made. I loved the outside appearance and the five-door hatch design. I picked one that has about every option except the leather. With all the options there is little left to be desired when inside. Larger passengers have complained about not having enough room and four adults are a little cramped. Overall this is a very nice car for what I purchased it for. The fuel economy has never been all that great and the chrome wheels dont look great after two winters. The suspension is strictly for smooth roads. CD changer gets stuck occasionally. Heater is slow to warm up. Tires expensive to replace.

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  Cool Ride - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By alballon - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Handles great!!!

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  Works For Me - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By razpewton - December 21 - 2:00 am

  The ONLY negative characteristic this car possesses is its gas mileage. Phwew!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vegasjonesn - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Cant find a car that is this much fun for $28,000. I can fit the kids in the back and my golf clubs in the trunk.

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  Mazda3 Hatchback - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By GTJPA - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I moved from a Protege5 to the Mazda3 six weeks ago. The 3 is a much more refined car in every way. The Mazda3 has incredible handling and power with a very tight structure. The controls are great, shifting is a joy with a wonderful transmission and light, smooth clutch. The instrument panel, dash and cockpit storage is awesome. The verdict is still out on the seats. The Protege5 had several 800 mile days and the seating was up to it. The 3 seats are quite different but, I think will be up for good road trips. My next long trip will determine that.

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  VERY Disappointing - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Very disapointed - December 20 - 4:16 pm

  Brand new, 1st 6 months the AC compressor was replaced. About 2 months later the Turbo censor went out thank God this was still under warranty. So I driving home on July 20 something and the just dies. No lights no warnings. Had the car towed to firestone they couldnt figure it out after a day and a half. Towed the car back to Mazda they said it was the motor. It had to be replaced do to improper oil changes which is B.S. I think this is a bad model I have read similar problems.

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  Decent Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dshur87 - December 20 - 2:16 pm

  Had it for a year now. Fun to drive. A lot more peppy with the manual tranny. Get 30+mpg setting cruise at 80mph on hwys. Had to replace 6 cd changer because it jammed. Also engine started to smoke at 11K miles. Thinking maybe a piston ring? (I let it set all winter = 4months.) Complete engine replaced. Both replaced under warranty with no hassle. Great dealership. Manual tranny and summer tires not great in the snow, drove my truck all winter. Has a lot standard features that are usually costly options with other brands. Great for daily commutes and short road trips.

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  Just a few things shy from perfection - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andrea - December 20 - 2:06 am

  Great car. Not impressed with the recall and the flooding problems. Needs a better place for the dipstick, you have to stick your hand down in the engine to get to it. I thought the interior would be more impressive ... my Dodge Neon was about the same when it came to the fanciness. A lot of people lean on that center console to get out because the car is so low, and because it slides open and its on tracks, it often pops off of track. Maybe get a lift open one instead? The speedometer is a little difficult to read, maybe make it bigger. Gas mileage isnt impressive ... otherwise this car has been very good to me, *knock on wood.*