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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  Four door with flair - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Frank - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a passenger car that had style, power and handling the Mazda 6 fit the bill nicely.The power from the V6 engine is fantastic, roomy trunk and very good rear leg room. I got it fully loaded with the Technology and Navigation package. A Highlight is blind side monitoring which is very useful. You owe it to yourself to take this car for a test drive before settling on the other popular brands.

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  Perfect van - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Loren Hanson - February 11 - 2:06 am

  The perfect vehicle for us. We are retired and play a lot of golf. We also plan to travel quite a bit. We have ample room for anything we might take with us. The van is very comfortable on long trips. The seats are great. The turning radius is also a plus for the vehicle. The engine is spunky and not noisy as assessed by the "experts" Fuel mileage is relatively good. Its better looking by far than any other minivan in our opinion. Wouldnt trade with any friends who drive Chryslers, Toyotas, Chevrolets and Hondas. They also like the clean lines of our minivan better than theirs.

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  I love it! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By revdll - February 11 - 1:30 am

  Purchased the car used with 25,000 miles. Its my daily driver in the Florida sun. I love it! Handles sharply and precisely. Rough roads produce a rough ride. Not a surprise. Zero problems.

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  Just What I Needed - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dnice35 - February 10 - 6:16 am

  I have a newborn and before purchasing the Mazda 5 we had a mid-size sedan. It was a hassle to put the baby in and out of the car. We bought this car for the following reasons: 1. good gas millage 2. comfortable for the baby 3. design, So far it has met our expectations. We are more than pleased with our purchase.

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  Great reliable car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By klcaz1963 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I would definitely recommend this vehicle. I purchased the 5 speed manual transmission and it is fun to drive. It is a comfortable car with everything within reach. This car has a huge trunk w/ a great split seat feature. I appreciate the "anchor" system for my sons car seat. I feel safe and secure while driving; it handles very well on the road. Only wish that it was not so loud inside.

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  RX FOR EXCITEMENT - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RXCITE - February 8 - 2:00 am

  We need better fuel economy! My 91 MR-2 Turbo gets better than the RX - 21 MPG. Rear seat is great for a 56 person but no taller with me at 61. I can not wait until someone comes out with a supercharger or turbo for this moderate 238 HP 215 torq dream car. The handeling is great if not true to a sports car handeling. Looks are its forte, smooth and unique. I would buy again if I had the choice.

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  Still Happy with Mazda Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By - February 6 - 10:00 am

  It has been almost a year already and I am still happy with the Tribute. I had only minor warranty work done so far. Like the rubber coming loose in the dashboard and the sagging headliner, both were fix with no problem afterward.

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  Still Happy with Mazda Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Chuck 1 - February 6 - 10:00 am

  It has been almost a year already and I am still happy with the Tribute. I had only minor warranty work done so far. Like the rubber coming loose in the dashboard and the sagging headliner, both were fix with no problem afterward.

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By eric90 - February 5 - 6:48 pm

  Me and my girlfriend have been driving this car 166 000 km (100 000 miles), since 2003. The car is great fun to drive, very reliable and comfortable for long road trips (many 6 hrs + trips in the bag). Other than standard maintenance, weve had few repairs on this car. Good fuel consumption for a sporty performance. Nothing bad to say about this car !

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  Great Feel, Fun to Drive - minor nuances - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bd - February 5 - 5:10 am

  Have the car 2 weeks...3i-Touring with sunroof and Bose stereo. Sunroof was a must...too much AC at work. Starting to enjoy stereo. Enjoying use of trans manual mode...merging at on-ramps, especially clover leafs. One real tank of gas_30.9 mpg mostly hwy at 75. Car is fun to drive...as much as work commute allows. Driven on local curvy, country roads, handling was great and took turns well... ZoomZoom is a good description. Purchased because of fun styling and driving...compared with 9 other vehicles (compact and midsize)...replaced a 7-yr old, 6cyl GM. MPG may not match hybrid, diesel or Civic/Corolla...but FUN to drive!! "Punch down" acceleration not my old 6cyl...but knew it going in.