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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  Bang for buck - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By bstern92 - June 8 - 8:26 am

  Bought car for $13,500 in 2010. I love the steering wheel feel and the radio controls. Sound system is very good. Seat material is very sturdy. The car has 112k on it and the seats still lokk new. Engine is very peppy and the steering is sporty. Only negative is the design is a little feminine. Only repair was a temperature sensor.

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  02 Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By kw1964 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car gets attention. Drive one and people will not only notice it, but also offer many compliments on your fine taste. This is a beautiful car. Mazdas attention to detail inside and out, and the overall fit and finish are impeccable. Even the base model is loaded with high quality leather, power sunroof, and a luxury car paint job.

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  Great fun - 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mikeandjudy - June 7 - 5:02 am

  My wife wanted this car and I did not. I went to the dealership and tried it out. It is hard to get into if you are used to driving a truck but once you get over that, the car is such a blast to drive. It is not oozing performance but the handling and responsiveness is better than many of the more expensive roadsters. The wind noise is not bad at all. I always saw this as a "girls car" but now I drive it more than she does. Will probably get my own one day. If you try it out with an open mind you will be pleasantly surprised and may even have some fun driving it.

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  A sports car? A van? A Wagon? - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By withapickle - June 7 - 4:43 am

  Loaded with standards, blows away the competition, most versatile car around! Sporty, good looking, well made in Japan, seats 6, loads of room, fun!

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  A Good Hatchback in the Long Run? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By psychoart - June 7 - 1:56 am

  Not quite a Golf GTI GLX (VR6).Its doesnt feel as comfortable, and as responsive as the VW 4th Generation. Yet, the Mazda3 SP23 may be a better car to keep in the longer run with Xenon HID w/ manual leveling control, some rear LEDs, Bose system, automatic front wiper, audio and cruise controls in the steering wheel, and aluminium 2.3L chassis. The car is somewhat customizable with some aftermarket parts, yet may retain better reliability than the Golf IV in the electronic segment. The engine setup is very strange, and maybe good for some user.At 1k rpm to 2k rpm, the car seems to be on extreme saving mode.Its only near 5k rpm where the car STARTS to kick in. The trunk is well organized.

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  A car for an average driver to have fun! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Still Mazda fan... - June 5 - 3:56 am

  This car works marvelously. Steering and Breaks!!! are unseen in this class and up Altima/Solara level. As the car feels powerless, the above features are enhanced. However, the little things that makes a car luxurious lacks (3 speed wiper, no vanity lights, no arm rest etc.) If youre considering this car, you have to understand that youre paying the same or more than Carola/Sentra just for the steering and breaks. If you can live without power and the little things, you will love ES!!!

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  Just good fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bryan - June 4 - 10:00 pm

  Bought my 04 6S 5-speed in January 06 with only 5500 miles on it; Ive put 11K on it since then and have had no major problems. V6 has plenty of power, you just have to let it rev to get to it. Suspension is by far best in class for handling, almost as good as a BMW. Almost. Ride is fine on highways, but rough over city pavement, but thats not what it was built for so who cares. Comfy interior, fantastic seats, but climate control has mind of its own and is usually too cold. 3rd gear grouches when you rush your 2-3 shift, other than that gearbox is fine, shifts are relatively quick but clutch is pretty heavy for a family sedan. Mileage is crappy, I get 20 MPG (highway commute).

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  Mazda6 Wagon - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazdaowner666 - June 4 - 10:53 am

  Overall Impression 2004 Reasonable car for the money. Put 50K miles on ours. 5spd manual stick. Full loaded. Pros Suspension feels good. Sporty appearance. Roomy for five people. Reliable. Fit. Cons Engine is a dog for its V6 size - but of course it is made by ford. MPG also a disappointment at 24 granny-style driving hwy vs. sport driving in the city maybe 14. ie. in this category the worst of both worlds. Turning radius is pathetic. Seating poor support in the lumbar (compared to any european car). Poor tire clearance on body. Manual trans I think was built for a different engine --ratios terrible -- too tight for a 3litre engine. Should have available 4cylinder eng.

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  Why I love my Mazda Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - June 4 - 8:00 am

  If you have never owned a Mazda Miata you might wonder why Miata owners are so loyal to Mazda, and so passionate about their cars. However, if you are lucky enough to own one, you already know: the Miata is happiness on wheels. In 28 years of driving, Ive never owned a car that makes such an impression on people. Even strangers come up to ask me about the car. Ive lost count of how many times Ive heard, "Nice car!" but I can remember three occasions when people actually wanted to take a picture of the car. I can assure you that none of those things ever happened to me when I drove a Toyota Corolla. There is no better example of trouble free fun than a Mazda Miata.

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  Best Economy Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By MSP - June 3 - 6:33 am

  I have the base model with the A/T 4-speed transmission, A/C and the safety package: ABS, side curtain airbags. So far I love this car. Drives great and the dealership was really willing to deal. Make sure you at least test drive this thing! Dont just go buy a Corolla because its a Toyota! Great Buy!