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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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lilkruse - February 19 - 9:26 am

  Major upgrade from 2007 Chevy Aveo. Far more powerful and nimble. All the bells and whistles. Two months after having it still very satisfied. One thing I thought of is how much safer I am and everyone else in this compared to my previous car or the SUV I used to drive. You can brake and accelerate quicker, and there is minimal body roll. You are in control of this car, whereas the SUV you are along for the ride. Just think of those Trucks and SUVs we all have to drive next to that need so much more room to stop and have to slow to a crawl to turn. This is a great vehicle. Great Job Mazda!

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  Satisfaction - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By David Nolen - February 19 - 9:00 am

  I have had my M3 for two weeks and I must say that it is the "smartest" vehicle purchase I have made to date. To be sure, Ive owned vehicles from all of the major manufacturers, starting with a Ford Fiesta, all the way to the gas gobbling Dodge Durango. The Mazda M3 is good looking, sporty, responsive, engineered like a Swiss watch and great on gas. Given the concerns we have today concerning foreign oil and the associated fluctuations in price, the M3 is a real "no brainer".

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  Very versatile vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mike - February 18 - 4:03 pm

  Had mine for 9 months now and overall I like it. Mileage is good but little or no low-end power or torque with the manual. Starting on a hill requires VERY high rpms to avoid stalling and pulling a 200lb sailboat pushes it to its limit. All the power comes from high RPMs which is great for driving like its a sports car but slower (lower RPM) driving in town leaves the vehicle sluggish especially if the AC is running. Performance aside, the interior is great. Lots of room and very versatile. The second row bucket seats allow you to carry longer items without losing both seats to folding. Overall its a great concept car that only needs a few small bugs worked out.

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  Good Truck for the $$ - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By E151 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  You can get some really good deals on this truck... I got Auto with AC. Its got tons of room way more then a toyota. Ive had this truck for over 5K miles and no problems except the tires it came with were crap had them road balanced and basically unbalanceable. Mazda service SUCKS... I dont think Ill ever buy another Mazda... But, for the price, and seeing how Ill probably get a new one in 3-5 years. I think it will hold its value for a long time to come.

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  Very good car... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DaisySara - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!

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  Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By j seiler - February 17 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle has been a joy to own and drive. I get 20 mpg in town and 26 mpg on the interstate. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!

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  Excellent value - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Nergal - February 17 - 12:40 am

  I have the pleasure of owning an 06 Shinka, & it is one of the best values around. Comfort, engine response, appearance, price and overall package cant be beat. Handles like a dream! Smooth M6. Gets more looks than my BMW did, and it costs much less to maintain. Great handling and convenience package offered in the Shinka.

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  Best toy car in the world - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JJ - February 16 - 11:30 pm

  Bought my white Miata w/140k miles on eBay. Excellent chassis. You wouldnt have a clue as in what a "good handling car" is like, unless you drive a Miata. Very forgiving near limits - gives you plenty of warning before it gives up. The car tries real hard to do whatever you are commanding it to do, and performs very well. Miata is nothing short of purebred sports car, designed from ground up to be impractical in all other aspect other than getting from A to B in the most exhilarating way. Underpowered, but dont afraid to rev it up to 5000+ rpm. The car soars when you push it hard. 27 MPG in abusive driving.

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  My second CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By R Hunt - February 16 - 10:43 pm

  Bought a front wheel drive Touring in July 2006 and traded up to GT in January. Better dash lights and heated side mirrors plus red over platinum were two of the deciding factors. First one was great. Averaged 26 mpg on 1700 mile trip. Fun to drive, looks great. Turbo lag very small, you can get used to it and learn to drive. No fear of merging into freeway traffic. I am 6 4 and wife is 52", could use the CX-9 drivers memory seat for us. Put 9000 miles on the first one in 7 months.

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  2001 Mazda Protege E-Yes! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By njaremka - February 16 - 4:36 pm

  In comparison with other cars in its price range, there is no competition with the Protege. Bigger engine, more power, better quality, all that you would expect to find in a $20k+ vehicle you get in the Protege!