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 Package - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By prulex - July 15 - 9:06 am

  I was looking for a cross between an SUV (of which Ive owned 2) and a station wagon. Ive found it...the only one in its class. If youre looking for a 7-seater...the 5 is not for you. If youre looking for a compact 6-seater with awesome features and looks, consider the 5. So far, Im impressed with its fit and finish and interior comfort level.

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  Love the Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LiMiata - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I leased my first one, I bought my 2nd one. Fun to drive, makes me smile

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  zoom, zoom, zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Hoppy41 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The way I was able to just get into this vehicle and drive it was unexplainable. The smoothness of a car and the power of a truck.

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  Fast,Fast,Fast...... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cybergypsy - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car so much have had the 350Z and other sports cars...but the style is amazing on this car..much nicer then my BMWs. Its fast and sleek....and its a 4 seater...only draw back is gas.... it eats it like a vette..

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  Wonderful Machine - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vikingdj - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Once I test drove one, I simply had to own it. Car is an absolute blast to drive. It drives like its on rails, yet is very smooth and comfortable. Although underpowered compared to other sports coupes, it offers a very smooth power band, with the real fun beginning at 5000rpms. Just an overall wonderful daily sports coupe with so many wonderful features and plenty of power and performance.

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  Fool Mileage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dchurricane - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Awesome driving experience. Constant acceleration through all gears. But I feel slighted by Ford by advertising 18- 24 miles per gallon. I have yet to get more than 14 and my commute is solely highway. Supposedly this will improve in time, but I doubt I will ever see 24 mpg. The interior is well designed, aesthetically speaking, but the materials are cheap and the door panels are easily marked. Acceleration off the line is a bit weak.

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  Love My Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By xenanut - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but praise about my mazda 6. Its a great looking car and is really fun to drive. You get alot for the price. An excellent value.

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By willie makeit - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my fun to drive, eye appealing Mazda6 in early 2003,but Im very upset and disappointed with the mechanical build quality of my Mazda6. Ive owned this yellow "lemon" for 1 year and its been at the dealer several times. Let me enlighten everyone with a little history. Ive taken the lemon to the dealer on three diffrent occassions for coolant leaks (repairs made to diffrent areas in the cooling system), knock sensor (replaced) and not to mention the factory recalls within this past year.

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  Best SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Zoom Zoom - July 14 - 3:50 am

  This is really nice vehicle. I drove it for the last 2 months and I love it. It has road presence and distinct design. Mazda did a good job in designing this SUV. Finally, there is an SUV which does not look like it was designed in 1945. The price counts too. Navigation systems, rear camera, keyless entry feature, power lift gate, rain sensor made this car absolute fun to drive and to own. If you can spend few more dollars on extra options it is definitely worth it.

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  Engine pinging - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Mili - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Good car overall, but I have been disappointed with the engine pinging, dealer replace MAF sensor and did not fixed it, I have to switch to high octane gas 89 or better and that took care of the pinging also the steering wheel is not sharp on center.