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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  Fun little car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By LuvMyP5 - October 23 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car used, and have loved it ever since. Very reliable - the car has 80k miles on it, and other than normal wear n tear, everything is great! Its a blast to drive, and I really look for curves to really enjoy the handling.

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  Kick @$$ Ride - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By crashnburn - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This ride is sweeeet. I love how it handles and its get up and go power.... Damn beautiful too. The only reason why I would get rid of it is to snag a new Nissan 350z or Mazda RX-8.

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  Not quite an Audi or BMW but: WOW! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By ma6 - October 21 - 3:25 am

  I wanted to replace my 2000 Altima SE with a CPO Audi or BMW since other options (Altima, Camry, Sonata and Accord) did not quite cut it for me. The VolksWagen CC was a strong option but I wanted to keep the price under 30K. Then, I came across the new M6. When I compared its features and advantages -for the price- to those of some of the luxury CPOs, I was sold. I am a spirited driver and I already own a 2001 Miata (I had also owned a Mazda 2200 Sport Truck a few years ago), so I was familiar with the brand and its characteristics. After about one week of ownership, the more I drive the car the more I like it. I am convinced that it may very well be the best in the segment.

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  Fun to drive, love the cornering action - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By kleung - October 18 - 2:40 pm

  I find myself begging the wife for the driver seat every time we get in the car. The responsive handling is what I like the most compared to the sluggish Toyota we had before. The Tiptronics feels and acts kinda like a BMW, firm and in control. Cornering is especially reassuring. I hardly need to press brakes on curvy mountain roads. The build interior and exterior feels solid.

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  Mazda CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Brad - October 17 - 3:43 pm

  I have the Grand Touring AWD model with nav, moonroof, and towing. It replaced a Nissan Murano. So far, the CX-9 is one fine car. It has great handling and abundant room. The exterior may be the best looking of the new CUV type cars. Certainly the interior is much more attractive than the Murano.

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  Tribute 2003 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By saria - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Handles very smooth, does not drive or feel like a SUV/truck. So far, gas mileage is very good.

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  I love my CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By debbiejay - October 17 - 2:53 am

  I shopped and shopped for an SUV to replace my old Windstar. I rented several for extended test drives including CX-9 and Highlander. I "borrowed" a Honda Pilot for several hours from a dealer too. The CX-9 has all of the features I wanted, the best looks, and decent gas mileage (at least comparable for its class). Very high quality fit and finish and a great interior layout compared to the others.

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  midlife crisis solved - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Paul - October 17 - 2:20 am

  Mid life crises prompted my wife to say: I dont need a minivan. Sold van and 85 RX-7 and bought used 04 RX-8. Kids love it (2 and 4 year old with car seats on top of pillows in back seat for better visibility). Snow traction great with snow tires here in MN; was impossible with stock tires. Traction control no fun but very effective. 28K miles with no problems other than a few minor recalls which Mazda took care of. Great ride, handling, comfort. Difficult to get good mileage with such a fun car to drive hard. Burns one or two quarts of oil between changes.

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  Nice van for a small family - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By D and J - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After looking at several different minivans, the comfort, styling and price could not be beat. Having recently had our first child and my wife moving up from a 2-door car, the size alone made it a no brainer. I would highly recommend this van for a new family.

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  Best Car Ever - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By critter - October 16 - 11:26 pm

  This car is great. I am 6ft 3in and am mor that comfertable in this car. My wife who is 5ft 4in loves it as well. It is easy to load the kids up in it and go anywhere. I live in the North West and we have had record snow fall the last 2 years and have had not 1 problem with it. Every where we take it people ask what kind of car it is and are amazed at the space. In the snow this car is the best we where able to take it up snowbording several times and it held all of our gear and 5 adults for the 2 hr drive and never got stuck. I am very protective of my wife and kids and would never let them get in an unsafe car after reading consumer reports and other magazines I had to but this car