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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  2001 Mazda 626 is a great car to have - 2001 Mazda 626
  By selhouar - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. If you are looking for a family car with a sporty look (my car has a spoiler), this is the car for you. Keep up with your maintenance schedlue and you can drive this car for a long time - worry free.

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  Excellent ! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NYStringman - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Good acceleration, smooth ride especially at highway speeds, great braking, feels very solid, nice interior. Tons of space with the hatch. Dont just get the ABS, get the ABS (Security)package and youll wind up with 8 air bags plus dual side and rear curtains.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By hidi - March 23 - 1:10 am

  I have had my Mazda wagon for a few months now and I LOVE it. I have never driven such a wonderful vehicle. It is sporty, fast, and very roomy. I have had no problems al all. No one in my family had ever owned a Mazda before and 2 have bought cars since. This car is wonderful for familys or even single people who like to haul or buy stuff.

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  So Good - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alex from WV - March 22 - 9:10 pm

  I love my mazda6. It is so fun to drive but yet it is comfortable. They had the grey which turned to have a periwinkle hint in it. Thats my only complaint. Besides that it is the best car I have ever had.

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  Great blend of performance and value - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By David Magee - March 22 - 7:42 am

  This SUV has the great road performance for the price range its in. The only SUVs that are better on the road are much more expensive. The comfort and technology are top of the line as well. Overall, a great car and a great value.

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  beautiful crap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mika11 - March 21 - 2:31 am

  This I feel is the most sexy looking car on the road BUT.....I put 3 starters in it in 2 years,the visors both split down the middle,various plastic parts broke without reason. I treat my cars like babies.Also,its true....if you are only driving 2 blocks and shut the car off,it wont restart. Trust me....buy an eclipse instead.

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  Nice little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3 fan - March 20 - 11:33 pm

  Only a month under the belt, but Im a fan of my new Mazda3i touring sedan. Fun to drive and comfortable. The back seat has enough room, but getting in and out is a bit of a challenge due to the sharp rake on the tops of the doors. The AT is responsive and solid, but I wish the extra gear was paired with the 2.0 and not just the 2.3. I just didnt feel the extra torque was worth the big drop in fuel economy. Once you move to the 2.3s, there are a lot of cars in the price range.

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  06 Mazda5 in Phantom Blue - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By PhantomBlue06 - March 20 - 6:03 pm

  A great car with few shortcomings that are easily offset by its long list of standard features. The car looks great on the outside. I did not even know that Mazda makes this model but it caught my eye in the display window as I was passing the dealership. I stopped by and checked out the car. Doors close with a solid thud. Seats are comfortable and fold and recline in may different ways. Full, three row side airbags, moonroof, fog lights, autostick tranny, and 6 cd changer. I had a strict budget to stick to and thought that the car would be too expensive. Imagine my shock when I got this car in TOURING EDITION and still paid under $22K. Drives great and turns on a dime. Excellent car value.

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  BMW Road Hugging at a Ford Price - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By RotaryRat - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I just hit 5000 miles on the car and it is still a blast to drive. This car has a firm and sporty suspension that makes winding roads fun to drive through. The engine is sufficient to provide a sporty feel yet provide good fuel economy at the same time. I am glad I waited to get the 2003 model with the factory perforated leather (less than $400 invoice price) because it really makes the whole car seem like it cost a lot more than it did. When I describe the vehicle to family and friends on the phone as a small economy car that I paid $15,800 for they are really surprised when they actually see it!

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  The best small minivan out there! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Saxoplay - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd MPV....first one was a 2000 model. I liked it a lot....my only complaint was the lack of power. So upon reading that the 2002 models would have a 3.0L engine, I decided to upgrade. The extra power and the powered sliding doors (I have small children how dont like closing doors when dropped off at school) were worth the upgrade.