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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  Big Step Up for Its Class: The Poor Mans Beemer - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By nfp - September 16 - 6:19 am

  My brand new 2014 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Sedan is my 5th Mazda, and by far the best of a good lot from the highly consumer- and critic-rated series released between 2006 and 2013. At this early juncture, so far this model -- entirely re-designed from front to back outside and inside – appears to be every bit as good as claimed by the automotive reviews that have lauded it as best in the compact class. I chose the classy, sporty-looking sedan over the odd-shaped hatchback that I don’t feel – and most critics agree – is anywhere near as nice-looking. I LOVE this baby to the point that even after my long daily commute to work from near Annapolis, MD to-and-from downtown Washington, DC, I don’t

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  Part everything - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By the drifter - September 15 - 1:06 pm

  Searched for a car for years. A lot of small SUV types out there the lately, but most such as the CR-V, RAV-4, Forester dont appeal to me. This one is part SUV, part wagon, and yes, part sports car. A little quirky but a good fit for a single Northwest man with plenty of outdoor places to go. Mileage is 17-19 city and best has been 22-23 on highway trips. Get the AWD, got a chance to test in the snow right away and there is nothing like it.

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  Mazda5 Touring with Auto Transmission - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By victor_arch - September 14 - 1:30 pm

  Mazda5 is a good car for the price. We are family of three + a small dog. This car is the only one practical choice for us as a family car. Good compromise between convenience of a minivan and sporty ride. Mazda5 is a replacement for our Honda Civic EX 4 door 2001. I find interior materials are good enough for the price of this car. I would be happy if it lasts 5-6 years without serious issues. We will see.

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  Its a good van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By itisfine - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased pre-owned with about 31k miles on it, one owner. Have put about 11k on it so far and have had no problems other than a burnt out turn signal bulb. Our work has Dodge Caravans, and I do admit they are smoother riding vans. However, for a personal vehicle, I value reliablity and dependability, and so far the MPV has not let me down. Its a lot of van for the money and I think it will last many miles.

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  Sweet - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mrclean - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Ilove my Miata it has alot of pep to the engine

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  My dream car! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Valpo52 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 2003 LS in triple black with 6-speed, antilock brackes and suspension package. 60 month financing at 0 percent made new possible instead of used. Beauty and fun all in one perfect package.

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  Great Minivan - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Twins2000 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had our MPV for just about a month now & still love needing to go somewhere just so we can drive it. We have 3-year-old twins (2 carseats) and find that this vehicle is so functional. We have plenty of room for longer trips, yet the vehicle is the most carlike of the 4 minivans we test drove (Honda, Toyota 04, Chrysler). We opted for the LX with pwr sliding doors, 4 seasons package, sidebags w/tract & roof rack. We paid about 22K! The same in the Toyota or Honda would have been about 4K or so more! In CR the MPVs reliability was 2nd only to that of the Sienna (could this have something to do with it being assembled in Japan?).

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  Great Auto - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By harry0 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Best car that Ive ever purchased. I read about the RX-8 in 2001, I told my local dealer thaen that I wanted to purchased it.I reveived delivery on 7/18/03 and went on a two week, 5000 mile road trip. It was a great trip without any problems. The RX-8 is a fun auto to drive. I put it to the "test" - Hot weather in Texas,New Mexico & Death Valley, moutains in Colo & Ca, Highspeed driving in Ut. ITS A GREAT VALUE FOR THE PRICE. I just hope that the dealers dont mark-up the price and reduce the market for the RX-8

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  I should have waited for the 07 3Speed - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By louisvilleMazda - September 13 - 11:53 pm

  It looks quicker than it is but it still outperforms the competition. A great platform to build a nice street racer. You cant find a sportier compact wagon for the money.

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  Not so quiet zoom zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By FS_DE - September 13 - 5:30 pm

  Bought this car used with 17k miles. From day one it has been a truly awesome car to drive. The quality of craftsman ship and design, with all the stock options that come with makes it superb. Items to note: The lack of power (as many complain) is easily overcome by a cold air intake, ever since install its been getting better midrange power and noticeably more torque when you need it. The cold gear grind in the manual transmission has completely gone away after i replaced the gear oil with synthetic oil. I did 70,000 miles in two years and its still a fun to drive car, no known problems what so ever. Maintain this car and you can easily reach 200k without a single problem.