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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  Bought with 200k! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Samantha - February 24 - 7:14 am

  I bought this car a few months ago with 200k in the clock! I previously had a 99 protege 1.8 sedan that I loved, but always wanted to upgrade the handling. After a wreck, I got the opportunity to purchase my beloved 02 P5! Everything about this car was a dream come true! It handles noticeably better than the sedan did, being a standard I feel it has a little more pick up. Only issue I had with this car is in the 02 model but fixed for 03 is the a/c & a/c light cutting out on some speeds, after reading into the problem, the only permanent solution is to wire in resistors to the climate control unit, but after that fix (about an hour) the a/c works perfect again. EVERYTHING else on the car works! Working on the motor is a little harder than the 1.8 due to different coils & the strut bar. Timing belt was replaced around 150k. I have no doubt this betty will see 300k I have absolute faith. I love love love this car. 100% would buy this car again.

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  Great littlesports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DHL - February 24 - 4:06 am

  This is a great car:looks good, drives and handles very well. Takes me back to the days of the Britsh Sports cars like Tr-3, MG, etc. Mileage is disappointing but who buys a sports car for the mileage! Comfortable on long trips. For crowded Southern California Freeways and other stop-and-go driving the automatic transmission is a blessing.

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  I love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By bobbi - February 22 - 2:40 pm

  This car is more fun than I had expected. With touch screen audio, built in navigation and my favorite, the rearview camera, I feel like Im in a spaceship. The kids love the Bose speakers and DVD package; the keyless entry and start make life so much easier for me when Im on the go. My kids all have long legs and they fit comfortably in all seats including the third row, which is the very reason why I turned down other crossover vehicles, they had NO room. I feel like Im driving in luxury without the luxury price. We love it.

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  Great Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By DYWB - February 22 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 brand new from the dealer. It has been the best car ever. The stock tires wore out at about 30,000 miles, but other than that if you take care of the car it will take care of you. I have changed the oil every 5,000 miles according to the factory instructions. It was a good winter car for the Midwest. Driving in steeper terrain it is solid. I love this car. I will buy another Mazda!

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  Excellent Value in CUV Race - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Sellstar1 - February 22 - 6:43 am

  Our Stormy Blue CX-9 GT is great! Turns heads all over town. Drives well both on the road and in town. Wife LOVES the bluetooth connection capability. Bose sound system is outstanding. Back seat (third row), while not used a lot, will come in handy for hauling around 7 year olds friends. I am particularly pleased with the handling of the vehicle. Going around corners in town the CX-9 demonstrates little body lean. Stops and starts just like you would expect a sporty ride to do. Would pay $32K for this over the Lexus, Infinity or Audi/VW and not fret at all! For now, will sit back and enjoy the ride!

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  Its great and almost practical - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug - February 21 - 1:46 pm

  Purchased w/10K miles on it. Have had no problems, just regular visits for O/C, etc. Car has been great (now 20K Mi). You need to get over 4K RPMs to appreciate the car, handling is great and its plain fun to drive. Have used winter Dunlops and aside from high drifts, it drives great on snow. Trunk is deceptively large although back seat is only usable if the front seats are in mid position. Mileage is average and engine burns about 1qt every 1000 miles. For the price its a great value, particularly with the 4yr 50K warranty. A good sportscar option less pedestrian than eclipse or Z. Have owned Acuras, Jags and MBs, this is fun & saves $!

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By lissavior1 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  After having an RX-7 20 years ago, I was excited when Mazda introduced the RX-8. I purchased my RX-8 in September and it has far exceeded my expectations. This car is fantastic! The handling and acceleration are everything you can hope for in a sports car. The design and styling are sharp. The only warning is the pesky issue of short trips. As I found out, you cant just move the car around your driveway without properly warming it up or taking it around the block or the plugs get spoiled and have to be replaced.

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  mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nickel - February 18 - 2:00 am

  interior design user friendly and looks great.

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  2nd Year of Use Review - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Marc Mushkin - February 18 - 1:33 am

  My 06 Mazda MX5 is a wonderful little car - "fun to drive" was a phrase I never understood until getting this car. Its great ... but: 1) having the cup holders on the doors is a dumb idea. They rub your thigh and if you ever put a drink there and forget when you open/close the door youll have the drink flying all over (unless its a NASA designed sealed cup). 2) The electronic keys are a disaster: Ive had to change batteries four times in 2 years. One of my keys gave out entirely and it was replaced (warranty, thankfully). They tell me the keys "communicate" with my BlackBerry, so they constantly run the battery down. Really? In any case, this flaw is a real bummer!

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  poor miles per gallon - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By girvin - February 17 - 1:13 am

  just got a 09 mazda3 for my wife i love the design and the dash lights are cool the only thing that i really dont like is the miles per gallon it gets it only has 1100 miles on it not sure if these have a break in period or not other than that its a great car