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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  Best Miata Ever - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By FL_owner - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I cant imagine more fun for the money, and the hard top is a nice feature. Its not an SC430 or an SLK, but if you want a classic roadster in the vein of an MG or Fiat Spyder with rock solid reliability and low cost of ownership, along with some measure of practicality like a usable trunk and excellent fuel economy, theres simply no better car on the market.

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  My 3rd and easily best MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mike - September 21 - 5:53 am

  Ive owned a 96, 99 and now an 06 MX-5. This is without a doubt the best of the three. Traded in my year-young Mazda 6s after just one test drive. The most marked improvements are the increased power, more muscular exterior and superb interior quality. Flicking through the short-throw 6-speed MT is addicting. The engine is much more willing with the increased HP. It now actually feels fast. The previous MX-5 always sounded like it was working really hard, but not producing much in the way of acceleration. That has changed with this model. Hopefully reliability will be as good as the previous models. A fantastic car.

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  Zoom Zoom! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ML - September 20 - 2:40 am

  This is the 3rd Mazda I have owned, and although its only been a few weeks so far I doubt that Ill have any regrets. I compared the 3 to all its competition VERY closely before buying, and the Mazda was just plain more fun to drive. Most cars in this class have similar features (see Corolla, Civic, etc.) but if you are going to fork out THOUSANDS of dollars for a car you might as well get something thats actually FUN to drive too! Before this car I had an 08 Pontiac G5, and I never really liked it. Right from the start it just had WAY too many issues. (I bought a "NEW" car to DRIVE it, not to make repeated trips back to the dealer for "warranty" repairs!) Sorry GM, but Im done. ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Excited !!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rf1311 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  After several months of research, I finally purchased my RX-8. I love the automatic because of the "manual" option. I think it is so cool to be able to change gears on the steering wheel. Its like a video game. I have one baby and the car seat fits perfectly in the backseat. If you are thinking about it, just go buy it. You wont regret it.

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  Mazda 3 s5 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By legally insane - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Mazda3 s5 to replace a 98 Jetta GLX. Like the versatility of the 5 door and the performance of the 2.3 engine. My wife liked it so much she traded her 2000 Jetta in on a 3i!

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  Best car ever! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By veester - September 19 - 11:05 am

  I bought this car brand new 8 years ago and I can honestly say it has been the best car Ive ever owned! Thus far the only things weve had to change on it have been the brakes and of course the tires. Anyway, great first time car for anyone! I will be trading up soon for a small SUV.

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  Still A "GLC" - Great Little Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By caneshooter - September 18 - 10:00 am

  No hype here, just the facts. Just passed the 3 year mark on ownership of this car. At 77k miles, besides oil changes and new tires, my first repair was a month ago, and that was just new front brakes. I think that speaks for itself. Ive also owned a GLC and 323 in the past.

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  Definately a pleaser in its class. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Sonata - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Over a great car. What sold me on the car was the handling. I couldnt lose control on a curve if I tried. It was amazing! This was my first 4 cyl car so the 2.0 was adequate but with a few passengers it becomes a bit sluggish. Otherwise a very responsive and enjoyable to drive. I commute 250 miles per day and always get at leat 2 miles to the gallon of gas. Even at elevated speed levels ;)

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  MP5 Rules - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ominous1121 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Fast, fun to drive car. Real zoom zoom for the money. Very stable, rigid, manual transmition is superior. Supention has no competition.

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  I got the skyactiv mazda3! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By caloyski - September 18 - 5:16 am

  I love the new skyblue for skyactiv---a real standout from the silver, white & black cars you see on the road. I considered the new elantra, it was a sleek car and gets great mpg like the 3, but I was still biased towards the reliability of japanese cars. And the civic & corolla looked so plain---they were everywhere. I have read some user reviews here about the sound they hear from the engine is a problem. When not used to something, it doesnt neccessarily mean its broken. It has a new engine, so dont exepct old school appeal. It may make more noise to warm it up than a standard gas engine, but after that its great. I tried the new impreza w/ cvt, the sound was weird but not broken.