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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  Engine is a disaster - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By lav1 - December 10 - 3:40 pm

  Going to trade my RX-8 tomorrow. Been in for rough idle and cutting off (in traffic) 9 times in 6 months. Mazda has no fix for this unreliable engine. They can only add engine mounts and brackets to the engine... yeah, makes no sense to me either. Beautiful car, horrible engine!!! Stay away from this car until they start putting a reliable engine in them. First 30,000 miles were wonderful, but beware - once you turn 30001 it goes down hill from there. Cold and hot outdoor temperatures play a big part in the rough idle as well. Again beware of this car. Dont lose money on it like I have.

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  silver bullet - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ared - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchase my mazda p5 after test driving several other cars, (namely wrx, lexus, and accord.) The mazda was the best deal for the price and the funnest to drive. Also outfitted factory racks for my surfboards (quite important!)

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  Our Midlife Crisis - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miminancy - December 10 - 10:00 am

  We are 58 and 62 and were in a weekend rut. Last July 4 we bought our red Miata convertible and have spent every nice(and some not so nice)warm weekend exploring within 200 miles of home. The gas mileage is 28-30 mpg. In September we plan to drive it to New England for a two week trip.It is easy to drive and reminds us of the MG B we owned in the 60s. We belong to a Miata club and have been on several rallies. Most of the people in the club are either very young, or our age. This car is fun for anyone...our 16 year old granddaughter has her eye on it!

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  My "WIND-UP" - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Walt Polk - December 10 - 10:00 am

  It is a joy to get in it and feel the mini-power. And the good feeling I have while I am in it.

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  Just plain fun - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By elden stielstra - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun car. It is what a convertable is supposted to be. Be careful, however, mixing it up with a SUV or a semi-truck is not going to help your health or the appearance of your Miata. It has an excellent power to weight ratio and handles like you think it should. Just plain fun!!

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  Its all relative, right? - 2000 Mazda 626
  By PoppieProng - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I just got my 2000 ESV6 yesterday. Obviously it was used, but it was pretty low mileage. The 626 has plenty of power, but since I have the automatic, it does sometimes do some wonky things. I am sure that if I were used to, say, Lexus or Acura, I wouldnt like the car as much as I do, but...boy, do I love this car. It is such a big step up from what I am used to. I have noticed that it has a lack of power when climbing really steep hills.

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  Best Car For the Money, Hands Down - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andy989 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a terrific car, with more in common with an Audi A4 or BMW 3-series than with most of the cars in its class. Beautiful styling inside and out, with superb, VW-quality fit and finish, a firm yet comfortable ride, surprisingly good acceleration and fuel economy (about 27 mph in mixed driving) with the 2.3/auto, nimble handling, plenty of room, lots of great features! Highly recommended if youre considering a Civic or Corolla but want some more fun.

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  Love the car, hate Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LBS - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The day after I bought my car I was rear-ended. The dealership was very helpful at first and coordinated getting it back to them. It has taken over 5 weeks to get the car back because Mazda does not make replacement parts readily available for this vehicle. I understand it is a new line but I find it ridiculous that Mazda has not been able to improve their parts distribution channels. In addition, the customer service I have received from the Mazda dealership has been terrible. I recommend the car 100% but watch out for idiots trying to hit your car (because Mazda wont be able to fix it for more than a month) AND dont buy th

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  Unreal ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By WPI - December 10 - 1:46 am

  I just bought this car got a great deal, nothing down, 1 free months lease payment, paying 41 months $225 lease, that is it my friends, gonna drive it for 3.5 years and buy it for $9.5K I had no idea how to drive stick and had a friend teach me less than a week, this car is the real deal for the price. The only thing that sucks is no power locks, and the HORN. This car rocks baby! ZOOM ZOOM

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  Everyone Must Drive One - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ron Johnson - December 9 - 8:40 pm

  My daily drive is a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT. With 366HP is moves and handles well. When deciding on a weekend fun car my criteria was a hardtop convertible, under 30K and reliable. I always read how great the Miata was to drive and how it was tough to compete against. After the test drive, I was totally convinced. The car is a machine rapped around the drivers body. My wife had reservations about the size of the car, but now asks when we are taking it on a drive.If anyone has hesitations about this car, try to buy one 1 year old- there arent any and I live in New York.