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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  MAZDA 626 - 2001 Mazda 626
  By fmn3926 - July 7 - 10:00 am

  HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINEERING RELATED PROBLEMS. SEATING COULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE. DIFFICULTY WITH RADIO AND CLOCK VISABILITY.

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  Love the look - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pamela - July 5 - 6:46 pm

  I was captivated by the exterior of the Mazda3 hatch. I had been to Europe before purchasing the car and I liked the the look of many cars there. The Mazda3 looked almost European. The power windows and keyless entry float my boat. Im not used to luxury. The disappointing 24 mpg city surprised me. My very old Toyota Corolla did better than that. The suspension is a letdown. When taking turns I dont feel the tightness of a former Honda Accord. Its very similar to the Corolla. The price at $18,300 is reasonable. "Winning Blue" is an eye popper.

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  New to Roadsters - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ron & Beverly Nezat - July 3 - 5:10 am

  The fact that my wife and I have logged over two thousand miles of fun in this automobile are the best statement of our impression. I seleceted the MX-5 over The Mustang GT rag top. The Mustang will push you back into the upholstery as long as you go in a straight line. the MX-5 on the other hand is an absolute "Driving experience"! We recently spent a weekend in the mountains of Arkansas. I have never had so much fun. The Six speed manual in the MX-5 is perfectly matched to the engines spunky performance. Climbing and descending in the hills and curves is this cars specialty. Never have driven a car that was so much pure driving fun.

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  It is not BMW but it is fun to have - 2012 Mazda CX-7
  By tatoscars - July 2 - 11:01 pm

  First of all its by far one of the best good looking crossover SUV out there inside and outside. no other SUV has the sportiness front bumper and fernders as this model. the dash borad is ergonometry and very legant with the double decker and large speakers place on strategely all over the vehicle. It drives very smoothly and yes it does not have a lot power but it has enough to pass many cars and to take quick evasive action if need to. Of course it does not perform like a BMW or other type of high performace more powerful vehicles but it cost way a lot less than those. It is an excellet car for the money I paid and definately for the savings on the cost of maitenance.

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  Honolulu traffic - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lockmittel - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I like to compare it to my friends new Jetta. Of course he paid alot more and cant control his radio from the steering wheel as I pull away from him!

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  Hatchback great small package - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By madmazda3 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my mazda3 right on the spot when I sat inside. I had been looking at small cars for 2 weeks, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki and Huyndai. The interior build quality and the added features that are standard made the decision for me. not to mention the room in the hatchback. The rear gate lifts almost straight up and out of the way. The cargo configurations are plentiful and my two dogs ride great with the seats flipped forward. Although I am 64", I fit without the tight feeling I felt in many of the other cars I tried. The guages are excellent and the sporty interior is very pleasing. The engine was a surprise in the fact that I felt as though I was driving a 6 cylinder.

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  Best Unknown Deal - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jaredpg - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Why this isnt the most driven car on the road, Im not sure. Considering Price, style, performance and reliability (1 year 26,000 miles, couple rattles, nothing major thus far) it cannot be beat. My daily commute makes me smile. Few can claim such a thing. Dont buy the Protege5, I like that people still look twice at it, wondering "What kind of car is that?"

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  Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By lissa - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Mazda Tribute, it drives well and has lots of room inside. The wind noise is pretty bad on the interstate.

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  gas guzzler - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wedgeclose - June 29 - 2:00 am

  took delivery in mid january...got a very good price on the car...a rare LX with luxury pkg. including sun-roof in lt. tundra (green). the sales experience was fun but im glad we did our homework on pricing and invoices. we got it out of there for $24K. the car is really pretty and there were no flaws whatsoever. They gave us a free tank of gas which is good because if they had given us only a 1/4 tank we would have run out before we got home. 30 miles! Very disappointed in the gas mileage.

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  Good All-Around Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JustAGuy - June 28 - 12:03 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year and have enjoyed it very much. It is very comfortable and stylish and is a pleasure to drive. For being a naturally aspirated 4-banger, it also performs pretty well. It is a great daily driver that I am very proud to own.