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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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By pitcrew55 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful quality and very practical....

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  My First "NEW" Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MattLeeGee - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Loved it at first site, test drove a automatic and signed the papers 10 mins later for a 5speed and all the options (except navi) I have never owned a new car but fully loaded for a little over $20k seems right for how fun this car is, i also bought a 100K warrenty. It made me broke but its better then owning a older car!

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  first time Mazda owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By proudmazda - October 27 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of research, we bought our first Mazda. A sepang green metallic Mazda 6 with the sport package. After taking it on the first long weekend trip, we are amazed at the excellent gas mileage it got. We were concerned about pick up being that it was a V4, but our worries were put to rest. We traveled on heavy traffic highways, and passed any vehicle with ease. There were many times we caught ourselves going 80 without even realizing it, that is how smooth and powerful the ride was. We would recommend this vehicle to anyone, without hesitation, and that is what we didnt have with this Mazda 6 ......hesitation :) zoom - zoom

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sthnbelle - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 5-door Mazda6 two weeks ago and am very pleased with it. Mine has the optional sunroof w/visor, Bose sound system, security package, and side airbags. It is very sporty looking and has enough room for five average-sized people to fit comfortably. The 5-door even has enough room to fit a months worth of groceries when the back seats are folded down. The Bose sound system provides excellent sound quality. I feel that this car is a great value for the price.

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  Mazda 3, 5 door 2.3 liter - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Thom - October 26 - 12:33 am

  We have owned for approximately 1 year and have had no trouble with it at all. We traded from a large SUV to this car and my wife loves it. Mileage is obviously much better. She loves handling and fun factor. SUV was larger and I thought safer, but in truth Montero SUV would have possibly rolled in emergency situation. This car handles like a slot car and I think would be safer under an unexpected situation and my wife could avoid a potential accident.

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  Just Purchased 2007 MX-5 PRHT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ntouched - October 25 - 12:56 pm

  Excellent in every way. Comfortable, quick and fun to drive. Beautiful Car!

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  MY NEW TOY! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By J. G. - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After driving a 626 for 8 years and evaluating other cars for quite some time I finally decided to buy the Millenia. It is a well built near luxury car with lot of standard options only found on the competition as extras, great value for the money. Drive beautifully making you feel like a million dollar, it makes a lot of heads turn.

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  Fun! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MiataOwnerSince93 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding handling and fun.

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  too soon to say anything - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By new mazda owner - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Just got a silver with auto. I test drove the following: 1. rodeo 2. focus 3. cavalier 4. hyundai sonata 5. hyundai elantra 6. protege 7. camry 8. corolla 9. altima 10.honda accord 11.honda civic and liked altima(wow wow wowo, too bad they had no summer incentive) and corolla has created a lot of space. I have a old corolla already. So, I bought protege (0% apr and 500 college rebate) and no such deal on altima. The car handles great, but the ride is very rough compared to my corolla (which is smooth at least on windless days). Other than that, this is great looking car and fun and very well styled. It is quite underpowered.

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  Perfect - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By rwantin - October 25 - 10:00 am

  If theres another vehicle that looks this good, is this much fun to drive, as reliable, economical, or useful at this price I have yet to see it. Its no wonder it won that Car and Driver comparison test in the 6/02 issue.