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 Car ROCKS! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Virginia Mom - June 29 - 4:43 pm

  Looks great! Drives great! Has great pick-up on the highway - beats the 4-cylinder Honda Civic in this regard. Plenty of room for kids and equipment especially with the 40/60 fold down seats. Its sporty but practical. I have to agree with the other reviewer that the only problem is not having a trunk release on the key fob. Kind of inconvenient in this day and age. But with all this car has to offer I wouldnt change my mind over this small inconvenience. Highway mileage is 28-30 mpg.

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  Great car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Alex - June 29 - 3:56 pm

  I just got it. This car is really great. It is so fun to drive. Great brakes and transmission. Reminds me of the old British sports cars except better quality. I really like how they squeezed every last drop of storage space out of that thing. Very well thought out and engineered. Really fun to drive!

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  Car with Mini Van Features - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By jmr919 - June 29 - 10:16 am

  We just bought the Mazda5 Touring 2012 and researched this car quite a bit. We did not really want a true minivan however this car was more like a larger economy car with minivan features. So far so good.

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  In-laws are welcome too - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Road-runner - June 28 - 11:10 pm

  Ordered back in November, last week we finally got our Red Mica Touring CX-9. It came with 20" wheels with Homelink (optional). Turn to be an almost perfect ride for families with luggage and bikes although there is space for improvements.

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  Mazda 626LX - an excellent vehicle! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Pam - June 28 - 6:33 am

  I have loved this car; its the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its now nearly 10 years old and it still drives really well. Its a standard and Ive never replaced or repaired the clutch and Ive got @110,000 miles on it! The leather interior and sun roof have been wonderful. Ive replaced the exhaust system and the tires, and reparied the rear bumpers several times due to nicks. Otherwise, Ive been nearly repair free! Great car; wish Mazda still made this one because Id get another!

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  Groovy car! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Loblolly - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I wish the car were somewhat more quiet..rough roads make it noisy inside.

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  B2300 AUTO - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By CMAN - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The only item that I dont like is putting the automatic gear shift in park it feels like you have the force it in.

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  ZOOMZOOM5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Daddy Mac - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The first day I saw this car I feel in love. The exterior styling looks like somebody gave it a showroom look! The interior is great with leather! The performance is excellent. Overall very happy with the purchase. I highly recommend this car to everyone.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By LCD - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Its fun to drive and good looking too. Comfortable and easy to handle. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Zoom Zoom in a Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By No Kid Van Driver - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was wowed by this van when I first saw it on the showroom floor (Actually bought the showroom floor model) My wife really wanted a Jeep Grand Cherokee but this Van was fully loaded with Leather, CD, AIR, Power Moonroof, 7 passenger seating, and great lookgs - the Jeep was the stock model with no upgrades for the same price - I won and it is my car. I love driving it - all my friends are amazed since we do not have kids yet. As for power as I have seen here - Mine gets up and goes with the 2.5 engine - even with a full compliment of passengers. I Just wished I waited a month to buy as they offered the Free TV the following month.