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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  Finally MY BABY! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By TotalBoy13 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted a Pro since 1996 when I got my license. It has been well worth the wait, it is everything I ever wanted in a car, and MORE! Beat the crap out of v-6s all the time. I Love this car and would recommend it to everyone.

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8 CONSUMER - August 6 - 10:00 am

  UNBELIEVABLE HANDLING, NOTHING IS AVAILABLE THAT HAS THE STYLING OF THE RX8. THE 50/50 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION IS VERY EVIDENT IN THE ACCELERATION, CORNERING AND OVER ALL FEEL OF MY RX8. WORTH EVERY PENNY YOU WILL SPEND TO BUY YOUR 8.

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  Mazda Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By frankie - August 5 - 4:46 pm

  Bought this car in 2008, very good mileage 72,900. Love this car handles great good gas mileage looks great. Wish they bring them back 2011.

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  Nice Car for the money - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By phild - August 5 - 10:00 am

  My last 4 cars were BMWs. When I purchased the Mazda 3 I expected a great letdown, but boy I am surprised! This car is a joy to drive. Very comfortable and surefooted, goes exactly where you point it. It has many features found on cars costing thousands more. Feels very solid on the road. On my 2nd tank of gas averaging 25mpg. The hatchback carries lots of stuff, just a joy to get behind the wheel.

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  Very happy, so far! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By j73alb - August 5 - 12:20 am

  I love the exterior and interior styling of this CUV. Performance is really good for such a large vehicle. Acceleration, steering, and braking are all the same or better than my wifes coupe. We took the cx-9 on a 1000 mile trip this summer. We averaged over 22 mpg and this was with 5 people, luggage, and driving through mountains. Not bad for a CUV! We also test drove the new Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia and the Mazda was our favorite. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  A joy to drive! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - August 4 - 6:50 pm

  Now two years old, this is the most fun car Ive had in my life (Im 65)! I cant take the smile off my face each time Im in it. Plenty of power, terrific handling, and great, great after-market products. Miata clubs all over the country and the world which make it a joy everywhere you go. I dont know anyone whose had one and regretted it I know at least five people who have 2 or more of these cars. Its like a small vacation each time you get in it. It appeals to ALL ages and gathers a crowd everywhere you go--even more when you travel with a club.

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  The road car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By willie robinson - August 3 - 6:10 am

  After test driving Honda,Toyota. Nissan, BMW, Volvo, Mitsu, the Mazda 3 came out on top for me to replace my wifes G35 and we were not disappointed. Put about 400 miles in three days and what a road car we got - every thing in it but the nav. My wife said its quick and fast, love the car, do your research and test drive all the rest, but you will love the 3 trust me.

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  2005 Mazda MPV - certified used car - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Joe - August 2 - 6:00 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a year. It had 24000 miles, I found out it was a rental car from Florida but it was in great condition. It has been the most versatile vehicle I have owned. We are avid Ikea people and hauling furniture is one of the best things about this van. I pulled out the middle row dropped the back and made it into a cargo van. I hauled an L shaped couch and it fit. Even though its smaller than the Sienna or Odyssey, it still has a lot of room. I have hauled appliances and also building supplies to my rental unit. When relatives come to visit, I can fit all seven of us plus put a stroller in the back! A+

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  My Amazing Mazda Protege LX 5spd. - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By littlemissinjured - August 2 - 4:30 am

  My parents bought this car for me when I was 15. I loved it then, and I love it now. It is more than reliable and very good on gas. On average I get up to 34 mpg - somehow. Learning to drive this car was a breeze. The clutch is great and hasnt gone out on me yet. I drive it to school and back daily, so thats at least 40-45 miles. The only problem Ive had is that sometimes my gears stick and my trunk popping mechanism was broken. But, it got fixed. I highly recommend this vehicle to new drivers and drivers who want the feel of a sports car wrapped up into a sporty, fun to drive sedan.

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  What a Ride!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kathy - August 1 - 1:13 pm

  Ive had my Mazda6 for a week and I absolutely LOVE it! It handles well, its quiet and my blended gas mileage for the first tank was 26 mpg. The heater works great, too!! I had an Acura Integra, but had to "grow up" a little bit. The Mazda6 was the right choice for me because I now have an automatic instead of a stick and can actually get more than 2 people in my car comfortably! It looks great, too!