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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  30K on my RX-8 & Counting - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LongDistance8 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I put on 2,500 miles/mo. commuting. It loves the higway. Everything is so well balanced; engine, trans, handling, ride. I especially appreciate the quality. I have not had one single problem with the car. The dealer, Munday Mazda, has been outstanding caring for my routine service. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for someone looking for something special and a bit unique.

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  MAZDA 3s Winning BLue - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RODRIGO - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE CAR....................

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  A great vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JRDudley19 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  i have owned my mazda3 4door hatchaback for a little more then 4 and a half months already i have near 11,000 miles on it and have enjoyed every mile of it. i live in colorado and go up to the mountains alot it is very peppy. and makes the roads feel like a race track and can handle everything i throw at it. i have been in some bad flood like rains and gotten through it easy. i am also finishing my basement and can fit everything i need in there, like so far up to 20 2x4 by 8ft into my mazda without any doors or windows open. its amazing. i think its a very comfortable car. and i always get looks and comments and the oohs and ahhs. i have not had any problems w/it yet. its a great vehicle.

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  Love it! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By vcourmier - November 28 - 8:10 am

  Love everything about this car, except the fabric seats. They used poor quality fabric that is frayed already, around the edges, and is extremely hard to get clean. Everything else is great about the car. We love it! Definitely worth a look if you want a sporty, fun, easy to handle car. We get compliments on it everywhere we go.

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  GREAT car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason - November 28 - 6:10 am

  My partner and I bougt a new Mazda 3s (FULLY LOADED) and its been just the best car Ive ever owned. Love the styling inside & out.

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  Fun, Smooth, and Loud - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By burgh412 - November 27 - 7:34 pm

  Ill cut right to the chase. This is arguably the best-looking car on the road right now, at least with the red paint job. The car feels extremely planted on the highway, and the g-force generated by turning is strangely addictive. Power steering is light for day-to-day driving, but tightens up a bit when you push it. You feel every bump on the road, but I like that, as it makes you feel connected to the road, and there is certainly no chassis wiggle after hitting bumps. Definitely wind noise above 45mph or so, and I have noticed the back window creaking for the first 10-15 minutes of driving on a very cold day. Headlights could be stronger, but are adequate, and base sound system is great.

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  What a great car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tsmitty - November 27 - 2:56 pm

  This thing is a best-of-all-worlds sort of compromise. It drives well - better than any other minivan or SUV youll find. It gets pretty good mileage. Its very functional. It looks good. Its comfortable. Mazda clearly put a lot of thought into its interior (and exterior) design - all the controls are where you expect them to be, and are easy to reach. It makes excellent use of space. Fantastic car for small families. The vehicle is just very functional and fun - Ive found it to be far, far superior in design to any wagon, SUV or minivan at its price point. Ive hauled around 4 adults and a kid, and have not found power to be lacking power at all.

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  Perfect single dad car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Clint G - November 26 - 9:06 am

  I have had my P5 for about 50,000 miles. I installed a B&M short shifter which greatly increased performance and keeps the RPM up between gears. I have had no problems with the car in the year and a half I have had it. The only changes I made were to increase air flow to the engine by putting in a K&N drop in filter and cutting out the bottom of the air box which improved mileage by 1.5 mpg and bumped up the power by about 4 or 5 hp if you believe Import Tuner Magazine. I also changed to Lucas brand synthetic oil and gear lube. I put a hyperground system in as well, which does seem to assist acceleration and smooth out the idle to about 700rpm.

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  This car is well worth the money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nicolem55 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  If its style youre looking for for the least amount of money- this car is perfect. It needs more power, but overall it is fun to drive. The steering is incredible and the size of the car is very practical for every day driving.

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  One of the best! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By loguns - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for only a few month and have not been disappointed. ZOOM ZOOM describes it all.