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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  True Roadster - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bnation - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Wife and I both love this car. We take it out for rides just to enjoy it. Havent done that since I first started driving. Handles like a dream on the mountain roads and doesnt feel like your killing it on the interstate.

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  masons review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mason mugnolo - December 2 - 2:00 am

  i just LOVE this car... its perfect for me!

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  Weak Attempt - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By btucker22 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an RX-8 fully anticipating a real sports car. little did i know that not to long after i took delivery, my car lost horsepower, what was once quoted as a 5.9 0-60 car is now a 7.2 0- 60 as tested by mazdaspeed. Very dissapointed.

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  Riding in a dream! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AnthonyC - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The title says it all. From the moment I thought of buying one, I kept dreaming of what it would be like to drive behind the wheel of a red, with black/red interior RX8. The answer, its a dream.

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  My 2007 sGT Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kelly - December 1 - 10:56 pm

  So far the car has been wonderful. Handling is magnificent, very little body lean, the car sticks right to the road in cornering. The traction control is great in the rain on wet roads. Road noise is a little loud compared to other cars Ive had, especially on the highways, but not a major problem for me. Overall, I think its a fun little car to drive. So far, its a keeper.

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  I will miss my Millenia.... maybe??? - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Cherie - December 1 - 10:36 pm

  I have owned my 00 Millenia for over 3 years now and it has been an AWESOME car to own. Fun to drive, all around good quality and excellent reliability. However, I have to give it up because of the poor gas mileage (22-24mpg city.) Trading it in on a VW Jetta TDI (38-40mpg city.) Also, my husband finds the seats extremely uncomfortable.

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  2 issues over the last 7 years - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By just1mnbound - December 1 - 4:08 pm

  I bought my CX-7 new. Only issues have been the check engine light (faulty gas cap from Mazda. The cap wasnt creating a proper seal), and now at 74,563 miles later the turbo is leaking oil (reported issue with the CX-7). Lucky for me I bought the extended warranty for up to 75,000. Its in the shop right now and feel lucky! But other than those two problems, I really like the car. Nice design and value for the price. I have the CX-7 Touring fully loaded.

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  Nice but not for me..... - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By pure_hp - December 1 - 4:07 am

  I purchased the Sport hatchback, automatic. I love the bluetooth and the way it drives, lots of fun. Unfortunately, the wheel doesnt telescope out far enough for me without me being on top of the steering wheel, Im 61. Because of this, the window switches are too far up the door handle; Im constantly letting the rear windows down.

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  Review # 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Review # 3 - November 30 - 2:46 pm

  Its been almost two years and 28000 miles and still going strong. The weight distribution provides excellent steering and braking response but the biggest weakness is the front wheel drive traction. I would like to see "high profile" MAZDA5s with all wheel drive, choices of six speed manual or continously variable automatic transmissions and lower final drive ratios for hilly and/or snowy states. Nothing else is like the MAZDA5 and these features whould make a good car a great car.

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  Over-Hyped - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zack Harmon - November 29 - 11:23 am

  These vehicles are not well-made. My paint on the hood and whole front clip is chipping off whenever anything hits it from a bug to a grain of sand. The gearshift knob spins. The tilt/telescope wheel doesnt stay where you set it. It is very hard for me (5-10" and 205 lbs) to get comfortable. There is no ergonomic way to use the armrest while you drive. It is really loud in terms of road noise transmitted up into the car. Now there is a shake in the front end at highway speed. It is simply an over-rated piece of junk. I hate this car more than any other I have ever had. It has 7,000 miles on it, I can only imagine how bad it will be at 20,000.