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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  Fun To Drive Sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian - October 16 - 9:10 pm

  I purchased my mazda becuase it had great reviews from the auto magazines and as well as consumer reports. Then when I actually test drove the car I fell in love with it. It had a great design and i dont think of it as a sedan even though it has 4 doors. it feels like a coupe some days when im driving it. But then when I need to haul more people then i have the seating capacity.

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  The only car like it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NOPI4U - October 16 - 7:36 am

  I purchased my 2004 RX-8 in February of 2007. The car had 25,000 miles on it and a decent price. I was already in love with the rotary engine before I invested in the car so, I already had a good idea what I was up against. Without a shadow of a doubt, the car performs well. Ive managed to squeeze out many 5 second 0-60 times and surpass all of my expectations with my MT. I have only had one quality issue with my RX-8. The clutch had scattered a few springs and thus, was not disengaging properly. This caused wear in the synchros that eventually led to the end of the transmission. After a new clutch and a new tranny (compliments of Mazda), the car is absolutely perfect.

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  Mazda CX7 Grand Touring Brilliant! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By David Wayne - October 16 - 7:03 am

  A brilliant vehicle inside and out. Indiscernible turbo lag, faster and better overall ride quality than my 06 Acura 300hp RL and far and away top notch compared to the laggy and gas guzzling Acura RDX. You dont see many RDXs on the road as most are still collecting dust on the dealer lot. The CX7 has it all. Again, simply brilliant.

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  The Best Car Ive ever owned - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By queenb - October 14 - 5:10 am

  I have always loved the Protege. This one has over 165k and is still going strong. Makes me say "zoom zoom" every time I go around a corner fast. Never had a problem with it, it has never been in the shop for anything other than routine care. Everything still works great. No electrical problems at all. Someone just hit it, how do I part with the best car ever?

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  Smallish but the very best in its class - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Joe DeJohn - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I researched for a long time, we miss the availabity of the great Japanese wagons (Accord, Maxima, etc.). This car is peppy, handles great, looks very good although we have gotten some "clown car" comments and is very economical to drive. Its fairly practical as well, do not expect full size wagon accoutremnents but with no kids in the car and the seats down we have carried some fairly large loads. Interior is slightly small otherwise this has been a great car for us, two adults with two small children.

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  One of Many - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bobbydmears - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving Mazdas since 1974. I have yet to be disappointed. The Mazda 6 is even more than I expected. Next....RX8!

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  AWESOME CAR - 1998 Mazda 626
  By theyrmom - October 12 - 3:44 pm

  I bought this car new at the end of 1997 and I have almost 130,000 miles on it. I have the services done and the oil changed - thats it. I have had no major problems with this jewel. I have the automatic transmission, so I dont understand those who have had problems. Are they having their car serviced and oil changed? Anyway, I finally had to get a new battery after 8 years and the guy at my local service center was amazed that it was the original battery. I have had to finally get new tires. This is just a great car, I think I will keep it until it stops and it is not showing any signs of that anytime soon. It still drives like a new car. WOW!

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  Mostly happy - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By JustpeachyinDC - October 12 - 11:43 am

  Bought ours new in July 07. Overall, this is a very good car for a new family with small children. Easy access with the sliding rear doors but it doesnt feel like your driving a minivan. Needs more horsepower! We have averaged 23 mpg in mixed driving since we bought the car, not bad but not great. Routinely get 27 on the highway even with the Thule cargo box on top. This car is one of Mazdas best kept secrets!

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  Mazda3 S Sport - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bighaeb - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Two words: Simply amazing! You arent going to find anything out there that compares in performance, fun, and quality for the price. Take my word for it. Ive spent a LOT of time driving everything possible within a 16000-21000 range. Get to your nearest dealer and drive one. You will love it!

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  Great car at excellent price - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By jcampo - October 10 - 2:29 pm

  Bought the 2012 Mazda 5 manual in April 2011. Over 13k miles and has been running great. Love the look, great acceleration. Love the siding slide doors for our two kids 16/12 plus dog. Third row seats have been used, but cant use them for a long trip. Trunk is small with third seats in use, but push them down and you have plenty of space for longer trips with family of four. Mileage averages about 27mpg city/hwy. On highway, best was 33mpg. Visibility to right blind spot a bit blocked, but other than that, this was definitely the best car for us. Excellent space, fun to drive, decent mileage, and we got a great price.