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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  no zoom zoom - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Golfbum - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my van used and have had it for about 1 yr now. van is ok but my wife would like it to have the power slide doors and little stonger engine. My advice buy a Honda if you got the money and can find one, if not make the mazda your second choice

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  Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By broeli - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Real nice overall car, but needs a little more horsepower.

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  1999 MX-5 - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Reggo3636 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! I would buy another anyday! The car handles great and for a 4 cylinder puts out alot of power!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rocketmancpa - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Tribute about five months ago I am impressed. We drove it on a 7 hour trip recently and found it to be the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The power, roominess, comfort, and reliability is awesome.

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  An Outstanding Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By selmeralto - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had two RX-7s and thought they were both terrific. I had very high expectations for the RX-8. The expectations were exceeded. This is an outstanding car.

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  The best ever owned in areal sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MOHAMED OMRAN - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Its my best experience of buying a sports car ever. Its fast, Powerfull, and it has unique driving experience that makes it one of akind. Everything in that car was designed to fit perfectly under one roof. I compare it to a ferrari or something like that.The body style is very hot,its an eye, head, body, and soul turner

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  Fun to drive. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By RI - February 25 - 2:00 am

  V6 is one of the smoothest engines. The manually tranny is a perfect match and the shifts are nice and short.

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  2001 626LX - 2001 Mazda 626
  By bogeyman - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda has 45K miles. No problems. It has the standard 4 cylinder motor. Plenty of power for town and interstate driving. Styling is a little dated, but so am I. Comfort is pretty good, except for drivers arm rest. I do not like the ignition key...it it very long and jabs my side during the day while it is in my pocket. I change my own oil. This is one of the hardest vehicles to change the oil on(the filter is super small and in a hard place to reach). Most of the time I go to Jiffy Lube instead. I have owned 4 Honda Accords in the past. This auto is as good overall as a Honda, and a little bit cheaper to purchase. Defects have been zero so far.

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  Hubby has the last laugh . . . - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By TReegs - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to the P5 from the first moment I saw it. Prior to that, I had a Matrix in mind.On the road its obvious The P5 is a superior looking automobile. The P5 was the smartest choice we could have made. Loaded with options & priced lower than anything in itsclass.I found the ride was strange at first, because I was used to a more plush ride in our Concorde LXI (o.k.-my wifes car) Also, because I had never owned a Mazda before. Now I look forward to hopping in every morning and zipping to work. My wife is equally impressed & has asked me if I want to switch off and take the Chrysler some days. I have to keep myself from giggling, "thats okay honey, Ill take the Mazda . . .

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  BEST, AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By trexy2 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV in style and performance...Choose the es-v6 4wd!!!