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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  Finally Satisfied - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Car Addict - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I owned a lot of cars in last 3 years. I have had an 2003 M3, 2002 Boxster, 2003 I35, 2002 S2000, 1987 911 Turbo, Lexus SC 430 to name a few. I must say that this is the easiest car to drive and I find myself defaulting to it out of all my cars. It just does everything well. It does not have the prestige of the others, but the low stress fun of this light weight sports car has pleased me the most. Small package, but enough space for a 63" 265 lb. sports car enthusiast.

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  What A Beauty! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NJAYS - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a real head-turner...still turning mine! I dont know if theyre admiring looks or trying to figure out what it is for Ive seen no other in my local area!

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  Mazda hit a home run with the Mazda 6!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lucas47 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. Performance with the 3.0L engine is excellent, handling is magnificent, looks and feels like a true sports car, very comfortable on long trips, very good fuel ecomony, etc. etc. And it doesnt cost an arm and a leg. Mazda truly hit a home run with this new model.

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  madza 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By yankeesr1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  it is a sporty but yet comfortable car to drive and ride in. i love the car

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By T Clark - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Never thought about owning a Mazda. Test drove an Infiniti FX35 and compared to the Mazda CX-9 it was so much smoother and really has a lot of power. I was really impressed. You get so much more for your money with this model. Love the way it handles and my daughter loves having the DVD system. That was just an added bonus for us. Only had it a few days, but so far it has been great!

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  2016 MX-5 Miata equates to pure driving fun! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Stig - December 9 - 11:58 pm

  If you dont mind having a small car or having to lug a lot of stuff and your goal is to not have a mundane commute, then this car will put a smile on your face every time you drive. Its just a blast for commuting, weekend canyon carver, and occasional track days.

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  Simply the best compact car ever! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Brett Hall - December 9 - 5:16 pm

  The 2003 Mazda Protege ES has been one of the very best cars Ive ever driven or owned. It is rock solid, fun to drive, sporty (power and looks), and gets great gas mileage. Ive heard that the Mazda 3 is even better, and without a doubt that will be the next car I purchase. Ive driven the 2003 Honda Civic, 2003 Toyota Corolla, 2003 Hyundai Elantra, and a couple of domestics. Id rank them as follows: 1. Mazda Protege 2. Toyota Corolla 3. Honda Civic 4. any domestic compact 5. Hyundai Elantra If there is a weakness of the sporty Protege ES, it would be that the Honda and Toyota are more comfortable to drive on long trips. We prefer to take our mivivan on such trips.

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  Best 3rd CUV on the market for the price - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ceric - December 9 - 11:06 am

  I chose among Highlander, Pilot and CX9. Pilot is too ugly for my taste. Highlander is too expensive with ultra-cheap 3rd row and non-splittable. CX9 is the best deal out there. I was worrying about the reliability like most potential buyers would be. No problem for me after 1 year. Mazda service in my area is also superb. Loaners for repairs (TSB, etc.) and major services. The bottom like is that CX9 drives like a BMW X5 with more than $20K saved in your bank.

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  New Miata - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Larry Uglow - December 8 - 3:45 am

  They will move off the MSRP

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  red vet - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By k9kuz - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Initially ride and handling were quite bad: so 1.reduced tire pressure to 26, 2. added rear sub-frame brace, 3. added front sub-frame brace, 4. got racing wheel alignment. It is now perfect. This is my second, Im waiting for the turbos to come out.