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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  No fun to drive, but seems tough enough. - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By MazdaOwner - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Decent ride, uncomfortable seating if you are over 62", Crummy Mileage (17 HWY), Plenty of power from the 4.0L but shaky idle, 88 MPH speed limiter (dyno proven) (Mazda will only acknowledge this AFTER you buy the truck), 3,000lb max trailer weight with the 4.0L and 5 speed (read: weak clutch), A/C clutch engagement feels like youve been rear ended, Good cruise control, Gas guage is horribly inaccurate...

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  Cool Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By JW79 - December 3 - 9:36 pm

  Tons of fun to drive + has turned a lot of heads. I have had many compliments on the design from friends and strangers alike. A police officer told me to roll down my window + I figured my sticker was past due or I had committed an infraction + instead he inquired about the car and told me how much he liked it. The handling is great! Tons of fun around corners and curves. It should be a little faster off the line + this is a significant drawback considering the horsepower + the poor gas mileage. At first I was unsure about the lines but now I love the look. I love the suicide doors + at least 3 adults can fit in the car as long as everyone isnt tall. You need snow tires bad in the snow!

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  I would buy another one! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By clapp6 - November 29 - 10:49 am

  After owning this car for 1 year here are my thoughts: 1)Fun to drive everyday 2)Not as much cargo room as you think 3)Breaks a lot! (been in the shop multiple times for bad shocks, replace belts, power steering pump, and many more parts) 4)Good gas mileage but could be better 5)That zoom zoom factor is addicting Simply put, every time I drive this car I fall in love with it a little bit more even though it has it flaws.

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  Great Car - not so fuel efficient - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rsilverst - November 28 - 5:23 am

  I am writing this review as a mostly happy owner of my new Mazda3. After driving my first 1000 miles of mixed highway/city miles, I am a bit disappointed that all 4 tanks of gas have yielded between 23 and 25 miles per gallon. I realize that the car is rated 22/29. Nonetheless, given the highway split, I am a bit surprised its coming in at the low end of middle. This is not a large car, and it surprises me somewhat that my 13 year old Corolla with 155,000 miles on it was getting significantly better mileage. For now, I am very happy with the car - its great fun to drive. But maybe I will end up going for a hybrid in a couple of years.

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  Great car, with some minor gripes - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jmsamler - November 27 - 1:27 pm

  We have officially owned our car for 1 year now, and it has been through all 4 seasons here in MI. Overall, it is a great car, but it is not perfect, but I guess no car is. Read on for more details. This car is very well made and rock solid, no creaks/squeaks and its beautiful inside and out. This car just exudes quality craftsmanship and feels modern and up to date. We have the GT, with no options. Gas mileage is good but have never seen anywhere near 38 mpg, getting about 33-34 on the highway and 27-28 in mixed driving, mostly around town.

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  Good Sense for Major City - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By nole795 - November 26 - 1:46 pm

  I have had this car for over a year. Bought it brand new in Sept. 2003 and have over 34000 miles. This car is absolutely great as a commute car. It is great on gas, easy to park and can hold a lot of stuff. I bought this car in Florida on my way to Texas for job relocation. I turned in a minivan packed with items. Everything fit in the Protege5 when I put the back seats down. I have never had a problem with it. The Bose sound system is great. The seats are comfortable. The inside details do look a little cheap but then again this is a cheap car. With a 4 year warrant, you cant go wrong. I will buy another Mazda.

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  Ive had a few problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jessica - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2002 Civic for my Mazda 3... Ive had 4 Hondas in the past and regret my Mazda purchase some days. To start, the tires had to be replaced at 22,000 miles, my rotors are warped, and my a/c stopped working this summer because I had an issue with the thermostat. The only thing that the warranty has covered is the problem with the thermostat. Its not bad to drive and it starts every morning, but I certainly wont be purchasing another Mazda in the future!

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  I love it if only mileage was better! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By JulieRud - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a perfect car for me! I love its size, its performance, its comfort, its safety, its handling, and its looks! It drives beautifully, and has been totally dependable for almost 3 years! What other cars can claim that?

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  Love My Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Kmokele - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Mazda Tribute four months ago. It is a pleasure to drive. I had a larger SUV prior to this purchase but I am glad that I made the switch to the Mazda...gas consumption is much better (average 24 mpg) and I am thrilled with my vehicle.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By perkins02m - November 22 - 2:00 am

  It has the luxury of a car but the toughness of a truck. The back seats give ample room for a adult to sit with lots of leg room. It also has a fast pickup, when taking off. It coasts decently to the next light or stop sign without the pedal on the floor. Now it is bumpier than a car. But I will always pick performance over the ride. We have not been limited with her. We have taken her fishing and have gotten her in some sandy spots and overall have been pleased. I notice I do get better gas milege if I dont always fill it up. Less weight I figure. Overall this has been my favorite car in the last 16 years.