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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  Nice economy sedan. - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By gatodelsol - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Look no further if you want a simple, more-bang-for-your-buck economy sedan. I couldnt believe how well the 4-door Protege DX compared to the Nissan Sentra, Chevy Prizm, Saturn SL2, Toyota Corolla, and- its main nemesis- the Honda Civic. The DX may be the plain Jane of the Protege stable, but she is still a beauty of the first magnitude. I would buy another Protege in a minute.

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  Fun Mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By blackfox - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Just took a Trip 700 Miles got 24 MPG as advertised. Car is fun to drive and very comfortable.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JRose - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive it

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  Possibly the best car I ever owned!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zooming in TN - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Velocity Red 3 for about 3 weeks now and I couldnt be happier. I have owned Hondas for the past 10 years, but just got bored with the unimpressive styling. This car is so much fun to drive and I really havent noticed too much loss of power from a V6 to a 4-cyclinder, or maybe its because I like this car too much to care!

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  nice little car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lumpy - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Im very pleased with the purchace of this vehicle. Very solidly built little car. the only concerns Im having with it is 1) A/C is very weak. 2) passengers side front window makes loud pop noise when window is raised to top just as its closing. 3) rear wheel brake dust is very bad.

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  Best sports car for the money! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joe Hone - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports car in the world for the money. The handling is fantastic.

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  Great Car for the money - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Robert - June 13 - 5:40 am

  We considered the Sienna and Caravan but found this was best deal for the money. We purchased our MPV in November after the birth of our second child. It is very easy to get the kids into and out of the car. My wife says it has changed her whole opinion on minivans and we are now considering buying a second one for her to replace her luxury sedan. We have only found one drawback I have the 17 inch tires and recently had a blowout due to road debris and was shocked when it cost me $160 to replace and I had to wait a week because the tire was special order, ouch!

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  zoom, zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By REVBOO36 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  What sold me on this car was the acceleration and the comfort. Its only been 5 mo., but Im really liking it. The trunk space is incredible! The stereo isnt bad, either. I really like the body design. The chrome on the front is very stylish.

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  Former Loyal Honda Owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeTD - June 10 - 10:00 am

  After owning Civics, Accords and Odesseys I thought Id never own anything else. The Mazda 6 caught my eye after Hondas disappointing make over. Once I drove the Mazda 6 I felt like I was driving a true sports sedan that is truely a fun car to own. To anyone considering another or their first Honda, dont let the Mazda name fool you anymore. Mazda is now a car as good as, if not better than any car in its class. I cant say enough about its stand out curb apeal, its an eye catcher that is not like all the others. My advice is test drive it and I bet you buy it.

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  Best Car I ever Owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jcc - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas and VWs. This Mazda 6S fully loaded with shiftronic is the best car Ive ever owned. It is extremely stylish, roomy, fun to drive, comfortable and quick. Love the sound of the dual pipes with the manual auto shifting. Bravo Mazda!