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, no gas. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jacobgeshio - April 10 - 7:10 pm

  Excellent performing car. I love driving it. It handles great, it is fast and looks awesome. But the fuel economy is horrible I have driven the car 1500 miles and I am averaging 22-24 MPG. I would recommend the manual. Mazda automatics dont get good gas mileage. I test drove a Benz C230 with the Kompressor and enjoyed driving this car much more.

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  Very Functional, Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased this car after owning a Tribute for five years. I love to drive and the Tribute was not fun to drive. This car handles about as well as an A4 and has a great combo of sportiness and comfort. Quiet, rattle free and a HUGE cargo area. I can put a bicycle in the back without removing either wheel. Its basically a wagon that looks nice. I love the exterior styling. The only qualm I have about the car is lack of low end torque from the V6. Nothing happens until 3000rpm or so. But, no worries, I like to rev it. It cruises on the highway with no effort. Very quiet and the Bose system is fabulous. Great car for the money.

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  Mazda rx-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mike Elliott - April 8 - 2:06 am

  Performance--lacks low end torque, (Mazda claims 0-60 in 5.9 seconds which is B.S.) 0- to 60 in mid to high 6s. Car still is qicker than most, and it is a blast to drive. Handling is amazing , braking is exceptional. I love the instrument panel. Get used to the high revving engine - and you will enjoy.

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  6 month review - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mark - April 6 - 8:53 pm

  Well we have had our 2008 mazda5 sport for over 6 mos now and figured it was time to give our thoughts. First living in a snowy, hilly area the winter handling and hill climbing power are both average at best. It lags at hill climbing, especially at highway speeds. Fuel efficiency has been pretty good maybe even a little better than rated. The interior design is very accommodating &comfortable. The rear seats are easy to fold/unfold and the design of the controls is very intuitive. Cargo space with the third row up is minimal but with it down we can easily fit our two week groceries and more in the back. Reliability has been perfect so far. Black interior impossible to keep clean.

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  GT wagon ownership experience - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomdm - April 3 - 10:20 am

  Strong enough for a 4 cylinder. Fun to drive. Fairly quiet ride and pretty sports look.

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  Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Mbeech - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car and fun to drive, I love the way it handles and lots of room for 4 people, or two adults and 3 kids.

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  Solid Performer - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Skyline - March 31 - 7:50 am

  I am very impressed with the quality build of this vehicle. For a 4 cylinder engine, its very smooth and punchy. The ride is very comfortable even on 4 hour trips. Interior is solid and functional. The handling is superb for this vehicles class; its precise and confident. I can imagine the ride to improve vastly with the V6 engine. Its a great daily commuter with a sportier flavor to it. Spirited driving is not a problem with this car.

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  RX7vsRX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx7lover - March 29 - 10:00 am

  the exterior is awesome. I receive so many compliments... from bmw to mercedes look alike.

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  Fun car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Damo - March 29 - 1:16 am

  It is a great car to have and drives well. Passenger seat in the front can use a hand rest. Gets low on boot space if you use all third row seats. Mileage is not so great as promised.

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  Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2002 - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jbondjbond - March 25 - 7:13 pm

  The vehicle has been reliable. It is fun to drive and reasonably comfortable even on an all day drive. It could use a little more back seat leg room and a little more rear storage width. The back seats wont fold flat unless you first remove the headrests. It definitely needs more soundproofing. It is a noisy highway ride. Actual mileage is about 2-3 mpg less than advertised. Overall the vehicle has more pros than cons. We have never had any regrets on the purchase.