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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  bad experience - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By stephen Lullmann - June 3 - 3:20 am

  2 recalls in 1st week of ownership, car totally unprepared for release requiring 2 return trips to dealer. Harsh ride, too noisy to enjoy Bose sound system, new front calipers within 1000 miles, uneven acceleration, not recommended for long trips. driver windshield wiper leaves large amounts of water on passenger side due to uncoordinated wiper movements.

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  I love my Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By kcerin - June 3 - 2:16 am

  This is a fabulous car. Everything about it screams fun. Great, sporty handling, interior looks great. People always mistake it for a luxury car. Wouldnt trade it for anything!

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  DRIVING IT UNTIL IT DIES - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By multi_cars - June 2 - 10:34 pm

  Bought it new on 12/31/2007 and have put on a little over 55,000 miles. Taken it to the dealer for service for oil changes and regular maintenance. Had a bearing start to go around 54,500 miles and they replaced it under warranty - NO charge. Great overall car. Grand Touring package (leather) makes it just as nice as a Lexus. Great Snow car (just change out the factory tires) Gas mileage ok - around 20-21 overall. Probably a great car to buy used as well as it has a LOT of features and is not a typical SUV box to drive around in.

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  My 3rd Miata - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - June 2 - 1:50 pm

  I live in south Florida and this is my 3rd Miata. I very rarely drive with the top up. I have been known to drop the top to drive to Publix a half mile away. I had a 93 and then a 95 which I sold with 190,000 miles on it. Bought my 2000 with 36,000 (almost brand new!). This car is much better than the type 1 cars. The trunk has finally been designed to hold something and I do not miss the barn door headlights. In my old cars the trunk would hold my Les Paul case but not an SG case. The new trunk is redesigned to easily hold a larger guitar case. Some people laugh at a musician owning a Miata but I can pack 2 electric guitars, 1 acoustic guitar, my amp, keyboard, tenor sax and misc. stuff.

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  I Liked it at first.... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Unhappy Mazda owner - June 2 - 4:26 am

  Ive owned this car for quite a while now, and I have 32,000 miles on it. Its been in the service shop 8 times over the past year. Twice to re-machine the brake rotors, twice for a fan control module, and the rest of the times for interior squeaks and rattles. I am not impressed with the quality of the car, or the service at the dealership. I liked the car at first, the styling, power, and stereo made me a happy consumer. My experience has left me cold, though.

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  Good - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sonia Leal - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I think the car is a reliable vehical and I am very comfortable driving it.

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  Best buy! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Linny - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt buy any other car. Mazda is the greatest car for the money, very reliable and smooth ride with a kick.

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  Its a Ford, people. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rjpaxton - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the 2WD DX model instead of a small pickup, and were pretty happy with it for a few months. It looks great from the outside, and the interior design is well-thought out and easy to work with. Its slooooow, though Im sure the V6 is zippier. Decent handling once you put good tires on it. Problems with: stereo, drivers side window, rear hatch window, failed wheel bearing, clutch pedal squeak, clutch chatter. Quality wholly unacceptable.

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  I love my 8!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PrincessNeak1 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive ever had in any of my new cars. Its been 2-1/2 months and I still love it as much as the day I bought it. So does my family. A reliable, fun, attractive sports car that is also comfortable & practicle was hard to find before the 8. Im pleased with my decision.

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  04 RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By khassler - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Super fun to drive, like driving a motorcycle on four wheels. Smooth, powerful, good looking, and functional. I can enjoy a true roadster ride and take along 3 other guests.