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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  Great ride - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By a_clemons - December 6 - 4:40 am

  Very dependable and capable car. Great on trips: plenty of hauling space for our small family and plenty of room for stuff and/or large dogs. Gets excellent mileage if you dont exceed the speed limit. High (but bearable) wind noise at highway speeds. Drives like a car. Easy to park.

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  Good Car for What I Paid - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By allister - December 5 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car used at CarMax. It has 36K and is a good deal at $12,500 with all the extras including ABS. This is the first non-Honda Ive driven in 10 years. I am having to get used to the poor gas mileage compared to my Hondas 30+ MPG. City driving I get anywhere between 23-27.5 if I drive like grandpa. I like the roominess. I wish it had a better stereo. Also a lot of squeeks and noises from the front dash and doors. I read other reviews and this seems like the norm. The deal I got I cant complain. I wish for better mileage. Otherwise happy so far.

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  Sooooo Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mary C - December 5 - 11:06 am

  This is the most fun I have ever had in a car. Its superior handling and sexy lines make this vehicle unique ride. I bought mine fully loaded minus the navigator and I have fallen in love. I Love my RX8.

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  Experiment in Beauty - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Stenn - December 5 - 8:03 am

  As much as I love my 6-speed Shinka, Id have to admit its more an academic exercise in engineering and beauty, a "proof-of-concept" of the rotary engine, than a practical 21st century car. In this age of drying-up oil supplies and soaring fuel-cost, the gas-mileage on this work of art will "kill" you. Im getting 14MPG no matter how careful I am, while my old, heavy, automatic 95 Nissan Pathfinder regularly gets 17MPG, go figure! Just driving normally ends up with 14mpg. Ive only seen one owner-review that says he accomplishes the advertised 24/18, and Id REALLY like to know how!

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  Fun little car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdamazda3 - December 4 - 6:56 pm

  I was initially looking at the Mazda 6. The salesman at the dealership found out exactly what I was looking for in a vehicle and suggested the Mazda 3 instead. I test drove both and have to say the Mazda 3 was much more funner albeit smaller but for what I need it was perfect. I have had a BMW 3 series a few years back and I would have to say it handles just as well as that vehicle for half the price. Its got a lot of pep for a small engine and actually looks very nice. I am very happy with my purchase

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  Great car recommend to all - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mymazda3 - December 4 - 1:15 am

  I have this car for a little over a year and it has been a great car. My previous car was a 99 Honda Accord and this has alot more power and handles a lot better. everything is still running like new. One of my biggest gripes is that the original tires burned out extremely fast. Around 20K. It has plenty of power for passing and get up to the top speed, well the limiter. The shfit gear has loosen up a bit over the 28k I have had it but still good.. Love that all i have to do is change the oil which is great for a college student minus the tire issue. It scratches easily by the under the door handle.

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  Not quite Zoom Zoom... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By datdude - December 2 - 5:03 pm

  Owned my 2005 Mazda6s Sport with 6 speed automatic for about a year. My reason for not giving higher marks in performance and "fun to drive" is due to the poor throttle response - delay when the accelerator is aggressively pushed. This is one of Mazdas early attempts at an electronic throttle (i.e. driver doesnt have a mechanic connection with the throttle; the computer senses the throttle input of the drivers foot and then opens the throttle accordingly). I did take it to the dealership and received the computer software fix which improved the response somewhat; however, the existence of this fix is Mazdas acknowledgment of the problem.

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  My CX-7 GT - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By pedromatic - December 2 - 1:06 pm

  My only complaint is the momentary lag when accelerating. After the lag, it takes off like a bat. The premium fuel requirement hurts at the pump, but its fun to drive.

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  6S w/ 5M - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MASL - December 2 - 2:00 am

  1 week old. Interior is a little cheap. Handling & acceleration are great. $19700 delivered including 5% sales tax.

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  ZOOMZOOM_18 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ZOOMZOOMALLDAY - December 2 - 2:00 am

  HAD THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS NOW. LOVE THE SERVICE I RECEIVED,NO FUSS NO HASSLE. THE CAR HANDLES AND PERFORMS GREAT FOR A 4 BANGER! I LOVE THE EXTERIOR/INTERIOR. THE LEATHER IS COOL AND 6 DISK CHANGER ROCKS! I GOT A GREAT DEAL FOR ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES.