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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  I love my 8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DaveCM - February 8 - 4:06 pm

  I have been looking at the Mazda for the last couple of years. Along with the WRX STi, S2000, 350Z, and Audi TT. I couldnt fit into the TT, so I ended up with the Mazda because of the performance along with the fact that I can live with the car everyday (ruled out 350Z and S2000). I love the way it looks and drives. It is a car that I look forward to getting into and driving to work every day. The rotary is so much fun that I find myself reving it high just to hear it. I do wish it had a bit more low end power though. As far as people complaining about the snow, it is a powerful rear-wheel drive car! What do you expect?

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  Best of Everything - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By MPVluvr - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Did extensive research before settling on the MPV LX - typical comparo, Honda, Toyota, etc...Honda turned me off right off the bat, dealers demanding near MSRP (for a minivan, are they high?), and were aloof on top of it all. One test drive of the MPV, and I was sold. Unbelievable vehicle, fit and finish (typical Japanese build quality), handling, driving dynamics are outstanding. The fact it is so underrated only helps buyers like us, who know better and can get these at cost.

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  Fun to drive and own: a real head turner - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mngpao - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Its stylish and comfortable to drive. It responds quickly and hugs the road better than my 90 Miata (which I traded in on the RX8). The dash is easy to read and the controls are easy to operate. The manual mode of the automatic transmission (controlable from the stearing wheel and the console) allows for complete control of shifting gears. A flat tire repair kit is included because the spare tire is an extra cost option. The Grand Touring Package is a must and worth every penny - it includes all the options of the other touring packages plus electric drivers seat, lumbar support, heated leather trim front seats and heated mirrors.

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  Great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Guyusc350 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best sports cars I have driven. I had an old RX-7 and loved it. This one is almost 200 percent better. Step on the throttle and you get a real quick response throwing you back into your seat. The ride quality is what a sports car should be like. Fun, fun car. Very quick and agile. Outside and inside of this car are awesomely done. The cockpit is beautiful. Much better than the 350Z. Seats are very comfortable (again better than the Z). Back seat and suicide doors are great too. Sunroof is a necessity too!

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  THE WAIT IS OVER! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By john desmarais - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I waited for over 8 months for this vehicle and for the first time ever ordered it without driving it. I could not be happier. The outside appearance is stunning, the engine revolutionary, and the functionality perfect for me, my wife, and 2 kids. Mazda was definitely on to something to create a car to meet the needs of a family driving sports car enthusiast! On the day we got it, the 4 of us went on a 100 mile trip and camped out for the labor day weekend...bringing everything we needed stored in the back trunk. How cool!

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott - February 5 - 4:23 pm

  Shopped everything in the midsize range and nothing compared. My wife drives a 2002 which is a great car (paint dings way too easy) but the Mazda6 gives us the sports car we were looking for. We tried the MazdaSpeed6 and loved the turbo and the all wheel drive but could not justify the price jump. We went for the 4 cylinder over the 6 for mpg and the balance on the 4 cylinder seemed better. The automatic was nice but the 5 speed added more get up and go. I chose the moonroof package to gain the Bose sound system which is awesome! I drove a Grand Am and the Mazda 6 is so much quieter and more comfortable that Pontiac should be ashamed. The comfort and inside/outside style screams value.

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  This is a great car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Hamilton - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on Sept 3. I first saw this car in Hong Kong in 08 and wanted it ever since. Ive driven the 11 Fiesta but preferred the feel of the 2. Although it has only 100HP, its not a concern when you drive it. Driving position took about 50 miles to perfect but now its set it stone. The Fiesta and 2 are very similar in size, inside and out. The interior controls are different, the 2s radio controls are easy to use, I like simplicity. The Fiestas radio has a learning curve, not very user-friendly, one needs SYNC to use it. *Extra $595 to get SYNC* Overall, great car for anyone looking great ride at a great price.

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  fun fun fun - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By baker - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I am in my mid 60s===not the typical buyer of this type of car . This car is a hoot to drive . Just a lot of fun . Reminds me of my younger years when I would just go for a ride to have fun . Responsive handling and more than enough power .

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  Mazda3 fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By doc - February 4 - 1:33 pm

  This is a well designed car which strikes a fine balance betwen the competing demands of an economy car. The performance is well above that expected and is equivalent to a 2 litre Alfa Romeo with better economy and reliablity. It looks like a little BMW at a fraction of the price and runing cost. Economy is excellent 45mpg on highway at 60 - 75 mph. Only the sound proofing could be better. Handling, brakes and active safety are excellent. I would however like a six-speed to lower the revs at cruising speeds.

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  The 4-seat Miata - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By mejazz - February 3 - 10:05 pm

  I am a Miata fan - had 3 of them in the past but had to let go due to having 3 kids. The RX-8 provides similar driving thrills but with the ability to seat 4 peoples so i can use it to pick/drop kids from school and still have fun driving. Everybody talks about rotary engine issues but Mazda offers 100K miles warranty on engine so dont see much point. Yes it requires topping off oil every 2nd or 3rd fillup but thats not a big deal at all. Infact, you will enjoy it - you will feel more involved with your car. I do miss the convertible part of Miata. Hoping they will build a rotary Miata someday.