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:

• 

  This has more zoom-zoom than my 3i! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By 05mazda3s4dr - August 31 - 2:20 am

  This car rocks! I have to say I am happy that I traded my 3i manual for it and I love it! I am happy with the pep of the engine and how fuel efficient it is. The ride is not as compliant as my 3i but I love it. It doesnt shake you up or jostle you; it is very inspiring to drive this car into curves. The manual is easy to row and the engine has enough low end grunt, although it needs more torque and lower rpms, but hey, I aint complaining!This has to be the best car for the money. It has power, the interior doesnt look like a 20K car, and the quality of it inside and out, I have to say, is better than Civic, Corolla, or Sentra.

• 

  Lot of road noise - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - August 29 - 7:30 am

  There certainly is a lot of road noise. I even took my 06 in for a front-end alignment and tire rebalancing at less than 3000 miles. Unfortunately, it was to no avail. Perhaps the factory 18" Bridgestone tires are the cause. I dont know.

• 

  Tribute to Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By roger moore - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle regardless of price equal to Lexas 330

• 

  Near Perfection - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By joeschmoe - August 28 - 2:26 am

  This is my first true sports car and have to say its a blast to drive. Besides a small lack in power its the perfect sports car. The stock handling and braking are superb. Fuel economy is excellent. Short gear ratios make for spirited acceleration when up to speed. Minor modifications are all that are needed to turn this thing into a track car. I took a 3k mile road trip and was still smiling when I got home. Those over 6 will have a hard time getting comfortable in this car.

• 

  Wifes Toy - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By w.duke - August 27 - 11:00 pm

  Bought this car for my wife while on holidays in southern California. Knowing the workmanship and reliability of Japanese vehicles, didnt even bother with a test drive. Since being home and driving this vehicle, neither of us have been disappointed. She feels very comfortable in her new car and the ease of lowering the hardtop always seems to bring a smile to her face. The first thing she did was load up on her CDs and listen to the boom box, something she didnt really do in her last car. She saw it, she liked it and got it. Looking forward to doing a road trip, top down of course.

• 

  one of the best in its class - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By g man - August 27 - 2:00 am

  i have been pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of this vehicle it is well built and stylish for a car in this class .i read reviews on all car in this class and decided on the mazda after test drives of all vehicles and i am not disapointed. the car handles like a dream the best bar none in this class. do your self a favor and take one out for a spin.i heard alot about road and wind noise being a problem i do not hear it just as quiet as most cars in this class.

• 

  Zoom Zoom I love this Van!!!!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By K.Hess - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Torn between the Odyssey and the MPV. My wife and I decided on the MPV. I am happy to say we made the right choice. although smaller then most of its counter-parts. This van definitely makes up for it in style, comfort, and other features(too many to name).

• 

  Great car overall - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jimida - August 27 - 2:00 am

  For the money I cant think of anything better. The drive is so fun I find myself making excuses to go out driving.

• 

  MX 5 pulls us out of a rut. - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dkieffer - August 26 - 11:46 am

  This car is not for a person who wants basic transportation. This car is for someone who truly enjoys driving. With four children we had become the typical kid hauling, van owning parents. Not having driven a stick for 15 years, I had forgotten how much fun it is to go through the gears. Especially the way this car shifts and welcomes high revs, it really puts a smile on my face. My wife and I are enjoying short getaway trips and evening drives. We now look forward to traveling the winding country roads of southeastern Ohio instead of avoiding them. Our MX 5 has pulled us out of our rut.

• 

  The only car that Ill ever buy - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Milleniaman - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I brought this car home brand new from the dealership and fell in love with the car as soon as I saw it in the parking lot. The car looks great and people even mistake it for a Lexus or Infiniti. I paid $29,000 rather that the original price of $32,700. But I had the fuel tank door replaced under warranty because it opened when it wanted to and the Bose radio was replaced also under warranty because my CD got stuck and I could only use the radio. But other than that the car is a dream and I recommend it to anyone who wants a good looking car at a decent price.