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:

• 

  My new hobby is driving... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Addicted to Driving - March 25 - 12:16 pm

  I just bought a black Mazda 3 GT (with the leather and GFX package) with sunroof, 6 disc stereo, black leather, 17" rims, rain sensing wipers, 5 speed auto transmission with manual shifter, heated seats etc. To start off I was limited to an automatic transmission as my wife doesnt drive a 5 speed. Fortunately the Mazda 3 has a automatic with a 5 speed manual shifter also. Sweet. From the first turn of the key on the test drive I was impressed. My wife loved the punchy engine, excellent handling, leather, heated seats. The interior is amazing for a car in this class. At night the gauges turn blue and orange. Really nice. When you drive this car you will soon realize you have made an excellent decision.

• 

  Best Mazda Yet - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Ali Reza Rajabzadeh - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a brand new millenia and I love it it is smooth and quiet and handles well

• 

  Kevins 2002 B2300 SE5 - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By kevroth - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first truck, and I love driving it. I went with the Mazda because of the warranty (50,000 miles, as opposed to 36,000 on the Ranger or S-10). The suspension is a little tight, but thats not really a bad thing in a city like mine where the streets are a little rough. Running the A/C hurts the power a bit on the 2.3 liter engine.

• 

  MOST UNDERAPRECIATED SMALL SEDAN - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Unknown - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd pro ES 5 speed other was a 2000 which was totalled or id still be driving it for another 5 years!!!Very tight and well built car! Get one with ES premium pge and the MID CYLCLE REFRESH which is the one with restyled rims and side blinkers along with a few interior tweaks. I drove the civic(too boring)-Focus (too many recalls)and ElantraGT(???) and went back to the protege ES because it feels more solid and doesnt make you feel like your in a small economy sedan

• 

  Death trap - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By pete05 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have not made the first car payment and my new Mazda is already in the repair shop. The car stalled on me as I was existing the freeway. So far, the mechanic cannot reproduce the problem. However, considering what I am reading on this website, its no wonder Mazda has not gotten sued yet from someone getting killed due to this problem.

• 

  After 1 year still lovin it... - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lucibelle - March 25 - 6:36 am

  We have been driving the MX5 PRHT for almost a year now and still love the experience. The only reason I get to drive is because my wife loves to be chauffered. The car is a real show stopper, everywhere we go someone is turning their head to see that car go by. As small as it looks any 6 person should be able to fit and get in and out comfortably. One complaint, I cant drive the car without breaking the law, it always wants more Zoom- zoom.

• 

  Awesome - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By jdgrn8 - March 25 - 2:10 am

  Excellent car. 2.0L 6M Touring w/o infotainment system. Handling is precise, enabled by a decent engine and slick manual tranny, Performed admirably in the great Buffalo blizzard of 2014. ESC was great. AVG 39MPG on the highway, and 34MPG in mixed driving. Noise is minimal for the class. Ride is superior for the class--feels like a luxury sedan. Standard radio/speaker is plenty for audio. I test drove the $1600 technology package and was not impressed. Most of that value can be covered by any decent smart phone. Overall an excellent, reliable vehicle, that excels as a true drivers car. If you want to love your commute and not break the bank, pick up a Mazda 3.

• 

  Zoom zoom.....no rust.....rust....rust - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rusty Mazda - March 24 - 11:13 am

  A fun car to drive for the first four years. Rust started this winter and in a few short months has almost devoured the car. Not since my 71 Torino have I seen a vehicle rust so bad. I would never buy another

• 

  Wonderful wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mb - March 23 - 6:36 am

  I purchased this car last October and have loved every minute of driving it so far. Its fun and practical, what a combination! Holds lots of gear and is terrific to drive. Ive even been pleasantly surprised at how well its handled in the snow so far. Great value -- I got leather, moonroof, Bose stereo, all for much less than I expected.

• 

  Great car! - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By toe_lint - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I first learned about the Millenia when I drove a standard version. I liked everything about it, except that I wanted a little more power. The S gives you that power. Great performer on the highways - the smoothest accelerating car Ive ever driven. Great sound system, great car for long-distance driving.