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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  Love it. - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By mazdalove - January 6 - 9:50 am

  Ive been with this car for 10 years. My parents bought it brand new and now its been in my ownership for a year now. Its been 10 years, and it is a great car. Its reliable and totally affordable. Fuel economy is great for the age of the car and it makes a great family car too. All in all, it is a nice car :)

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  3 years of cross country driving - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ellenmagellen - January 5 - 10:43 am

  Where should I begin? I think Ive truly put my 2005 mazda3 hatchback to the test. Im now 24 and Ive put exactly 50,000 miles on my hatchie since 1-2006 packing up my life and somehow managing to get every box, bag and loose item into the back all 9 times; yes, Ive lived a crazy past 3.5 years and yes I dont own any furniture hah and yes, this car is magical! I cant complain a second about my Mazda so far, have had no problems. Ive kept up on my oil changes, got new tires last summer, and here I will now mention that Ive put my hatchie through 3 brutal Michigan and Minnesota winters and the baby is still as good as new. I recommend the heck out of this car!

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  Best car in the segment. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By KoryME - January 4 - 6:43 pm

  Test drove the Civic, Carolla, Sentra, and Forte. Forte was a close second. Mazda3 had the best performance, design (our opinion), features, and overall build quality. The performance was the biggest deciding point. Driving a Civic after a Mazda3 was like night and day. The engine, transmission, steering, and suspension work very well together to provide a comfortable but fun ride. Weve been getting 35mpg on the highway with the larger 2.5L engine and 5 speed automatic. If you are shopping in this segment I would HIGHLY recommend test driving a 3. You might be surprised at how this car stands out from the other appliances on the road.

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  1 1/2 Years later and still loving it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christina - January 4 - 5:50 pm

  This is my first car. As soon as I saw it, I fell in love with it. I test drove it and bought it the same day (Jan 2004). Since I was one of the first to have it, I had people everywhere stopping to admire it ask me what kind of car it was. Even my fiance, who drives a 2002 Audi A4 is impressed with it. It looks small from the outside, but I recently moved most of the boxes from my apartment to a new house in one trip! Its a fun drive, and feels very much like a German car built by the Japanese.

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  The funnest car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NW Redhead - January 3 - 8:30 pm

  This car rocks! Purchased it new as a 30th b-day present to myself and have no regrets. My first car was a 79 RX7 and then I had a 91 MR2 and this RX8 blows them both out of the water. It corners like a dream and the acceleration onto the fwy gives me a smile everytime. Ive had it up to 140 mph and it had room for more - I just chickened out. I get looks and comments on it all the time. Its such a unique looking car. The 4 door aspect is really only good for lower insurance although the backseats are surprisingly roomy. No engine probs at all. Not good in the snow so luckily I have the luxury of garaging it for the winter and driving a beater 4x4. Gas mileage is a consistent 20.

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  Classy Sassy - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Susan Shardlow Shardlow - January 3 - 2:14 pm

  Excellent vehicle - in great condition.

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  My little red Truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By dearlaurie - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck for me. I am a single mom, and own a small farm, so I need the convenience along with the great style and comfort.

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  Awsome - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Shirley928976 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  The Best Car Ever!!!!!!

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  The Beast - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PA zoomer - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned. Styling is great but the handling and sheer fun of driniing is the key to Zoom! HAve seen people walk into cars trying to figure what it is. Seats hold you in place to the max and it is great on the interstate. Drop from 6th a couple gears and kick in and the fun begins, even if you can watch the gas gauge fall as you do. At over $2 a gallon not fun filling up, but if you cant afford the gas, dont buy the car. Destined to be one of the great ones.

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  Wonderful - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tangyterp83 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. The sporty design is very young and zippy. The car definatley has some speed on it for a 4cyl. Gas mileage is not as good as I would have expected.