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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  Very good so far - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BJSloth - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My RX-8 is very fun to drive and sure beats my old Neon... Acceleration is amazing and handling is superb. I bought Red which is beautiful.

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  Sporty meets Practicality - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By StarCrab - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that surpassed the exterior design was the handling and feel for the road while driving. You can literally be merging the freeway on a very curved onramp and floor it, and it grips the turn flawlessly. The center console is by far the coolest feature of the car. The automatic climate control is a little buggy; it always turns on the AC even to raise the temperature, and therefore is unsuccessful. The rpms really have to be 4,000+ in order to get the feeling like youre being thrown out of your seat, but it can be done. I should add that the car rides very well there and is perfectly happy being at 4,000 the entire trip.

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  great fun for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ron wichern - March 8 - 2:00 am

  great handling,good performance,good price,needs6th gear as 3300 rpm high at 75mph.only bad point is brake dust all over wheels every 400 miles.Gas milage not as good as previously owned Chysler Concorde3.3 on the highway.Great fun to drive quotion makes up for it though.

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  I cant believe its under 20k! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - March 7 - 9:53 pm

  This car has been a blast to drive. Anyone looking for a sub-20 car should certainly consider this car. No other car in my eyes measured up in terms of the visual appeal or build quality. After careful deliberation, I arrived at the decision to buy it after driving the competition. The difference was so obvious I immediately sought out a 3 for myself. Just drive it.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Adam - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 626 a couple of years ago and have decided that it is the best car I have owned. I believe that the ES is much nicer than the LX even if they are small differences, and I think that they are worth the money. Additionaly the car is pretty quick and has been very reliable on long cross country trips. I would prefer a 626 ES over a Corrolla any day.

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  AWSOME !! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By MIKE JONES - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great van to drive

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  all i have to say is wow - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By i got it first - March 7 - 10:00 am

  wow is this a car it is great in every not too fast to get in trouble with but fast enough to feel young i love this car my wife loves this car my neighbors love this car it handles like a sport car gas mileage of a economy car room enough for 5 and a large trunk area it is absolutley great. also thumbs up to putnam mazda in burlingame ca you guys are the best my salesman nick really knows his stuff and really sold me on the car i wasnt even in the market to buy i was helping a friend well we both bought one and were both overwelmingly pleased with our cars

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  Like it so far - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Lee - March 7 - 12:56 am

  ...for the price, it seems to be a good choice. It is fun to drive & its nice to not see a lot of identical ones on the road.

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  The perfect car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ivan Cruz - March 4 - 9:03 pm

  This is an awesome car. It is fast, handles well, and has way more features than Accord. Its the best all around car in its class. Plenty of interior space to fit myself, my wife, and 3 kids (two still in carseats).

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  This Car is Great! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joe - March 4 - 1:40 pm

  The Mazda 3 is a wonderful car. I was looking to purchase either the Mazda 3 or a Honda Civic. After testing both, there was no comparison. I got a 2006 Mazda 3 S Touring edition with 5 speed automatic transmission. I also decided to get the moon-roof/CD package which is well worth the extra dollars if you can afford it. The gas mileage has been great. Im averaging right around 30 miles per gallon. This car is so much fun to drive no matter if you are on back-roads with no traffic, on the highway, or sitting in gridlock. The response time is very quick and the suspension is superb. Its neat to see other people turning their heads to look at my car.