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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  wow!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoom-zoom - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Untill now I only thought this kind of performance was for pricy sports cars and race cars, but boy was I impressed. The very firs time I saw the car I fell in love and now that I have one I love it even more than befor. I really cant express the feeling I get with words so I think I leave it to MAZDAs slogan and say this. ZOOM-ZOOM!!!

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  When things were kewl! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TDW - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is sooooo me!! All that I can say is that "I LOVE THIS RIDE"...we are one with the road!! I am actually excited, and intrigued enough that I do not have to fight to stay awake at long distances. Get in, sit back, enjoy...this is indeed one for the road. Truly, TDW

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  i like it a lot - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Joneser - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new car last night and the smile has not left my face. Partially because its a new car, and because I think that I got a really good deal. I picked up the 4-door LX auto, w/moon, alloys, cd, for @ $15,500.

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  Best Value - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By M-speed - June 1 - 6:53 am

  Traded in a Mazdaspeed MX5. Considered an RX8, but the Speed3 made me smile more. Outstanding all around performance and value. Best performance car I have ever owned. Maybe the best CAR I have ever owned!

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  It turns heads - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Arif - June 1 - 1:30 am

  Great Value for the $$. Dont see many on the road so looks different. Every time in public place, people ask what car is this? Love it.

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  We love our MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By FamilyValues - May 31 - 1:20 pm

  The only thing that bothers me about this minivan is that you cant see the AC button on the dash because the shift bar blocks its view. Otherwise, I have never been this happy with any other pre-owned vehicle. I would upgrade to a newer vsersion without thinking twice when the time comes.

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  EXCITEMENT after 3 DAYS of OWNERSHIP - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julia Kemp - May 31 - 7:03 am

  From a family owning a 2003 BMW M3 conv.,a 1999 BMW 528i,a 1989 Chrysler T/C by Maserati, and a 1965 Ferrari 330GT2+2, I think I know a bit about quality automobiles. Im a college student in Savannah, Georgia. My Dad and I picked up the Mazda 3 three days ago, and have fallen in love with it. THis car replaces the 1991 Volvo 740 I used to drive, and the Mazda is SO much more FUN, even though Im just learning how to drive standard. Even though the trunk is sort of small, theres ample room for golf clubs IN the trunk and out of view, without folding down the rear seat. I like this since I am on the Golf Team and carry my clubs wherever I travel. The Velocity Red paint-job is a real hit, too

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  Need To Know! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By RotorHead613 - May 31 - 4:43 am

  Rx-8s are good/great cars but few people know how to take care of them. They are amazing for handling and they are engineering marvels when it comes to the motor. The problem is most people who buy them, do it for the looks not the motor. Rotary is an amazing thing. YOU CANNOT BABY IT! When you buy a car do some research. Understand what your driving and what you need to do. rotary has a different oiling system and it requires the motor to be run at high rpm to keep it well oiled. I own a R1 93 RX-7 and My Rx-8 i know how to take care of them and if u listen to these words you wont have an issue. Check the oil every 750-1000 miles to make sure its full.

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  I love this car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee C - May 30 - 7:43 pm

  I have been having a lot of fun driving my Mazda 3 since I purchased it. I dont travel very far each day, but it is always a pleasure to get into it, except for the trunk issue where I stow my gym bag every day. I am getting pretty good gas mileage - at least what was expected - or better.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Martiif - May 30 - 8:00 am

  A few days after I purchased the car a huge storm hit the Northwest and I had a wedding to go to in the Mountains. I felt safe driving it from the start and never at any time had trouble with traction. I love the heated leather seats. I drove 300 hundred miles with four other people and their luggage with no problems. Most of the driving was on snow covered roads. Its maneuverable, quick and yes fun to drive even for an old guy. Ive never really been into cars except for transportation and utility. I just hope I feel the same way about it after I own it for a longer period of time.