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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  My First Mazda, And Loving It - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jennifer - January 20 - 2:06 pm

  When looking for a brand new car during fall of 2004 after selling my modified 97 Civic, I test-drove many different cars. Three factors were important to me. First, the price. Second, the performance and reputation for reliabilty. Third, how much i was attracted to not only the exterior, but the interior. The Corolla-S, Sentra-SER,Saturn Ion,Mitsubishi Lancer,Chevy,Ford,Honda,Hyundai and Kia models did not satisfy all three factors for me. When I test-drove the 2004 Mazda3S, not only did it cover all three bases,it was the only car that made me smile. It was also the first time that i sat in a Mazda, and I was in love. Beautiful inside, gorgeous outside, and a kick-ass motor.Very responsive

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  Great Van (desert sand w/GFX) - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By MPV Owner - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Our previous van was a 93 Quest GXE so I am very comfortable with the size of the MPV. The power is excellent (climbing mountains is a breeze. I love the vehicle: great looks, size, handling, power and features. Hate the shift lever. The blower for the rear air could be stronger but if cools nicely (but a little slowly). I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. We wanted a 2003, but they dumped the luxury package but we were able to find an 02 with the luxury and GFX packages. The GFX package makes a huge difference in the appearance.

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  Great Car. Ill buy another! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By AlanY - January 20 - 10:00 am

  No problems with the car at all! Handles tight, and gets lots of great comments.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By alloway70 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  After reading some of the less than steller reviews...I havent had one problem with my car which is now approaching 2 years old. It has been a great car on long and short trips. I can always use more power, but the car performs quite well and better than other comparible cars. The best thing about the car is that all the "clones" drive hondas and toyotas and I have something more distinctive. Ive had my car modified and even the mechanic (who normally modifies hondas) said he didnt realize the Proteges interior was so nice. Take that honda.

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  MAZDA MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By VINNY G - January 20 - 10:00 am

  VERY HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE-TRADED IN A 99 WINDSTAR WHICH WAS NOTHING BUT PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. SO FAR AFTER 18,000 MILES HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AND EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THE HANDLING, FIT AND FINISH AND OVERAL RELIABILITY AND GENERAL BUILD QUALITY. WOULD DEFINATELY RECOMMEND THIS VAN AND WOULD NEVER PURCHASE A FORD PRODUCT AGAIN!!!!!

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  Another dud from Mazda? - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By smpc12580 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 750+ miles driven on this car. My Observations are: 1. Poor gas mileage. Between 14 & 16 in city driving. And I drive like granny! 2. Some interior elements do not keep up with the price tag. Too much plastic used on the interior. 3. Extremely fun to drive. 4. Engine sound is unique; however, cruising its silent like a good night of sleep. 5. Above average acceleration.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By J.R - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my RX8 and its still the first Ive seen in California...Face it the car turns heads! Other than the lower that advertised HP I have no complaints about the car.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lacey - January 20 - 8:10 am

  I love the 06 Mazda 3! I have been reviewing lots of info and many other reviews on this car. They have helped me out so much! In the 05 model, many complained about the bad A/C. It HAS been corrected. That was my main worry and now its so cold itll freeze you out ... and Im from Texas so that is mandatory! The new models also feature an outside temp gauge which the 05s did not. Overall this is a great car. I love it.

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  10 months and 11K miles - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By emeraldo - January 19 - 3:35 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Ive owned Acuras, VWs and Toyotas. This car is hands down the most comfortable and fun to drive of all these cars. Also gets the best mileage, a really remarkable event in a car this size. 29mpg 60% hwy, 40% cty. We are all aware that the 6 does not have the largest nor highest res nav screen. Those who need a large nav screen so they can pay less attention to the road have many choices. I prefer something simpler and have found the 6s easy to use, with excellent turn-by-turn in particular. If you want a car with two meaningless chrome rings in a loopy center stack, and a geriatric speedometer, Id certainly recommend an Accord.

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  2000 Mazda Protege - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Monica - January 19 - 2:46 pm

  The only maintenance I have had to have on this vehicle were a recall and routine maintenance. The recall was an oxygen sensor on the emissions system, and before that was replaced, I had to take it in a lot. However, it was covered under the warranty. The Mazda CD player has a mind of its own, though and is very finicky about what it plays.