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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  Awesome Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By colts#1 - November 14 - 3:43 pm

  I love this car. It is a lot of car for the money. It handles very well and looks more expensive than it is. It has adequate pep when needed and is good on gas. Inside it is more than roomy enough and the stereo and cruise controls on the steering wheel are very convenient. I highly recommend this car if you are on a budget, but still want to drive in a classy, sporty car.

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  Boxter to wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By C. Rooney - November 14 - 12:56 am

  Selling my Boxter was a very hard thing to do, but, I needed more room for my business. I hate SUVs and still wanted a sporty fast car. A wagon was the obvious choice. I drove them all. The only other car I considered was an Audi, but the A4 was too small and the A6 too much money and impossible to find without an automatic. The "Six" has a great smooth 5 speed, a strong v6 and comfortable interior. Mine is fully loaded and a great value for $28K! I love the cargo cover and standard pull-up cargo (dog) screen. The center console is also great, tons of storage and looks great at night. Kudos to Mazda for leaving out the "fake wood" and designing a classy original dash.

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  My car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By nan lomeli - November 13 - 3:03 pm

  I live in a cold climate area and this car really performs well in the snow. it is easy to manuever and you can practically park this car anywhere!!

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  BMW couldnt make a car better for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksmo - November 13 - 11:50 am

  Ive just started commuting 50 miles a day, so I decided to trade in the 7 year old Dodge Stratus. While looking for one car to manage a commute, a car seat, and a yearning for my old 86 GTI, I drove my sister-in-laws Mazda 3s sedan. Great car, but not quite right with an automatic. I finally test drove a 3s wagon with a manual and fell in love. This is a better GTI than the current VW is! It makes no sacrifices in its pursuit of greatness. I bought my red one that same day. Test drive one asap. (But get financed first!).

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  Great fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gary - November 13 - 3:20 am

  I have had this car for two years and it is still fun to drive. Handles great; 30 mpg highway, 25 city. My daughter is learning to drive on it and loves it also. Very practical and somewhat sporty. Am very pleased!

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  2004 Mazda 2.3s sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Krzysztof K - November 12 - 9:36 am

  I bought her from private in March 2007 at 36,000 miles. Now - August 2008 she has 53,000 miles. Average 24.31 MPG - 60% city/ 40% highway (I have heavy foot). 32 MPG highway at A/C and 70-85 MPH speed. 250 miles at the city per full tank. One of the best purchases what I did. Fun to drive, good acceleration, excellent handle, short turning circle, very good brakes, finish internal very well and nice outline too - thats what I like. ** CEL appeared after I filled premium fuel, so I use regular. 100% satisfied and highly recommended.

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  Great car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jonrpatrick - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After 15 years of pontificating the vices of japanese cars, I finally gave up on my slow, unrefined, unreliable american cars and bought this Mazda. Ill never look back. This car is rock-solid and after my first year, I still look forward to driving it (unlike my american cars of yore!) The Protege is a blast to drive (lots of zoom-zoom), handles great, and is pretty peppy when you dig into the gas. Its also roomy, with a fantastic interior (Mazda is making the best interiors in the business right now!!) and refinement, refinement, refinement.

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  Great Minivan - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By rstar - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Weve been having fun with our van since we got it. Perfect for a family of 4 and when you need to bring some frinds along just lift the third seat out of the floor.

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  DSAP Dead Solid (Almost Perfect) - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Slamminator - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Only lacking in power off the line (Auto Trans.). Sounds and drives like a little race car in all other respects. I bought the automatic as the better half doesnt use the stick. The manual shift option adds another dimension to it! My 17 Y/O said its like they slapped a hatch on the back of a sports car. Exceeded almost all of my expectations Met ALL of them

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  Mazda5 GT (Canada) - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By D. Ricard - November 11 - 11:56 am

  Practical every-day car that handles great and has a few interesting standard features such as rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and Bluetooth. Overall, good value for money.