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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  Great Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By R. H. Jackson - February 1 - 4:16 pm

  The Mazda 3 Grand Touring four door is a "great little car". It has more features than most cars in this price category. Comfort and build quality are very good. Attention to detail is amazing for a car of this price.

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  It works for me! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By EJH - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 years and have only had to do routine maintenance and I recently replaced the tires. I love the visibility and although the power is not great, Im not pulling any heavy loads so its perfectly adequate for my daily commute.

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  2000 Mile Update - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon G. - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3s Hatchback is the best blend of handling, fun to drive factors and looks for under $20K. In fact, I test drove an Acura TSX, Suburu WRX and Accord EX-L which all cost 2-7K more and couldnt find any compelling reason to pay more. The 3 handles very crisply (See MotorTrend Slalom times) and the acceleration, although not WRX explosive, is quick and linear. Plus, the looks of this car distinguish it from every other car out there. Take a curve at 60 mph and the 3 sucks down onto the road. This type of performance is coupled with good damping so even harsh road surfaces are not too intrusive. The ABS is a must option and I added Xenons,leather and 6

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  Jims opion - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jimmyduncan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  So far great car. My 5 2" wife can see out and my 6 1" legs have enough room. Its a hoot to drive on mountain roads.

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  A scalpel in a world of hammers - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MRGTX - January 31 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second Miata and the rush of endorphins that these car are capable of inducing has not waned at all in my almost ten years of Miata ownership. Theres nothing on the road as inexpensive to own and reliable while being as much fun. You cant help but fall in love with these cars! Sublime handling, intuitive steering, shifting is a pleasure. Second generation (like the 2000) offers some nice improvements glass window, stiffer body, etc. while not being much (if any) heavier. I miss the pop-up lights though.

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  Manual transmission survives - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By oak6 - January 30 - 3:55 pm

  This car has got the look. To my eye, this is the most elegantly understated car on the road. Interior is huge. Comfortable and sporty ride. That said, this is not a genuine sports car. The acceleration is adequate but not stunning. V6 with manual would have been my choice; would have put more zoom in the zoom-zoom. Dash radio controls are easy and intuitive so I rarely use the steering wheel controls. I like the seat fabric. Seat is comfortable but back has a "V" shape side to side; Im not sure how that will feel on long trips. 30mpg so far. Owned 2 months, 1700 miles.

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  Purrrfect - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ben - January 30 - 1:16 am

  I get great gas mileage if I keep my foot out of the turbo. But get real, who wants to do that, I bought this for the fun and the reliability of the mazda name. My CX-7 is the best car-suv ever. Thanks Mazda!!

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  Good car for the money - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By mjones78 - January 28 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car used with 36k on it, today I have 185k on it. Its starting to run rough, but I have driven it very hard! I have changed all the belts, hoses, radiator, and some small things. The AC just went out last fall. (radiator only went because of the thermostat). In the 6 years, its broken down 3 times, and its been through an accident where I t-boned someone, so I would say this car has definitely given me all it could!!! Great car for the money.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bking1822 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun and reliable car Ive ever had! It handles so well. Its great on gas. Let me tell you, the trunk is plenty big enough. When I go grocery shopping, I can pack two weeks of groceries in there! For the cost compared to other convertibles, this is a great little car. Im spoiled, Ill always have to have a Miata for the rest of my life!! Zoom Zoom!!!

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  MY8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dumkittymom - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several import cars and this is the only one that Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE (young,old) say WOW. I wouldnt let my 19 yr old take it without me I went out and bought her another car. Maybe that is why my license plate says MY8 on it......