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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  Great, practical car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By srutig - December 21 - 8:58 pm

  This car is so fun to drive! It feels fast even at lower speeds and handles great. It is still a joy to drive with the automatic transmission. This is an extremely practical car- great for everyday commutes or for first time drivers. This car is also very reliable and running great after 11 years.

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  engine problems - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By wendy trotter - December 21 - 12:56 pm

  I have not owned my CX7 Touring for quite a year yet, next week will be a year, have 10,000 miles on it. Blue smoke & black smoke pouring out from engine, turbo very noisy. Took it to dealership, they took it right in,problems with the turbo on this vehicle. Also poor fuel economy takes premium gas. Will not keep this vehicle once warranty is out.

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  2001 Mazda Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Natster - December 21 - 11:33 am

  Fun to drive top up or down. Top is watertight. Ergonomics are good. Base stereo sound quite good.

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  Great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ihor - December 21 - 6:00 am

  I dont know why people complaining about MPG, mine gets 25 in average - superb for 3.0L. It was 3 years last months and Im reaching 81K mark soon. Nothing was broken and had to be replaced, no smell from oil change, etc.

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  Very sporty, fuel-efficient vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Owner - December 21 - 4:00 am

  Traded in a 1998 Mazda 626 with 130 hp 4-cylinder engine in which I averaged 27 mpg. The Mazda3 has 20 more hp and Ive been averaging 32 mpg! This car has really good acceleration and handles even better.

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  Like the Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Peter Riess - December 20 - 7:06 am

  Really fun to drive. Very roomy cargo area. Gets lots of compliments on its sporty looks. Must burn mid-grade fuel or performance is severely downgraded.

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  Cant believe its true - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Santanu - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I fell in love for it. Awesome looks,like just unloaded from European upscale factory. Most handsome (or pretty) car in 15-30K segment. Drives like a dream,smooth transmission,sufficient power,rich feeling inside and out. Audi/VW would have priced this at 30K if it this rolled out of their factory. The body is tight and very well composed. Nigligible body roll and corners like you are locked to the road. I bought mine totally loaded. They are giving a great deal now as Mazda3 are coming soon, and they dont have this deal. Dont follow others and blindly pay your money on bland Civic/Corolla or even Martix.

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  A fun car to drive! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fsfrick - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I find this car hard to fault. It is a great performer and fun to drive. It is my second Miata. If I were younger, I would definitely plan on getting a third one.

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  RX-8 vs. RX-7 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rotary lover - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 2nd generation for 14 years and waited on the RX-8 for three years. I started watching the Japanese version with anticipation of its arrival in the USA. Im glad I waited because I AM IN LOVE WITH IT! The ride is smooth and fast. Its so cool to have the on-wheel operations. This car is the best on the market so far!

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  Hot - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By seth - December 19 - 4:13 pm

  A blast to drive, between 31-35 mpg on highway 29 city, sporty, nimble, fun!