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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  My First Roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By My First Roadster - August 7 - 7:40 pm

  I love this car. This is my first 2 seater convertible (Ive wanted one for a long time). My husband (61") thought it was too small for him to ever drive but the cruise control made it OK. We both ride motorcycles and decided it was as close to riding a motorcycle with no helmet as you can get. Great handling.

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  The best car we have ever had! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sean Wolfington - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is a blast! It drives great, the mileage is remarkable and it never has had any problems. Above all it is a blast to drive with the top up and down. But i must say that nothing beats driving around on a sunny day with the top down and the headspeakers playing your favorite music. We love it!

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  Great Minivan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By gem76_girl - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This mini van a great mini van with a good price. Our first choice was the over priced Honda Odyssey. After reviewing all of the mini vans on the market we came across the MPV. I believe it is the most comparable to the Honda Odyssey with a better price.

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  Whee! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Goober - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive...the handling is very balanced and predictable...very light on its feet. Acceleration is just zippy enough to be fun and gets good gas mileage. Its roomy inside for a small car. Good looking too. Just turned 30000 miles and its been reliable. A little noisy on the highway and the ride is firm.

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  A perfect 10, and Car and Driver Agrees - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Frankpcb - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My car is a fully loaded 5 speed with all the options in sunlight silver metallic. This is the best looking compact car on the market, and the only one still made in Japan, so the quality and relabilty is first rate. Handles like a go cart, fast direct steering, great peformance tires and suspension tuning, comfortable seats, great gauges and interior lighting in red. Car is very quiet at speed, you can barely hear the engine idle. Fit and finish are excellent and very up market for a car in this price range, much nicer inside (ex version) than civic, corrola, elantra, lancer, focus etc, I drove them all.

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  Good overall car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jpc477 - August 6 - 9:23 pm

  My wife & I purchased this brand new off the lot in April of 2003 so weve had the car five years now. It started off as her car, and then became my car after she bought a Honda Fit in August of 2006. Overall, the car has been a good car. The handling is outstanding & very responsive. It runs smoothly, and is comfortable to drive. The only issues we had with it was the alternator going out in it. The alternator went failed right after we bought it, and again about a year ago, but it was replaced at no cost both times. Other than that, its needed nothing other than routine maintenance.

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  Very well executed... - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff Nyquist - August 6 - 10:10 am

  I did a lot of shopping in the minivan arena and while I liked the Sienna, I didnt like the price. The 05 Odysseys were just out, but again very pricey for what you get. I drove both the Honda and the Toyota, fully expecting to buy the Toyota. While I thought both were great vehicles, it was ultimately my test drive of the MPV which put me into the Mazda camp for good. Felt great to drive, good power and flexible interior. Ive owned a Miata for years and it has been the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned... Im counting on the same with my MPV. Previously Id owned a Chrysler T&C and put over 120k miles on it; what a piece of garbage.

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  WOW! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DANNY - August 6 - 1:23 am

  I love my 05 Mazda3s 4door. It took me by surprise when I drove it! What a fun car to drive. It handles the winding rocky mountain roads great with no slipping around corners and takes a steep hill with any SUV. I get a lot of compliments on it. the basic reaction is " WOW I didnt know Mazda had such cool cars!" Drive one, you will buy it!

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  Wowow... Sleek Curves & brute... power & efficiency - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By caloyski - August 5 - 3:11 pm

  I was really impressed with the driving dynamics and fuel economy of my 2012 mazda3 skyactiv. I was planning to get the cx5, but when i test drove the 6, I left the dealership with it. This time I am getting the 2.5 skyactiv, more power and torque. The car looks fantastic in pictures but when I saw my actual car, white pearl, wow wow wow. So much better even. Its a combination of sleek, sexy and macho upfront. I am getting so much for the price. Interior is high end, classy not over. This is a head turner. Friend said it has the presence of the big BMW 5 series.

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  AWFUL GAS MILEAGE - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bono - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  This car would be OK with a GM engine