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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  Fun to see, fun to drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - November 2 - 1:50 am

  I wanted a sporty car but my wife didnt. Once we saw the Mazda5 we found the perfect balance. Very European for American style taste, but that makes it stand out of the crowd.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bruce - November 2 - 12:46 am

  I wrote a review at 165,000 miles. Drives like a go kart due to tight suspension. Doesnt like rough roads but smooth twisties, its a dream. Normal main. only except for H2O pump at 80,000 miles. Original clutch. People complain about lack of power but overall comfort, fun to drive and cargo space outweighed the hp. I added turbo exhaust, K&N filter and had the computer reprogrammed. Sporty sound now. May have added 10-15 hp and car is fast as I want to maintain 31 mpg/hwy. Better daily driver than my 2007 Speed 3. 5 speed is much smoother than the 6 speed of the Speed3. Rough ride on harsh roads due to sport suspension, still better than Speed 3. The car is a keeper if you take it.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By java - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the price you pay. Very smooth and quit when running. Own it for 10 month and not regret for buying. I think it is best among minivans. Strongly suggest it.

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  "M"ost "P"leasurable "V"an - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Empeevee - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Wow -- I am only 28 and I never thought of owning a van, but after test driving the MPV on a track at the Mazda Rev It Up event, I was in love with it!! I bought an ES with the GFX package which comes with a body kit carbon fiber interior trim and fog lights. I also have the power dual sliding doors ans six disc in-dash CD changer. Most people think the MPV is an SUV and I have been asked numerous times by bystanders as to what type of vehicle it is. I think the MPV is so under-rated and you never see any on the road. This van is so comfortable and handles like a sports car -- I dont think I will ever buy a car again! ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!

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  Mazda is #1 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By CHERIE - October 31 - 10:33 pm

  I love this car! I traded in my 1999 Ford Escort which made feel like I was trading for an ultimate luxury car. I researched this car for weeks; itÂ’s the best deal you can get for your money. The black interior takes a little extra effort to keep clean. The swifter duster is the best thing to clean the dash with. The carpet and cloth are a little on the cheap side but all the other features make up for it. It has good power and especially when needed and good gas mileage.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Keflavic - October 31 - 9:10 am

  With just a recall for replacement of starter, and spark plug wires, car has been excellent and the best compared to late model BMW 3-series, and Lexus IS 300 I have owned.

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  2010 CX-7 Sport - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Dave L. - October 30 - 4:10 am

  The CX-7 is very sporty and fun to drive. The base engine has more pull than you would expect from 161 hp. It also gets decent fuel mileage for an SUV. I love the new exterior design and the upscale look and feel of the interior. The interior in the CX-7 is much more luxurious than the interior in the Saturn Vue I had test driven. The base alloy wheels look great as well.

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  sporty econo car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By fil - October 30 - 1:16 am

  I traded a 99 Mazda Protege with a Mazda 3 and although the review for the last generation Protege were great, the Mazda 3 is far greater car in handling and driveability. I think the switch to the 2 liter is the key. I can now zoom-zoom with the upscale midsize sedans like the Accord, Camry, and yes the Mazda 6. Great car driving experience for the money. Definitely test drive one; it drives like a big car.

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  Just Plain Fun! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jim - October 28 - 6:33 pm

  If you want a car thats just plain fun, you cant beat the MX-5. Wife and I chose the copper red Touring model with black cloth interior. The car is gorgeous, fit is perfect. As for performance, the 5 speed manual is quick and smooth, flawless. While not exactly fast, the car is very quick. The steering is extremely responsive. Brakes stop the vehicle on a dime. The interior, while snug, imparts the sensation of a cockpit. All controls are at your fingertips just inches away. The top is very well designed and easy to use. I would not recommend the vehicle for primary transportation, but if youre looking for a sensational, affordable second, this is it. This car is a blast.

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  CX-7 Brand New - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By habsexpos - October 27 - 4:10 pm

  Picked up my brand new 2011 CX-7 last week. Great price and excellent trade-in (2006 Honda Civic) made this an easy choice. Have close to 600 miles on it. Nice smooth, quiet ride. No issues so far. Getting about 26 MPG combined, probably will get better after the "break in" period. Ill come back and give everyone updates.