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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  BEST DEAL EVER - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MM - July 28 - 11:06 am

  The 97 model year marked the end of the "M1" style Miata which was first introduced in 89 as a 90 model. The 1.8L engine that this year includes provides more than enough thrust. The car shines in the curves. I have yet to drive (and Ive driven a lot) a car that out handles the Miata. As the Miata grows bigger and more powerful, it loses some of its charm that the M1 style had. The 90-93 model with the 1.6L engine and the 94-97 model with the 1.8L engine are far and away the best value and most fun you can have on four wheels. Three features missing on post 97 models are headrest speakers, pop-up head lights and chrome "finger pull" door handles. Drive it and you will never want to get out.

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  Great fun with many aftermarket add-ons. - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By kentman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about ten months, and it has been a great investment. With the addition of roll bars, 17 inch wheels, supercharger, and all new audio, this car is amazing. It handles like a champ with a great amount of power. You cannot beat this vehicle in price versus quality and performane. I have yet to have any issues with reliablity. It has not yet seen the inside of the dealership. With many Miata clubs and many aftermarket components, this car has been great fun and entertainment. I would highly recommend over the MR2 and the S2000.

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  Nice mini - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By GRW - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Has the fold down 3rd row seat, that the at the time we bought, was only offered by Honda. It was the only minivan where the windows in the sliding doors go down. Smaller size make it more car like to drive.

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  Ya - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ROB_31 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It is so good! I like the shape and allround design.Its my favorite car in the world!

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  FUN and FAST - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NCUSA550 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  car is a total head turner !! fun to drive and fast with 160hp. i got cloth interior, because the leather looked like cheap grade leather to me

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  Originally, I Had Second Thoughts - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By MEP - July 28 - 12:43 am

  When I test drove the CX-7 Sport, I liked the car; however, after I purchased it and drove it for a longer period of time, I was not please with the rough ride. I was having second thoughts about this vehicle. Now, after owning the SUV for a month, Im loving this SUV. I originally started out to purchase the Nissan Maxima until I saw this vehicle on the highway. Its roomy, the handling and braking is great, and I have gotten use to the ride.

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  Fun and reliable - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By k robbins - July 27 - 9:06 pm

  I drive about 30,000 plus miles per year so I am in the car a lot and the 08 Mazda 3 is my favorite car yet. I have Nissan Maximas, Honda Accords and Civics and the Mazda has proven to be the most fun and reliable car thus far. It handles well and feels more like a sport car than an economy sedan. The Mazda 3 has amenities that are usually only found on higher end cars such as the automatic windshield wipers, heated seats, zeon headlights, automatic moonroof and auto climate control. The absence of a truck release from the remote is about the only option I miss. Interior carpet and plastics are cheap but leather seats are adequate and comfortable.

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  I love my Mazda! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By BRIANNE - July 27 - 8:03 pm

  Great car all around. If you drove a coupe and you are hesitating to buy a 4 door because you dont want to look like you are driving Moms car then give this car a try. Great for young people and the young at heart. When you test drive the car you will fall in love!

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  Fantastic! Good looking and Sporty! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gina4321 - July 26 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned Lexus SC, BMW 325i, Merc. SLK230 etc. Mazda3 is what I have liked the best. My 2008 Grand Touring Sedan is loaded out with everything. Auto xenon headlights, 6 disk CD, tire sensors, Bose speakers, leather upholstry, steering wheel controls, auto sensor wipers, heated seats, sunroof, etc. All these items didnt even come on my BMW or Mercedes that costs way more than the Mazda3! Mazda3 hugs the road like a sports sedan without feeling all the bumps in the road, and handles very well. Its easy to get in and out of the car, black leather seats look fabulous and classy, dash lights up with all the lights looks rich. Gas mileage is super. I average 26mpg with regular gas. Buy it!

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  Projected Reliability - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By mestratus - July 26 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased this car from the showroom - Brand new it looked inviting, but as it turned out, everything that could go wrong...went wrong - I had to have constant expensive repairs - Right after the warranty ran out, I purchased another warranty costing 2,000.00 for another 5 years, but the auto adjustable steering column jammed and none of it was covered - Costs over 600.00 to repair - The engine (problem) light has spent more time being on, than off - Just about everything that you can replace on an engine, had to be replaced - The catalytic converter has to be replaced at a cost of over 2,000.00 again ! - And all this well before the car has 60,000 miles on it - Projected reliability ???