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:

• 

  I Love My Blue Baby! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maxine1981 - September 20 - 6:13 pm

  Bought my Mazda3 used in July 09 with a little over 6K on the dash. As of this writing, its a little over 15.5K. I enjoy driving this car! for a little 2.0, it moves just enough for me. (this is my first car ever--dont need it to be any faster ;-) ) I absolutely love the sporty look.. the xenon head/tail lights and spoiler are cool. Stereo has enough bass and treble for me. The A/C could be a wee bit cooler, beige interior is ok, just gotta be careful with stains.

• 

  Frequently overlooked - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By status - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great little car with personality thats also painless to own. Comfortable and roomy, great ergonomics, nice styling. I bought the car over a Civic because Mazda got all the basics right for $1500 less. Its a completely underrated car.

• 

  After 24000 miles... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By tmatt - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I went straight from a Miata to a Tribute without missing out on too much fun (although I do feel a pang of sadness when I see a montego blue Miata on the road). Im happy with most aspects of the Tribute except for the electrical problems Ive had. Sensor problems have caused the engine light to come on twice and the coolant light once. At one point my radio would not turn off even after the key was out of the ignition. That along with a problem with the windshield washer has brought my Tribute in for warrantee work 3 times. Regardless of my bad luck, Im happy with my purchase and have recommended the Tribute to people looking for SUVs.

• 

  Not for the over 50 drivers - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By elymae - September 20 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for a lot of zoom, zoom, the 2002 Mazda Protege is the car for you. Excellent performance, sharp on turns, fast and sporty. Roomy interior with plenty of leg room, however, the seats are too hard and not very comfortable, and the suspension is too tight, making for a very uncomfortable ride. If you dont mind a rough ride, this sports car is a good choice in the mid priced compact sedans.

• 

  Very good, not quite great - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By Darrin - September 19 - 2:00 am

  After comparing the Acadia/Traverse, Ford Flex, and a few others, I choose the Mazda based on my test drive, available options in my price range, and also based on reviews here. I just took delivery last month so I havent put on many miles yet, but there are a few things worth noting. One, the performance, handling, ride, etc is everything I read about. It handles like a much smaller SUV, body roll is almost zero, acceleration is more than adequate (how quick do you need to go from stop light to stop light really?), and it stops on a dime. Mileage is what it is, if I wanted 30 mpg I wouldve got a silly hybrid - no thanks. The car looks awesome from the outside though.

• 

  I LOVE IT - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By erika_8045 - September 18 - 1:00 am

  I just bought this car 3 days ago and I am falling more and more in love with it every day. Its fun to drive has tons of space seating and trunk and I love the sleek body style. Its an awesome buy and I am a proud and very happy owner!

• 

  Window Regulator Should be Recalled - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By swflmazda - September 16 - 3:08 pm

  Ok.. So not a bad car as my first mazda purchase. I am totally surprised there hasnt been a recall on these, that all but one of my power window regulators have snapped. Really poor poor poor design and cheap materials. Dealership wants me to pay for labor, will cost be around $800. No-way since this is faulty equipment. not standard wear and tear.. Also gas pedal gets stuck. Incredibly dangerous. Not sure whats worse; windows that do not work or a gas pedal that gets stuck. Other than that.. seems to be a decent car.

• 

  pleasure to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Luce - September 16 - 8:56 am

  Nice car, very complete interior, beautiful engine-sound, worth to buy. Unique concept : 4 place sportscar with Wankel-engine, keeping sporty character of the car.

• 

  Poor Bose radio - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bob Valentine - September 15 - 4:00 am

  I have had this little gem forever a year now but I am very disappointed with the quality of the Bose radio-- volume has to be tuned up to 24 where other Mazda owners have their radio set at 14 or 15--local dealer says it is normal--I figured with the Bose name on the radio it would be good--not so--can barely hear the radio when top is down--I think the radio is a factory defect but no one wants to admit it--would like a new radio but I dont think it is going to happen as dealer thinks it is a good one

• 

  I love my car!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Dell - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my first car and i love it. got the leather and its a great deal for just $390! well worth the money. makes the biggest difference. now it has the luxury feel as well as the IS300 sportcross looks. great handling as well.