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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  M3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John70 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ciris12 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my Mazda3, it is very smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is great specially these days. Overall is a nice looking car.

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  LOVE MY M6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sun bum - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY M6. ITS SPORTY, SEXY AND SAFE FOR THE KIDS TO BE IN. DRIVES GREAT.THE INTERIOR IS COMFORTABLE AND BEAUTIFUL TOO.

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  love my wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By yogagirl - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive only got about 1200 miles on this car, but so far I love it. I actually look forward to driving to work! Wagon utility in a sharp-looking, fun- to-drive car.

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  Everything I thought it would be & more! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By suzy-q - April 16 - 3:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive and own. The gas mileage is averaging 31 mpg. This car gets lots of attention. Compact but worth it for the handling and economy. The hard top is fast up and down and cuts the noise. I highly recommend it if you need some fun in your day. Life is short, enjoy it all you can in a Miata!!!

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  apotheosis of a dream - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By woodyas - April 15 - 11:53 pm

  Bottom line: this car is in undeniably fun to drive. Top down, wind in the hair, and a pure feeling of freedom. Hell, why was I not doing this years ago? Not sure about every convertible out there, but this sure seems like the best damn one out there. And how do you beat the price--or the numerous accolades the Miata has one. To be succinct: I love this car!

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  Nice and confortable - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By francisco - April 15 - 3:36 am

  hi, i bought this car on april 09, i really dont trust in mazdas cars, but this car was cheap. Now i love this car, is comfortable, have a 2.0 liter(strong engine and fast);on gas its good 35miles/galon. i like the interior too, and outside is looks good. i drive everyday 120 miles (home- work-home)5 days a week, since i bought this car never had any problem. THANKS MAZDA CO.

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  HOLY SMOKE! WHAT A DEAL! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By ALJONES99 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Avalon, the Camry, the Accord and the Millenia. As a former Honda addict, the transition to such a luxury ride was surprisingly pleasant. Doesnt ride as smoothly as the Avalon, but has KICK BUTT sportiness you dont get with an Avalon. The Special Edition S (what I purchased) is simply beyond beautiful - inside and out! It turns heads everywhere. Ive actually caught co-workers wandering around my new car in the parking lot admiring it! When you stop at a redlight/stopsign, you couldnt even hear the engine if you stood outside in absolute silence. Every imaginable amentity in the world - except a navigation system!!

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  Bets minivan for small family. - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By ska - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Recently we were belssed with a daughter and I had to change my coupe to some bigger vehicle. I tried lots of SUV/minivans and at last narrowed down to Odyssey, Pilot, MDX and MPV. First we thought that we will settle for SUV (looks good from outside), but once inside, we loved the interior of minivans (Odyssey EX-L and MPV ES), space was much better used and we have lots of flexibility in seating. Anyway now it was Odyssey and MPV. Both were nice, but we decided for MPV based on: Perfect size for us. Exterior is much micer looking. Interior is comparable to Odyssey. Driving/handling was comparable to Odyssey. AND we got it $7000 cheaper than Odyssey.

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  02 LX - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By glideslopes - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice vehicle. We love the handling, power, visibility from the inside, and especially the interior egonomics. Very glad we went with this over the Honda, or Toyota. Those two definitely had inflated pricing. Had droves of Honda and Toyota owners looking it over at Saturdays Soccer games. Not a single build defect noted in our first 1,000 miles of ownership. This is the best minivan in this class today hands down. This is our second Mazda, and surely will not be our last.