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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  Groovy car! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Loblolly - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I wish the car were somewhat more quiet..rough roads make it noisy inside.

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  ZOOMZOOM5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Daddy Mac - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The first day I saw this car I feel in love. The exterior styling looks like somebody gave it a showroom look! The interior is great with leather! The performance is excellent. Overall very happy with the purchase. I highly recommend this car to everyone.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By LCD - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Its fun to drive and good looking too. Comfortable and easy to handle. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Zoom Zoom in a Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By No Kid Van Driver - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was wowed by this van when I first saw it on the showroom floor (Actually bought the showroom floor model) My wife really wanted a Jeep Grand Cherokee but this Van was fully loaded with Leather, CD, AIR, Power Moonroof, 7 passenger seating, and great lookgs - the Jeep was the stock model with no upgrades for the same price - I won and it is my car. I love driving it - all my friends are amazed since we do not have kids yet. As for power as I have seen here - Mine gets up and goes with the 2.5 engine - even with a full compliment of passengers. I Just wished I waited a month to buy as they offered the Free TV the following month.

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  Oustanding Vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tazabe - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our MPV online through Carsdirect.com which was itself a 5- star experience. Mazda was offering 0% financing at the time which sealed the deal for us, but we really liked the overall package Mazda offers with the MPV. We researched several mini-vans before deciding on the MPV. The only real concern we had with the MPV was the interior room, but Mazda did an incredible job with their design. We estimate we saved at least $5000 by avoiding the popular Honda Oddysey and we really believe we found the best value all thing considered.

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  a great car all the way around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By connorsdad - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car- great handling, nice appearance. every option except Nav so lots of toys inside and out. Gas mileage is disappointing though it seems to be getting better with mileage. All around awesome car.

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  This aint your Fathers Protege - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By eriescott - June 27 - 2:00 am

  NOT like any entry level car you have ever driven. No other car comes close...@ $18,000 loaded this car is a steal. Many cars look the part...but this one delivers looks and performance. Mazda has hit a home run!

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shawn - June 26 - 10:23 am

  I got my three in Jan of 2007 and it has been a great car in in the past three years I havent had any issues with the car I would buy another any day.

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  happy diva - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By qtqueen2 - June 25 - 2:26 pm

  I love everything about this car! It is fun to drive, and sporty too. I like its performance. I couldnt have asked for a better car for the money.

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  Mazda RX8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By mablest - June 25 - 1:46 pm

  I wanted an RX7 my entire life so when they came back out with the 8 I was quick to snatch one up. I didnt test drive any other sports cars, I just purchased an RX8. I find that it doesnt have the pick up that the RX7 had but its still fun to drive and the fact that I can haul my children around and still have a sports car is just icing on the cake!