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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  Hot, hot, hot - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Deborah TP - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is hot! It drives like silk, so very smooth. The design is an optical illusion, more spacious in the front & rear than it appears. My husband is 61" and 230# and has adequate head room in front. It is fast, responsive and holds the road well. On turns, you can actually feel the tires hugging the road. 2 negatives: (1)it does not handle snow well. (2) blind spot looking out the rear and to the right. All in all, I expect to enjoy driving this car for years to come. It is fun, it is practical (as it holds 4 people) and Mazda did a great job creating a "looker" with great intelligence.

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  Happy - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MOSEMAN - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Im so happy with my purchase. I wouldnt trade for anything.

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  Jims Mazda 6 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greek - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed with the exterior and interior style. Smooth ride. Handles well except not as good on tight turns.

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  Mazda ZOOM! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ManGO - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall, its a great vehicle. Given the price/performance/features when compared to Acura, Nisssan and others in the $30K range, at $24 fully-loaded, the Mazda6 cannot be beat! However, the torque output is a bit low at 192. A 3L engine should output at least >200 ft. lbs. Additionally, the torque curve needs to be flatter with all torque available at 3000 RPM. With that, this car would be unmatched.

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  Best bang for the Luxury Buck - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Ted K - November 30 - 10:00 am

  For the money you cant do better. Front and side air bags, CD, Cass, Leather, Moonroof, White Light Dashboard, etc, etc., etc.. Its loaded, rides great, super HP and smooth ride. Drive one for yourself is the best way to really rate the vehicle.

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  Nice Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Jake36 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice car to have and i only had one small problem with the car. Mazda sent me a recall letter saying that i have a defected coil ignition.

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  B4000 - Best in Class (in my opinion) - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Chris M - November 30 - 10:00 am

  B4000 has lots going for it PRIMARILY the 4L 208HP, largest in class - greatest horsepower per dollar spent (w/ Ranger). Nissan “supercharged” engine is slightly larger, 210HP, but less responsive/slower & supercharged engine lacks towing/off road power. Challengers: Ranger, S10, Tacoma, Dakota & Frontier. Tacoma/Frontier only come in 4 full or 2 door models; no have ½ doors. Drives the cost up such that one may be better off looking at bigger trucks. Fun truck, lots of functionality & power, nice high ride, good visibility, shift on fly 4wld, large/cool tires w/ strong, elevated suspension, 4 doors & features (bed-liner, cover, bed extender).

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  The Most Bang for the Buck! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By diamond - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It looks cool. Its quick. Its fun. Its sporty. Its roomey. It handles awesome. What more is there to say. Oh yeah, put oil and gas in it and it will last forever.

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  Cream of the Crop - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By srambus - November 28 - 3:36 pm

  My 16yr old son and I spent a good month of his summer vacation test driving and researching smaller SUVs. After extensive research and many many test drives, the Tribute clearly rose to the top. Best combination of gas mileage and style and comfort. When a KILLER deal came up in the local paper I jumped on it. I love the fact that the interior gives me the feeling of driving a much larger SUV, yet the actual driving and handling are definately carlike and peppy. The steering wheel has a nice grip and texture to it. In other SUVs I felt a roll or tipping sensation going around corners, but in the Tribute its practically non- existant. All in all, Zoom Zoom for sure!

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gburns - November 27 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car after comparing it to multiple other cars, and I could not be happier that I went with the Mazda3.