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:

• 

  Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ldymacbeth89 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Ok, so Ive only had my 3 for a few days - I admit to being biased. But I traded in my 96 Protege for it and have no regrets. It is soooo much peppier and more fun to drive! This is the first car Ive ever driven that has made me understand adjectives like "nimble" and "agile" when applied to cars. And this might seem like a small thing, but it just seems so solid - I feel very safe and secure driving it. Only complaint is that the cloth interior choices arent all that attractive, but leather is almost $600 extra. Otherwise, Im loving this car!

• 

  The Most Creative Thing on Wheels - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By All mine! - February 15 - 12:53 am

  I became most interested in the Mazda5 when I found out a five speed was available. I cant believe how many features are standard in this vehicle.

• 

  Fun on a shoestring budget - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rangermutt - February 14 - 1:46 pm

  My wife has wanted a convertible for years so I wait until we moved from California to Iowa to get her one. Go figure. Actually, I drive it as a daily driver and except for a couple of big snowstorms it has served me well. My wife does get to drive it occasionally and we cannot wait for warm weather. My 16 year old daughter wants to learn how to drive a manual tranny so there will be some bonding (and praying) going on. Most fun car I have ever owned bar none! I have already gotten sideways on some corners.

• 

  Most fun you can have on 4 wheels - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By howieb2000 - February 14 - 10:36 am

  I only have it for 100 miles, but I have been looking for reasons to get behind the wheeil. I researched many cars, Accord, Altima, BMW, 350Z and this is by far the most fun and best value.

• 

  No regrets! Love this car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TM - February 14 - 9:10 am

  After much research, I bought a Mazda3 hatch, LOVE it, decided to write a review since reviews helped me pick the 3. Comfortable ride, though can hear/feel road more than in some cars. 28mpg mixed driving, 36mpg highway on a recent 1,300 mile trip. Engine labored a bit going thru mountains, cruise control liked to rev 5mph at top of hils. Cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel are great! Some reviews complain about the A/C--comfortable for the front seat, airflow to rear not as good but tolerable. (Change cabin air filter since this keeps the A/C at peak performance.) Nice hatch for extra cargo. Super compromise for a racecar--sporty performance/handling, fun to drive!

• 

  Barbs car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By barb - February 14 - 3:56 am

  Ive driven Tributes for almost 8 years. This is my 3rd one. They are great; peppy; fun to drive.

• 

  The wow in zoom!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By The WOW in ZOOM!!! - February 13 - 6:23 pm

  When I started to research this car, I had no idea how awesome this car was. It looks like a very, very expensive car a la Lexus or BMW. I get wows all the time, and when my friends and family looked at the interior they where all impressed. This car really zooms, and looks great doing it. If you want a car that looks and feels very luxurious, than this is the car!

• 

  Yahooooooooooooo - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RoadsterRandy - February 13 - 12:56 pm

  This car is a riot to drive. Quick, agile, fun! Shifts in the manual 6 speed are short and neat.

• 

  Finally A Spriting Affordable Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JJ - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Absolute blast to drive and I get comments often on how good looking it is. The downside its not as well built as our 2001 Honda Civic. The protege5 has more annoyances at 2,000 miles than our Civic at 13,000 (these include windows that go up an down at different rates, some squeaks and rattles, and the drivers side window makes some weird sound.) The engine is adequate with lots of lower end torque, but kinda fights revving in the higher rpms. I just think its first year quirks thatll hopefully be addressed.

• 

  Finally A Spriting Affordable Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jj - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Absolute blast to drive and I get comments often on how good looking it is. The downside its not as well built as our 2001 Honda Civic. The protege5 has more annoyances at 2,000 miles than our Civic at 13,000 (these include windows that go up an down at different rates, some squeaks and rattles, and the drivers side window makes some weird sound.) The engine is adequate with lots of lower end torque, but kinda fights revving in the higher rpms. I just think its first year quirks thatll hopefully be addressed.