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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  A settled, less exciting car - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Robert Weiss - February 19 - 7:55 pm

  Im comparing my gorgeous new 2016 MX-5 to my 2010 MX-5. It rides more comfortably at all speeds. It is way more forgiving of early up shifts or missing downshifts, its quieter and has much better electronics. On balance, its an easier car to drive, but sadly, less fun. The shifter throw seems to be longer and less snicky, the feeling of being on rails on the turns is decidedly less pronounced. There is nearly no interior storage, no glove box, nothing on the doors. And the useless oil pressure gauge has been replaced with an electronic shift indicator that also recommends which gear you should be in if you wanted to never exceed 2000 rpm.

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  Awesome Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Omar - February 19 - 7:00 pm

  This wagon has been reliable since day one. I have done the oil changes on a regular basis, the only big thing so far was a vacuum leak. Fun to drive, nice paint job. Surprised Ford and Mazda have done a good job on this car.

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  Easily the best sedan under $20k - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By TG - February 19 - 2:20 pm

  Drove a Mazda3 two years ago and my wife and I were blown away at the performance for the money. Our 14 year old Protege finally died and we considered the Rabbit and Mercury Milan. Drove the 3 again, and were struck again at the strong handling, decent torque, nice design, and safety features. This thing really handles well for an inexpensive front wheel drive car. If you dont want to spend the money for a 3 series, G Sedan, or even a Jetta GLI, the 3 provides a great fix. We took the sunroof package and the striking Phantom Blue color--which looks nothing like the web photo. Hopefully it will age well, because were keepin this baby!

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  gas tank leaking & rust - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By fuel tamk leaking - February 19 - 7:43 am

  This car Just over 5 years old, the gas tank was leaking, cost me $1400 to replace the pump, gas tank and etc. Complained to Mazda company, but they did not care. I will not buy any Mazda again. The Mazda company cut too much cost to build this Protege, not only the rust on the gas tank, but also other areas. I make a big mistake to buy this mazda protege. Gas tank leaking is a safety issue!! I can accept other problems, but not gas tank.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By r85david - February 18 - 4:11 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 3 2.3 Automatic since 2006 at 14,000 miles. It actually has a rebuilt title so it was cheap. I now have 162,000 miles on it!!! original engine, transmission, ETC. Only have done regular maintenance mostly myself. changed oil to synthetic when purchased, change every 5,000 miles. Still running like a Champ! I will drive this car until the wheels literally fall off!! This is also the base model, roll down windows, no cruise control, manual seats ETC, may have something to do with not having any electrical issues at all.

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  Loved this Van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By rose74 - February 18 - 3:59 am

  I never had much wrong with my mazda mpv. I drove it for almost 8 yrs. It only had alittle over 100,000 miles on it. I replaced all my coil packs, vacum hose, and brakes. it ran as smoothe as it did the day I bought it. I was in an accident and they totaled it. I looked for another one but none close to me. I like my other van now but miss my Mazda Alot.

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  Most fun you can have on 4 wheels - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By howieb - February 17 - 6:53 pm

  Fun, fun, fun. The most fun car I have driven. Tested the 350Z, BMW, Altima, Accord, this is the best. And affordable! It is a 3rd car in the family with a truck and a sedan, so we could get away with a 2 seater. If you buy it it will make you smile, I keep looking for reasons to drive

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  RX-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Al - February 17 - 2:23 pm

  A beautifully executed design. It looks like no other car on the road. Its handling and engine note border on the exotic at the price of a well equiped Camry. Very competent as a daily driver with the comfortable cabin and nifty rear "suicide" doors. Cross shopped several cars (G35, 350Z, Magnum R/T). Interior build quality head and shoulders above 350Z and Magnum, better than G35. Not quite Audi, but very good. Love the invisible features like aluminum body panels (they sing when you rinse it off), 50/50 weight distribution, etc. Great price too.

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  My New MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By lphillips - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I went from an Audi A4 to a loaded MPV. So far Im happy. Vehicle handles great and has a very versatile interior. So far, the dealer has been great.Since IOve only had the MPV about a month, I will report again in 6 months to see if I am still happy.Looked at the Odyssey. It was too big and the dealers too greedy.

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  From M3 to Minivan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By typhoon - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Sold the M3 for a Forester for a minivan. Test drove the Honda, and it was 2nd best - the handling wasnt as good. The extra size of the Honda wasnt appealing to a family of 3. Regarding the 3yr/30K warranty, "Honda doesnt need a good warranty to sell it" was the dealer response. Laughable. Heres our take so far on the MPV. Handling is excellent. AC is excellent. The stereo is also very good. There is NO rotten egg smell (they must have fixed that. You can feel the bumps (reminds me of the M3), but more so in the back (where I never am!). Liked the 3rd row conversion options. The engine power is OK (we tow a sailboat).