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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  Just Purchased 2007 MX-5 PRHT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ntouched - October 25 - 12:56 pm

  Excellent in every way. Comfortable, quick and fun to drive. Beautiful Car!

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  MY NEW TOY! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By J. G. - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After driving a 626 for 8 years and evaluating other cars for quite some time I finally decided to buy the Millenia. It is a well built near luxury car with lot of standard options only found on the competition as extras, great value for the money. Drive beautifully making you feel like a million dollar, it makes a lot of heads turn.

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  Fun! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MiataOwnerSince93 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding handling and fun.

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  too soon to say anything - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By new mazda owner - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Just got a silver with auto. I test drove the following: 1. rodeo 2. focus 3. cavalier 4. hyundai sonata 5. hyundai elantra 6. protege 7. camry 8. corolla 9. altima 10.honda accord 11.honda civic and liked altima(wow wow wowo, too bad they had no summer incentive) and corolla has created a lot of space. I have a old corolla already. So, I bought protege (0% apr and 500 college rebate) and no such deal on altima. The car handles great, but the ride is very rough compared to my corolla (which is smooth at least on windless days). Other than that, this is great looking car and fun and very well styled. It is quite underpowered.

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  Perfect - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By rwantin - October 25 - 10:00 am

  If theres another vehicle that looks this good, is this much fun to drive, as reliable, economical, or useful at this price I have yet to see it. Its no wonder it won that Car and Driver comparison test in the 6/02 issue.

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  06 Mazda tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By roshov - October 24 - 6:46 pm

  All is good except: 1. center console moves back and forth showing wear near the gearshift 2. driver seatbelt receptacle rubs/damages center console, needs at least Velcro like passenger seat belt has (near center console) 3. fuel door very difficult to open, people with large fingers would have an extreme time opening. 4. seat uncomfortable to lay back and attempt to nap in (passenger).

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  Acceleration problems - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By amber - October 23 - 2:38 am

  I have a 2015 Mazda CX-5 so afraid to keep driving this car. Mind you that I like this vehicle but its nothing considered best a good vehicle. #1 The acceleration is very dangerous my car started revving up higher at 2,000rpms plus the speedometer went nuts and transmission jerked extremely bad to the point thought was going to die. Interior is comfortable like all features in my car but overall other things dont trust its a defective vehicle that needs to be off highway ASAP- It had almost caused my life took into dealership it came from computer wiring problem. #2 Now experience transmission jerking bad nearly almost rear ended by 18 wheeler after it slowed down to 25mph. I had a 2010 Ford Fusion with this same problem will not deal with another vehicle having same identical problem as my 2010 Fusion. This time its much worse to the point think might get sued by another motorist or get killed because its very dangerous driving will not purchased another Mazda again after all these bad electronics having out a vehicle brought last year has 15,000 miles this will be the 3rd time taking it back into dealership for a bad issue.

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  Small Small Small - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Ed - October 22 - 3:01 am

  Not much bang for the buck, We settle on a Jeep latitude for less money and a better warranty with more room, Extra electronic gadgets, 4 wheel drive on the fly My Daughter loves her new jeep

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  Best Car Out There - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By gegpdx - October 21 - 10:48 am

  I bought my 2006 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback new when it first came out in 05 and drove it for about 78,000 miles before a guy lost control of his car on a highway, hit the driver side of my car causing the airbags to deploy and spinning us into a ditch. Because of the high safety standards, we were all able to walk away from the accident with minor injuries, when looking at my car, we should have been on stretchers. My car saved our lives. I loved this car and will be buying a new one just as soon as I can find one. They are so great that no one wants to part with theirs. I recommend this car to everyone. Fun to drive, safe, and reliable.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dakart - October 21 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda6 was my first car and I love it! Though, the seats can be slightly uncomfortable on very long road trips, what can you expect from a ~ $20,000 car? I have gotten many complements about how good it looks, sounds... Lots of people assume that it is a very expensive car.