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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  Not the fastest, but the best! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mjsievert - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Smoothest engine Ive every driven. Very fun to drive. Excellent value for your money.

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  1 Week Old - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gogo - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought a black loaded 2.3L Mazda 3 sedan with auto, leather, mp3 player, 17" wheels, and aero package. Interior quality and design is comparable to much more luxurious (ie $$$) cars. The exterior with the aero package and the 17" wheels manages to be classy and racy from all angles. The 2.3L feels strong and relaxed if not racy. Leather seats are comfortable but dont have a seat warmer option. The dash looks great at night even though the instrument cluster is a little busy. Handling is top notch with the ride never being harsh. Highly recommended. The Mazda 3 is by a landslide the best in class.

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  What more could you ask for. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By deeceeuci - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased the 5-speed 4s with the sports package about 48 hours ago. Purchase price $16,300 -- What more can you ask for from an entry level car as far as performance, style, and functionality are concerned. This car looks like a bigger souped up jetta, performs like the matrix Xrs, feels like an eclipse spyder on the turns, but costs a few thousands less! All my assessment for the vehicle is based on the buying price and the fact that this car is an entry level model.

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  My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevieD - July 11 - 2:00 am

  It not only looks great driving down the road, but it drives great down the road.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Steve Prescott - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great for the money. My wife owned a 2001 Acura CL 3.2 Type S prior to the Protege 5 and she loves it. The Mazda has half the power and a fraction of the luxury but is great to drive. The handling and look is sporty and the quality is top notch. We drove the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe before driving the Mazda. The first two were thousands more and in our opinion were no more superior. Mazda really seems to stand behind there product also, with a great warranty and a commitment to customer satisfaction. We would highly recommend the 5 for anyone looking for a sporty compact wagon with the heart of a sports car.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By MAZDA GUY - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have been drving (and enjoying) my ES for almost two years (17,000 miles) and I love it. the ONLY problem I have experienced with it is the coolant light has been on for most of the time I have owned the vehicle, it is a small problem that I had checked my a local mechanic but not worth my time to take it to the dealership to have it fixed. I have had several Mazdas including a 93 929 (latest body style), and a 98 Millenia. The Tribute has more power and can handle better than either of them while giving the feeling of still being in a luxury car.

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  So far so good - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Jaddy - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Tribute for a year now and have no troubles. The ride is very smooth, and the drivetrain is surprisingly responsive, considering the low-end power package. The interior is very roomy for all five passengers, with plenty of cargo area as well. The only negatives I have noticed is in the transmission. It can be difficult to shift gears at higher rpms, and it has a tendency to spin the tires too easily when accelerating from a stop. But overall, Im very pleased.

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  Look What Ive Been Missing....... - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Senior Citizen - July 7 - 10:03 pm

  ....all these years! Call it the "old" mans last hoorah - call it anything but call it fun! I got the marble white "Sport" convertible with extras. Takes a second or two for an elderly man to climb in with the top up but once in, he doesnt want to get out. The madam loves it too and calls it "Peanut." Never have I seen such a responsive engine for its size and turning is a breeze - almost like a zero turn mower. Like others, Id like a little storage where the console cup holders are and the two in the door either relocated. Guys, its a shame I cant respond properly (age) to the viewing public who "lak dat car." I look to get the wife out of her big Buick into a red one real soon.

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  A gamble over the Civic and Corolla - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By sockejewa - July 7 - 9:13 pm

  I gambled by purchasing the 3 over the Corolla and the Civic and it has paid off so far. Never before have I owned a vehicle that is this fun to drive and with the features that came on my vehicle I really feel special. Xenon lamps, navigation, it has it all. Its reliable, has "giddi-up" and is a real looker too. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeremy - July 7 - 7:10 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 and have not been disappointed at all. I average 30 mpg city/highway and when I am doing only highway driving I easily get 33 mpg at 75 mph. The steering on the car is great and it will take corners faster than most cars. I took a 45 mph curve at 90 mph and didnt spin out. The braking distance and power of the car is amazing. You barely have to hit the brake pedal for the brakes to engage and going on to different cars feels like you have to stand on the brakes in those other cars. Overall this is an excellent car and I would recommend it to anyone.