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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  Miles-n-Style - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Miles-n-Style - May 16 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this car is steal when compared to the other sports cars with eye appeal. I love the contours and shape of the exterior. Shes such a classy/sexy little vixen. She has spunk, allowing you to explore smooth exhilerating velocity which invites you to explore all her deep dirty secrets. Ease of back seat entry and comfort. Ease of manipulating the interior climate and audio theater allows me to concentrate on the road and the unfortunate drivers of lesser vehicles. I find the rotary accepting of low and high rpms. Often, I find myself shifting from 1st to 3rd to 5th and bypassing 2nd and 4th. One word description: SWEET!

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  very nice car for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blaqcat - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Was looking at the base Accord coupe for a while when I came across the Mazda 6. After a lot of research on the 6, I accidentally stumbled upon the Mazda 3S. I read 6 reviews of the car on the internet- all very positive. I arranged a test drive using Edmunds.com and I can say that this is one of the stylish and nicely built cars in the under $20K price segement. Interior is nicely styled and comfortable. Automatic transmission has a pseudo-manual mode. The lines and curves of the car reminds me of more highly priced sedans- this car turns heads wherever it goes.

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  Best Car So Far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jdr - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is like a rocket..And best of all, we got it in January and have not seen another one on the road yet!! I love having the stereo controls on the steering wheel...When you need this car to move, it does!!! It is also an automatic AND manual transmission....makes driving fun

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  Junk - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Reese T. - May 16 - 2:00 am

  3 Recalls in 6 months. Automatic transmission hesitates to much.Snapping noise that comes from the driver side front door once in a while when I start to apply the brakes. Needs Alignment. Lousy and uncomfortable seats. What a mistake!!!!

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  Fun, affordable sedan - 2002 Mazda 626
  By larzmac - May 15 - 6:36 am

  Still running like a champ at 130,000 miles. This car has (still) a nice pick-up. Its a blast to drive with its rigid chassis and sporty suspension. Fuel economy for me has always been just sub-30, which is great. I live in an extreme climate, and the climate controls are very impressive. It handles (very) sub-zero temperatures well, just as it cools well in over 100 temperatures.

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  2003 protege nightmare - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By scott - May 14 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this car with 15 miles on it. Ive put alot of miles on it. currently i have just under 141, 000. Ive had to have the front bearing replaced 4 times! on each side. ive had the alternator replaced twice. ive changes the oil tank because it actually rusted through, as well as the front exhaust at the intake manifold. ive changed both the oxygen sensor and the speed sensor. Ive also changed the radiator twice. this is a car ive changed the oil and other scheduled maintained every 3-4k miles on it! I can;t believe it got this good of a reliability rating on Edmunds because mine has been a nightmare. plus mine is currently rusting to crap.....what happened?

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  Wow!! Best bang for the buck! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By WJE - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 2002 Millenia "P" for a whole week now. This an excellent vehicle. The ride is great! The sunroof is excellent - this is something we never considered purchasing. The side airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and security system take the cake - these are probably options I wouldnt have picked on another vehicle because they would have been additional options and not a standard like on the Millenia. I only paid $20,700 - including the $520 destionation fee. 4.99% financing for 60 mos. I still cant believe I was able to purchase this outstanding vehicle for $20,000 - somebody pinch me to convince me Im not dreaming!!

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  Handling is the key - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Flip - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Direct steering...being one with the road, responsive, wind in your hair driving experience..thats my Miata. Many opportunities to customize available in the aftermarket to make it truly your Miata..whether more performance, enhanced appearance/comfort items you name it, its available for this car. Car is an excellent autocrosser and loves the track as well! If you use soft luggage, storage is adequate for weekend trips... If you use dedicated snow tires, its a 4-season vehicle (even here in Iowa) except on those days NOBODY should be on the roads...buy it, youll love it.

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  Excellent ES 5 Speed - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By ProES02 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  A very solidly built and very fun to drive.I test drove the Civic,Corolla,Sentra and Elantra GT but went back to the Protege ES because of the classy styling and excellent handling not found on the others.Also,with more standard equipment and the available ABS/Side Air bag/Moonroof option makes it a great deal.

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  I love to zoom zoom! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By zoomzoom - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is a great mix of practicality and sportyness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Tribute. It is a great value for the money and towers about its class. The CRV and RAV4 seem cheaper but with options they end up being more expensive with a smaller engine and a rougher ride. I put 5000 miles on my Tribute in the first two months and I have had no problems thus far. While the interior is plain it is practical and you cant get more without paying a lot more money. I dont mind the odd gear shift--it actually makes a nice hand rest when you are flipping through radio stations and allows for more storage space between seats. Zoom zoom!!