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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  Still Fun After a Year - 2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By jbowen52 - August 4 - 3:36 pm

  I was looking for a hot hatchback and the choice was the Mazdaspeed 3 or Focus ST. I was fortunate that the local dealer carried both brands so was able to test them literally side by side. They are both outstanding in their genre. The choice came down to a small price advantage for the MS3, a bit more power and my wife liked the looks better. Gas mileage had been a concern when looking, but at least here in Florida, it is much better than rated. I average 24 around town and around 30 highway. All around a really fun ride with a bit of a firm ride.

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  Excellent choice - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By brock69 - August 3 - 2:43 am

  This has been an excellent van for my family. Bought new in 2002 and now has 150,000+ miles and counting. Wife now drives about 400 miles a week average and weve put very little money into it. Ours is the ES so it came with Sunroof, power doors & leather. Weve used this vehicle for numerous trips across Country and in all types of weather with no issues. The only problems we continually have with it are a cd is jammed in the radio, water sloshes in the door wells which requires the drain to be cleaned, and the shocks squeak when its cold. Weve replaced the oil pan gasket and a few ignition coils but thats been it.

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  my first car - 2000 Mazda 626
  By JD - August 1 - 2:16 pm

  This was my first car. My dad bought it new at the dealership and when he got a altima he gave this car to me. It is a very solid car. It has solid acceleration and good handling. I like to push this car to its limits. I have hit 120 in this car! Anyway the seats are very comfortable and supportive. The air conditioning works well and I think every single person that has been in my car has commented on the rotating air vents! The transmission is ok (I wish I had a manual). The design of this car is ok, I think its a little too round. The newer sixes look a lot nicer, but obviously this car is nine yrs old. Overall this is a good car

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  Some flaws after a few miles - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Cheaprick29 - July 31 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this car about a year & 1/2 ago. Paid $8k w 55k and now has 82k. The A/C doesnt work on 2 or 3 setting. The transmission makes a growling or humming noise and continues to get worse the more I drive it. The trunk leaks due to a faulty trunk seal; My car smells like mildew all the time because water gets under the carpets. Had to replace the drive belts around 60k due to squeaking. Hit curb and cost $3800 to fix; not the best car to get into an accident in due to thin sheet metal. Other than that, the car is a great car. I switched out the stock head unit for a Pioneer; the CD player didnt work properly. I like the aux connection on my new head unit.

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  First New Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bixnewsie - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Mazda Miata Mx-5 is my first car. The handeling is great, and while its a little lacking in acceleration power, the car makes up for it because its so fun to drive. I learned how to drive stick on it, and I had no problems. The clutch isnt tricky at all. (I had previously driven automatics.) The car turns heads. The exterior is amazing. The interior is a bit tight. The cup holders are in an awkward spot. You can hit them with your elbows. The sound system is great. You can hear everything clearly with the top down.

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  Love the car, not the dealer - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By buff099 - July 29 - 10:57 am

  The CX9 is a great crossover. I like the V6 pick up, I like the design, Im ok with the gas mileage (could be better), but overall this is a very good SUV. Im unhappy with my dealer...and that doesnt take away from the car. Do not deal with Mazda in Lodi New Jersey out on Route 46. Salesman told me it had satellite radio...little did I know it wasnt in it, just satellite ready. So after shelling out 30K now I have to buy a radio...not kosher. They did not care one bit. So the guy lies to me and thats OK. Get yourself this SUV, just not from Mazda in Lodi.

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  not much - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By RemusRM - July 29 - 10:50 am

  I had my 09 and that was brutal for everyday car. A true sports car. Decided to upgrade to the 2010 and is way more livable. I love the car but it got toned down so much to the level of a 3 series BMW. Is quick but not as the 09. Handles better then the 09. Is quiet and really on spot steering. Way better then anything I have driven

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  nice car - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sgreen - July 28 - 10:00 am

  for the money you cant beat it

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  My last Mazda...ever - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By racetech - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It has been the least reliable vehicle I have ever owned!! The wiper linkage broke in a snow storm, there was a gas leak and the worst thing is the thing just dies. The dealer had no clue what the problem was and said it was just one of those things that happens once and would never happen again. well, it died 4 times while I was driving it. I took it to another dealer who at least tried to fix it by replacing the computer. I thought the problem was fixed, but 2 weeks later, it died on me again. We traded in right after that, and that will by my last Mazda ever!!!

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  3 Year Owner with 80K miles - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ckrx8 - July 27 - 10:36 am

  Ive owned my RX8 for 3 years now. Im a rotary enthusiast, owned RX7s and work on RXs of all sorts. First off, this car is an amazing machine as far as handling and value for a very affordable price. However, before you buy make sure you know what youre getting into. Like most rotaries, this car is temperamental, it WILL be high maintenance and its important you know that. Acceleration is good for a stock car but modding this car with simple bolt ons will do NOTHING. Major dollars are involved if you want to go faster. Overall, Im a very happy owner, I plan to keep this car when its paid off and turn it into a track car.