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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  Buy of the Century - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BByron - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought a fully equipted 4drS in lieu of the Mini Cooper I lusted after for years. This little 3 just fits, Im 63". It looks great, handles like a dream, rides very comfortably, turns tighter than the Mini and has a longer wheel base than my old Mazda 626. It runs on regular fuel and is just plain fun to drive. It has all the features of cars two or three times its cost. I have GPS navigation and its both fun and practical. The Mini was fun but try hitting a speed hump at the posted limit and youll take the 3 as your daily driver. Fun and practical and cheap. Hard to beat.

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  cup of tea - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bl fong - August 14 - 5:30 am

  Great handling, excellent brakes. Steering feel excellent -- you steer, it turns! Very good ride even with 50 series tires. No ABS brakes, excellent modulation. I got the auto transmission; spouse request. Very good from a stoplight. Seats and steering wheel infinitely adjustable and comfortable. Stereo 6 CD changer very nice. very little brake dust on wheels. Glove box huge! My golf clubs will fit in back. Rear seats tight -- exit/egress lacking. I would buy again!

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  This car fits me like a glove - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By evoxpisces - August 13 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car used about a month ago, and I dont think I couldve been happier with my purchase. Its a car you dont see on the road often, which is unfortunate because they are great cars. As soon as I sat in the drivers seat I knew this was my car. The handling is so smooth, the seats are incredibly comfortable, and theres a good amount of room inside. The other day I was traveling at 70 mph...didnt even realize it. Thats how smooth it is. Didnt feel a single bump in the road. The exterior is beautiful, as is the interior. If I had to complain about anything, the gas mileage is just so-so. However, I wouldnt take any other car on the road over this one.

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  My new Protege 5 drives like a BMW 3 Ser - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By MaryC - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Some years ago I had a Mazda 323 (87) and I loved that too but found out it didnt do so well in crash tests. My new Protege 5 got 5 stars (driver) and 4 stars (passenger) in the crash test. It drives like a dream. Nothing else in this price class can match its style and performance - its really got class. A very cool sport wagon.

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  Cant think of a snappy title - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By bigfurmn - August 10 - 3:46 pm

  So far i love my car. The car drives great, shifts smooth and looks great in the aurora blue color I have. So far my MPG is around 28-30.

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  Best modern sports car - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By hiaxi - August 10 - 7:13 am

  If you want a fun, reliable, inexpensive convertible sports car, you cant beat the Miata. I have 112000 trouble-free miles. The aftermarket for this car is huge and remarkably free of snake oil.

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  My Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By martin redmond - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second miata. I had a 2001 for a short time. I love the body style and the size of the car. It also handles very well.Its a lot of top down fun for a reasonable price.Gas mileage is good and I believe the repair costs will also be reasonable.I was also treated very well at the dealership. Things that I have not liked about the car include:cramped interior ( Im 510"),I would have liked more acceleration ( maybe the turbo) and the clutch shatters if you dont give it enough gas on take off from a standing start.

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  Fun, practical, looks good, zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By scooterpet - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I had an Acura Integra which I liked, finally made a change and couldnt be happier. Fun to drive, looks nice inside and out, plenty of room and power in a small package, good mileage. Winning Blue looks great!

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  great Car!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nik2004 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with this car since I first saw it. I love the design (interior and exterior) and its a lot of fun to drive. I think is a great car to go school and do your shores. Pretty comfortable too.

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  The most rockin car out there! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex Funtila - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This car lives up to its potential. Ive had a blast driving it so far. I mainly use it for school, but now and then, my friends and I go for a spin. Just an overall good car!