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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  It all added up - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By satisfied3owner - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Id had in my mind a car with the following traits (after having had a fun German-made wagon before): smaller, Japanese built, leather, hatchback utility, four doors, in-dash 6-CD changer, and style. I walked into a Mazda showroom to look at another car, and my head was turned by the 3. I test-drove the car, and was sold. Ive had it for a month, and like it more with each passing week. A slick little car, well-made and thoughtfully appointed.

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  Sport Sedan of Choice - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nomovdubya - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Goal: replace 99 Passat. Finals: Acura TSX and the Mazda 6. 13 and 11 year old need four doors.Pluses: TSX interior, tad nicer but not by much,lighting on the gauges better on the TSX, 6s are nice but harder to read in day with lights on.6s moonroof switches better location.A/C controls ease of use a wash. The ride and handling of both cars is great,but for less money(Mazdas deal, Acuras dont) Mazdas V/6 beats the TSXs 4cyl on reg vs prem gas. 6s rear seat plus 2inches leg room and a bigger trunk, and nifty rear seat release levers in the trunk. Hopefully, reliability will be better than the VW.

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  Great little car - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By mhalper - October 3 - 8:14 am

  I traded in a 2008 chevy equinox rthis car is an engineering masterpiece the chevy was crap had a chinese engione used a qt of oil between changes this car uses no oil is quiet solid when you have fooor on brake shift in to D or R no clunk like an american cars engine is quiet everything works perfect thee onloy complaint i thin k it need s a bigger engine 1.8 more power if yiou step on hgas too hard it downshifts easily mikleage is good overall 28 have gotten 42 on highway going 65. The mazdas are 96 percdnt made in japan nthey are well made like toyotas in the early 90s .

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  Commuting 626 - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Vikefan - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Needed a car to commute 35 miles one way, wanted something stylish and good on gas. Toyotas and Hondas are so much more expensive, whereas Mazda is often the forgotten step brother! I bought it with 43K miles on it and at 65K the Alternator went out took it to the shop nearby. 24 hours later, the EFI valve went out,...suspicous,...And it was something I couldnt do myself , because Mazada would not release that part to the public yet. Anyway, it is a great commuter and decent sound system. Shouldve gotten the 6 cyl instead of the 4 cyl, not enough snort. My wife has a hard time seeing out the back, other than that very happy with it.

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  Makes the transition to a mini-van easy! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By indykoch - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I had a Protege in high school, a Miata STO before the child, and now an MPV - Mazda has treated me good! I never thought Id own a mini-van, but the wife obviously had more input. I must say Im quite impressed! This is easily the best looking, best engineered, fun to drive (I know, its still a mini-van) van on the market. Its a bit on the small side at times, but that was one of its attractive features, and we knew it from the start. It makes the transition from sports cars to mini-vans easier to digest. By far... the best choice!

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  2000 Protege LX - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By JBC - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle. The interior design is delightful, and the quality for the money is outstanding. Mine has the older 1.6 liter engine which returns about 34 mpg in mixed driving. Although not very powerful, it is adequate and very willing powerplant. Cornering and general handling is very good. I would recommend ABS option for these cars as under hard braking (panic stop) sometimes the rear brakes will lock up early. Reliability has been perfect. A bit noisy on the highway (wind noise) but still comfortable for small car. Highly recommended!

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  Great Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By bert - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned the car a short time and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am over 6 tall and have plenty of room. Took the wife 2 kids and all our gear to the beach and had plenty of room. I test drove the Impreza wrx and was impressed w/ the power, but the Pr5 has a much better ride and the design and quality was far superior. Also, the Pr5 is about $7,000 less ($16,900 w/ moonroof and ABS/side air bags).

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  Never had such a Great Time - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ottoma4 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I choose this car over Audi TT, Z3, and MR2. Love the handling, design, size, and interior more than any other car. What a dream to drive. I have never had more fun driving. I love my car and would recommend over any of the above car. Far more superior. Having the time of my life.

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  Joy to Own - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Kap - October 2 - 8:56 am

  This is a wonderful GT style car that is comfortable and entertaining.

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  One Sweet Car! - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By rsmg - October 2 - 6:43 am

  Quite possibly the most enjoyable car, overall, I have driven in 30 years. For starters, my all-black car is beautiful, with sleek and subtle lines, perfect wheels and low, wide tires. Its quiet and happy on highways, handles great on curves. Interior is tasteful, functional, virtually flawless. Id like maybe a bit more lumbar support in adjustable drivers side. Enthusiasts might find the center hump interferes with spirited driving. My elbow hits it regularly. All-in-all, truly classic and classy. Wish theyd bring it back! My dad recently leased an 05 Mercedes E320 and is so overwhelmed with the superfluous technology that hed rather trade with me! Seriously!