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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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Pammy J - September 13 - 1:36 pm

  Wonderful at the gas pump. Fun to drive. Classy, sporty and stylish all in one. Easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The kids love it as well. My daughter wants it for her first car. That will be a fun fight!!! Comfortable on long trips. Plenty of storage space. The price is right. Got a great deal on the base model. Decent warranty. Glad to have. Looking forward to future driving with it.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By ditto13041 - September 13 - 3:30 am

  Just bought used 2005 with 26K miles. Had to immediately replace tires with snow tires (no problem ....am driving it in winter in midwest...$1000 for tires but should last 4-6 winter seaons). Alternator went out but warranty still good! (0 cost to me). Fuel economy is about 19 MPH combined Hwy, City. Rear quater view is restricted but acceptable. This car rocks! Fun to drive...you have the option of automatic, or you can still manually shift it (no clutch!) which I like to do about half the time. Roomy and comfortable interior (Im 62" and still plenty of room). Mirror has garage door opener built in. Overall I really like this car...sports car with a backseat!

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  Not a bad little SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Ryan - September 13 - 3:13 am

  We have had our Tribute for a little over 2 years and it has 50,000 miles on it. It had not given us one bit of trouble. The major thing that has disappointed me is the lack of power, but that is what you get with a 4 cyl. It gets fairly good gas mileage. We went on a trip a couple weeks back at it averaged 27 MPG. Its roomy enough in the cabin and Im 64" and feel comfortable in it. Do wish there was a little more backseat space. A/C blows cold and the radio is easy to use and stylish. If it runs anything like the old Mazda B2300 I had we will keep it for a long time. I would recommend one.

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  CX-7 Sport - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By greeko - September 12 - 8:30 pm

  I bought my CX-7 in 2011. I am the 3rd owner and I have to say I am really please by the performance and overall quality Mazda put in this model. The turbo acceleration is one of the fastest I have been able to drive on a SUV and having that power ready under the hood provide a feeling of security on the roads (when you need to get out from a spot you have what it needs). I have drove 60K with it and do the maintenance regularly. Does not cost much at Petboys, and never had an issue. I read many post on reliability of this model and I do not understand like them what went wrong with their. I would put that on lack of knowledge of the mechanics who touched their cars.

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  Drive it Forever - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By quantify - September 12 - 12:00 pm

  We bought the car used in 2010 with 30k miles from a dealer. We now have 124k on the car, and its still my wifes primary vehicle. Looks great and totally reliable. Other than tires and brakes, the only things weve replaced are a couple of control arms and a tie rod end. I wish it got slightly better gas mileage (21 highway), but thats about it.

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  This car rocks! - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By fmuta - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Millenia S now for a year and it had been an awesome car! The looks turn heads everywhere we go and the quality could not be better. We paid approx. $8,000 less than a comparable Acura/Lexus and we are really glad that we did. ZOOM ZOOM!!

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  an offer you cant refuse! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By bearcat - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Protege 5 in July 2002 and couldnt be more pleased. I highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a sporty compact car that loves to drive. PLUS, Mazda is offering some incredible financing options - 0% for 48 months, $500 college grad program and NO PAYMENTS until Jan 2003! All in all, this car comes fully equipped for under $16,000! Bottom Line: Its an incredible deal on an incredibly fun to drive car.

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  2002 Protege ES - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MDLockard - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Protege to replace my aging 94 Escort GT. I have nothing but praise for the vechicle. The handling is superb especially with 4 wheel discs and 16 inch wheels on the ES. My only complaint is lack of power which can easily be fixed with some light mods (air filter and exhaust). Im also planning to install a strut tower bar with some stiffer springs and new shocks. For 15 grand its the best car on the market.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fred frieze jr - September 12 - 9:46 am

  Great car. Love the copper/tan combination real sharp. First time convertible for us and we are very pleased.

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  zoomzoom!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom - September 12 - 5:30 am

  Ive had my Mazda for 5 months now and i still absolutely love it. They happened to have the exact one i wanted with all the options i wanted fresh off the truck (moonroof, rear wing, in dash 6-disc cd change, among others)I cant wait to drive to work everday and i always offer to to drive everywhere and i love showing the car off. Like everyone else i agree it needs a trunk release! other then that no complaints! Love love love this car! no regrets buying it!