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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  Very Happy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brook - December 4 - 3:56 am

  Just bought a 2006 Mazda 3 Grand Touring. Only one day old so all I can say is so far so good. The "bells and whistles" are the best part along with solid driving feel. I love the manual choice on the automatic. Dealer said if you use it consistently you can dramatically improve gas mileage. Need to see if thats true. I bargained hard for this car and you can get it for invoice if you wait and compete for different bids.

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  Miata... a blast for the bucks - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bill - December 3 - 9:50 pm

  Ive owned other roadsters, but the Miata is a blast for the bucks. After driving a Triumph Spitfire and an MGB, the Miata is like a high dollar exotic sports car. It will get up and go if you know how to drive it (keep your rpms up, kind of like driving a small displacement sports bike). The motor is smooth and Ive never been in a car that connects you to the road like this one! No complaints, best toy Ive ever had. Ive been walking around smiling and humming the "zoom, zoom, zoom" song since the day I bought it. Its an absolute blast.

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  Love it! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Marie - December 3 - 8:36 pm

  I just purchased this sportscar two days ago and I love it. I owned an old 1600 Honda roadstar in college and its great to be back in one again. I love it and hope to continue driving it for the next 5-10 years. Im a young and very attractive professional and I dont know too much about sportscars, but Ive have received numerous compliments on the street and on the highway in this car and the ride with the top down is fantastic! I live in southern california the highway commute is a blast! I wish someone had told me about Miata years ago!

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  It doesnt get much better than this - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Johnny Five - December 3 - 5:50 pm

  Bought it from the original owner with 52000 miles; have added 3000. 5-speed manual rocks! Have not had any problems so far....and its more than 4 years old. I really love this car. Its "pimped up" without looking like a teenage car. It wont win any races, but its still fast or at least feels fast. Ive yet to feel a need for more power! Cornering is fantastic, ride quality is great (I enjoy feeling road bumps gently but not harshly). This is for folks like to "feel" their car. The Protege5 balances sportiness and comfort perfectly....you feel the engine and road bumps pleasantly but never uncomfortably. I couldnt be happier with my PR5!

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  Who would have ever thought! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By 3girlsmom - December 3 - 6:23 am

  I traded in a Lexus LS 430 for this Mazda5 and I dont miss my Lexus! I have 3 girls and the room is just perfect and the MPG is an addition plus. Very fun to drive, awesome turning radius, just the right amount of features, unbelieveable price, gas efficient... all to say my kids love it! If you are in the market, you will have to test drive this one. I have a feeling that the Mazda5 is going to gain popularity very quickly! I love the white on tan, the tan isnt too light, and the white is pearl... beautiful!

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  CX-7 Houston - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Fred - December 1 - 12:26 pm

  I now have 22,00 miles on my CX-7 and it has met my needs. I drove CRV, Rav4, Escape and decided on the CX-7. I wanted a vehicle with good ground clearance for Houston rains, easy in and out, and good handling. I like the gauges which are well lit, day and night. It handles well, and have done some sport car racing in the past. The fuel mileage could be better, I get 22 mpg overall country/Houston driving, and up to 26 mpg on the interstate trips. I would like to use regular gas like the 2008 model allows. It is a great car for old guys & young too. The leg room & power seat is what sold it.

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  Just got it will comment again on 3/2010 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By newyorkgiants - November 29 - 6:03 pm

  I just recently bought a used 2003 automatic, 4 cylinder Mazda 6i. It has around 52,000 I will comment on it again in one year to see what everybody says about this vehicle is true.

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  Worth the money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mbryan - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It handles very well, gets great mileage, and looks great! Get it in silver. I have never been able to turn heads in such an inexpensive car. The interior is rock solid. It never rattles, and the look would be appropriate in several pricier cars.

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  Mazda Overview - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Joseph C. Campa - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle to own, fun to drive. Lousy dealership for work to get done on it.

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  This Tribute goes zoom-zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Michael - November 29 - 5:43 am

  The Tribute drives and handles well and is roomy for its size. Good performance with the V-6, easy to spin the front wheels. Seats are comfortable. A bit of a choppy ride on uneven roads. Looks and feels put together well and more stylish than its cousins, the Escape and Mariner, not to mention less money and it has a longer warranty with the 4yr/50000 mile bumper to bumper.