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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  sweet ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mldawg - May 7 - 5:53 pm

  This car is awesome. Mazda did a great job designing this car.

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  Nothing can still compare - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Angelo - May 7 - 10:00 am

  So powerful that youll not notice youre speeding already.

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  Ride on Rails - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Puckster - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Sure, its only been a few weeks, but never has 130hp thrilled me so much. It kills me that Mazda cars get short-changed in the market-- they are SO well-designed... A friend of mine has had two Proteges over a span of eight years with not a single problem among them. He also got blind-sided hard and walked away from it with just a sore neck. This reeks to me of good design, which is why I bought my black beauty...

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  From boring utility to enjoyment - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By bill m. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After driving a windstar for 7 years, my wife and I went for a test drive with the new MPV. We were sold by its new looks and great driving performance. I was initally afraid that the interior would be too small and cramped for driving, but I was pleasently suprised. The features of role down side windows, electric side doors,sliding seat for access, and better gas milage fit our lifestyle. Finally, unlike most larger minis, there is no "sway" when making sharp turns. It drives and parks like a conventional car.

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  Made the right choice - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By daahwoud - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the Nissan 350Z and the Subaru WRX Sti, I drove and ultimately picked the RX8 because of its forgiving yet fun ride and handling. I love this cars ability to engage my need to drive it at its limit and feel extremely comfortable doing so.

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  This is why I waited.... - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Brinn - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I know Ive only had my car for 48 hrs. but Im in love. Spending around 25,000 (before tax and license) for a fully equiped SUV was a smart choice. I like the new design for the 05, the interior looks much better, a little more up-scale, I love the shape and exterior design of the SUV, heated leather seats, 6 disk Cd changer, sun roof... if I had to pick something I would change would be the gas mpg. I live is southern cali, I need all the mpgs. I can get, with my V6 I avrg. 20- 25, I wish (25-30) Its a better choice than the others.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tills24 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 a few months, and I cant reccomend it enough. Fun to drive, confertable, a dream.

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  Mazda3 is the way to go - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stevemazda - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Its been a blast to drive. Suprisingly comfortable ride for a small sports sedan. It handles well and has good steering feel. It looks like a sports sedan. Well-equiped and priced below what Id expect. I feel like Im in a more expensive, substantial car. But its also rated as an economy car. I get about 28 mpg mixed city/highway. The 160hp engine has plenty of low-end to provide a spirited drive and the 17" alloys and v-rated performance tires add to its looks and credentials. I have a feeling youll be seeing a lot more of them after Consumer Reports does their evaluation in the August issue. This is a nicely-appointed and well-built/designed car.

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  Excellent - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ladybug 234 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I bought a Mazda 6 because he thought it was cool, and I love it! It is a hip family vehicle.

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  Run Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Venderley - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove a Honda Accord before the Mazda 6- This car is much more responsive and a gas to drive.