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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  Second Childhood!! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By grannycraft - October 3 - 12:29 pm

  Bought my "97 in 2006. Have had more fun than I thought possible driving this car. Call it my "GrannyMobile." I use non-ethanol gas and get 32-38 mpg. It is my everyday car. Over 200,000 m and still going strong. I will probably keep her until she goes to Mazda heaven. Had professional rollbars installed, gives her more solidity. Uses about 1/2 quart oil monthly, my mechanic cant find out where it is going. Chk. it weekly. Add an airscoop and a windblocker to the windshield, (when the top is down), and it keeps the low floor transm. heat out and my hat on. My granddaughters just love to ride with Granny with the top down. Luv it! Luv it! Luv it!!!! ZOOM>ZOOm>ZOOM

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  I cant stop driving it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By passa34 - October 1 - 10:10 am

  Hey everyone, just purchased my Mazda3 about one month ago. I have no regrets. The car is really fun to drive, handles great and the manual shifts beautifully. The only thing I dont like are the stock tires; they are bad in the snow. We had a light snow fall here in Chicago and the car was sliding all over the place. New tires should fix that.

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  Nicest car Ive ever owned! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By wkidd1972 - September 30 - 8:16 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Protege for the new 6. I have never owned anything this nice before. Its such a "grown up" car, yet it retains that rebellious teenager behavior. I had the chance to drive a 2009 G37 and was blown away. The 6S GT gave me everything that G37 offered for about 12 grand less! No brainer! If Mazda keeps cranking out cars like this, I will be a customer for life!

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  Zoom Zoom in a small package - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By TN-P5 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My wife needed a car to replace our failing saturn. I looked at everything in this price range. Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, VW, Kia, and all the americans. I was impressed with the style; it wasnt a little turtle like other brands. Im 62 and when I sat in it, it had plenty of room. It drove great and was very peppy on the interstate. The price allowed us to get the sunroof, the abs breaks, and the side airbags. Very cool car. Ours is a 2002 model. After 8 months of ownership, Im still very happy.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By icspots - September 29 - 11:10 pm

  This car is not the car I wanted when I went shopping! I wanted the SUV but couldnt really afford it then and sort of settled for the Protege. I fell in love with this car. I recently had the chance to trade car in for the SUV, I was tempted but I couldnt part with car. I plan to pay off the car then get the SUV also!

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  Perfect Roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mike - September 24 - 10:56 pm

  I love driving this car! This is my first week with it and Im having so much fun. I once owned one of the earlier models (a 93 model) and this car is obviously much better. Its quick and fun to shift. Best handling car Ive ever owned. I now look forward to clover leaf exit ramps. I think the new styling is beautiful outside and I like the interior as well. It is tight in there though. Even though I like it I think that the interior is probably where I would wish Mazda had spent a few more $$. For example, the shift boot and hand brake boot are cheap, no way to put it nicely. On the other hand, I think the leather seats look and feel expensive.

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  Retired Auto Engineers Review - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Lateralg - September 21 - 10:56 am

  I picked up my CX-9 GT Tuesday, 2/14/07. Some observations: * I drive with my left thumb & forefinger at 7:00 oclock on the wheel. I feel no significant torque steer during WOT start. * Door-closing sound of all doors is that of a mega-buck limo. * Brake "Pinch-out" control, something I dont remember reading in a review was way above average. Pinchout control is the ability to control deceleration during the last revolution of the wheel prior to stop. As a driver, were rarely aware of it, but if we look at our passengers head as we come to a complete stop, we see it. * SST is OK ... much better than PRNDL, but I dont like it as much as the Lincoln LS version.

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  Best small family vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By KK - September 21 - 1:43 am

  I cannot say enough about this van. We had a Town and Country for four years. We wanted something with better mpg. We were able to get a loaded Grand Touring for under 25K. I am 511 and my husband is 61. We have a 5 year old and a 3 year old and we all fit comfortably. It is just what we need - plenty of room for day to day errands like groceries and extra seats when needed. I would never go back to a full size minivan again. I have owned 6 cars previously and this is, BY FAR, the best purchase decision I ever made for a vehicle. We will save close to $900 per year on gas and with all the little extras like blue tooth, leather, dvd, it is fun too. Go get one!

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  No whining, please! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Spoolie - September 20 - 4:50 pm

  This car has better overall performance than the most famous 1960 Jaguar MkII 3.8L! Yes, I wore off the Toyo OEM tires in 18k. Solution - some GoodYear Assurance TripleTreds rated for 80k. Yes, dont go in the snow with Toyo. Solution - again TripleTred fixed that. Yes, easily banged up in the supermarket parking lot. Solution - Its only a $18k car, so dont worry about it. I have a few wrinkles on my face! Yes, chassis outruns the engine once in a while. Solution: get the cold air intake and freer exhaust system for $1k = 25+ more hp. Or get the manual trans. Yes, a little "piggy" in the city = 22 mpg. Solution: Get on the highway = 38 mpg.

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  Great Value and Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lance - September 19 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned more cars than I care to say, but I must say that this little wagon is great. I still cant get over the look of the thing, and the performance is better than most in its class with exception of the WRX. The fit and finnish is way above the norm compaired to the Hondas and Toyotas that we considered.