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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  My CX-7 GT - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By pedromatic - December 2 - 1:06 pm

  My only complaint is the momentary lag when accelerating. After the lag, it takes off like a bat. The premium fuel requirement hurts at the pump, but its fun to drive.

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  6S w/ 5M - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MASL - December 2 - 2:00 am

  1 week old. Interior is a little cheap. Handling & acceleration are great. $19700 delivered including 5% sales tax.

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  ZOOMZOOM_18 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ZOOMZOOMALLDAY - December 2 - 2:00 am

  HAD THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS NOW. LOVE THE SERVICE I RECEIVED,NO FUSS NO HASSLE. THE CAR HANDLES AND PERFORMS GREAT FOR A 4 BANGER! I LOVE THE EXTERIOR/INTERIOR. THE LEATHER IS COOL AND 6 DISK CHANGER ROCKS! I GOT A GREAT DEAL FOR ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES.

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  True Roadster - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bnation - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Wife and I both love this car. We take it out for rides just to enjoy it. Havent done that since I first started driving. Handles like a dream on the mountain roads and doesnt feel like your killing it on the interstate.

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  masons review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mason mugnolo - December 2 - 2:00 am

  i just LOVE this car... its perfect for me!

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  Riding in a dream! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AnthonyC - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The title says it all. From the moment I thought of buying one, I kept dreaming of what it would be like to drive behind the wheel of a red, with black/red interior RX8. The answer, its a dream.

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  My 2007 sGT Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kelly - December 1 - 10:56 pm

  So far the car has been wonderful. Handling is magnificent, very little body lean, the car sticks right to the road in cornering. The traction control is great in the rain on wet roads. Road noise is a little loud compared to other cars Ive had, especially on the highways, but not a major problem for me. Overall, I think its a fun little car to drive. So far, its a keeper.

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  I will miss my Millenia.... maybe??? - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Cherie - December 1 - 10:36 pm

  I have owned my 00 Millenia for over 3 years now and it has been an AWESOME car to own. Fun to drive, all around good quality and excellent reliability. However, I have to give it up because of the poor gas mileage (22-24mpg city.) Trading it in on a VW Jetta TDI (38-40mpg city.) Also, my husband finds the seats extremely uncomfortable.

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  Review # 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Review # 3 - November 30 - 2:46 pm

  Its been almost two years and 28000 miles and still going strong. The weight distribution provides excellent steering and braking response but the biggest weakness is the front wheel drive traction. I would like to see "high profile" MAZDA5s with all wheel drive, choices of six speed manual or continously variable automatic transmissions and lower final drive ratios for hilly and/or snowy states. Nothing else is like the MAZDA5 and these features whould make a good car a great car.

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  I LOVE MY MAZDA PROTEGE 5! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Phatgirl254 - November 29 - 8:03 am

  I bought my car brand spanking new on November 12, 2003. I looked at the car without even test driving it and bought it. The color is what reeled me in! It is now August 2008 and I have not had ONE SINGLE PROBLEM out of my car. The only parts that Ive replaced on my car are the front headlight bulbs and the tires! Still as the original brakes, clutch, transmission, radiator, etc. Its so much fun to drive and I have absolutely no problems making quick maneuvers in and out of traffic. This is my second Mazda and Im a customer for life!