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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  Affordable doesnt have to be boring - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Omar Oddfellow - February 24 - 10:00 am

  So far (five months) my car has been nothing but great. Very fun to drive with great suspension, and its decent on gas. No matter what I do it averages 28mpg. Fat steering wheel, firm seats, excellent handling and very good build quality. Front seat bottom is adjustable - helps long legs! And I dont see myself everywhere I go. In fact, I have not yet seen another ES the same color. Kids down the street said "cool car." The floormats are cheap and might as well not be included, and the 6-CD stereo doesnt have a lot of volume but everything else is above expectations.

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  Mazda MPV a sport van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Abed - February 24 - 10:00 am

  a very swporty van

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  What a car!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug 8 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RX-8 for around 6 weeks - the first one in Ft Worth. It really gets some double takes, and is a blast to drive. As a form RX-7 owner, I have found this to be an improvement over an already great car. The real bonus for me is that I can get the whole family on board.

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  Bought with 200k! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Samantha - February 24 - 7:14 am

  I bought this car a few months ago with 200k in the clock! I previously had a 99 protege 1.8 sedan that I loved, but always wanted to upgrade the handling. After a wreck, I got the opportunity to purchase my beloved 02 P5! Everything about this car was a dream come true! It handles noticeably better than the sedan did, being a standard I feel it has a little more pick up. Only issue I had with this car is in the 02 model but fixed for 03 is the a/c & a/c light cutting out on some speeds, after reading into the problem, the only permanent solution is to wire in resistors to the climate control unit, but after that fix (about an hour) the a/c works perfect again. EVERYTHING else on the car works! Working on the motor is a little harder than the 1.8 due to different coils & the strut bar. Timing belt was replaced around 150k. I have no doubt this betty will see 300k I have absolute faith. I love love love this car. 100% would buy this car again.

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  Great littlesports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DHL - February 24 - 4:06 am

  This is a great car:looks good, drives and handles very well. Takes me back to the days of the Britsh Sports cars like Tr-3, MG, etc. Mileage is disappointing but who buys a sports car for the mileage! Comfortable on long trips. For crowded Southern California Freeways and other stop-and-go driving the automatic transmission is a blessing.

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  I love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By bobbi - February 22 - 2:40 pm

  This car is more fun than I had expected. With touch screen audio, built in navigation and my favorite, the rearview camera, I feel like Im in a spaceship. The kids love the Bose speakers and DVD package; the keyless entry and start make life so much easier for me when Im on the go. My kids all have long legs and they fit comfortably in all seats including the third row, which is the very reason why I turned down other crossover vehicles, they had NO room. I feel like Im driving in luxury without the luxury price. We love it.

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  Great Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By DYWB - February 22 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 brand new from the dealer. It has been the best car ever. The stock tires wore out at about 30,000 miles, but other than that if you take care of the car it will take care of you. I have changed the oil every 5,000 miles according to the factory instructions. It was a good winter car for the Midwest. Driving in steeper terrain it is solid. I love this car. I will buy another Mazda!

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  This is a quality vehicle - 1999 Mazda 626
  By traben - February 22 - 10:00 am

  i got this Mazda used! Granted it doesnt have any power but other then that i love this car!!! it now has nearly 200,000 miles on it and it runs great!!!!!!!

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  Wish I had gotten more out of her. - 1999 Mazda 626
  By yakobemil - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was really excited when I got my 626. The oscillating AC was the coolest thing. I got it a year ago with 130,000 miles on it, seeing as I was a high school student, I didnt need anything fancy. Sadly, things started going wrong as soon as I got it. The o2 Sensor had to be replaced twice. The transmission started having major problems after two weeks, and the fuel pump went out. I ended up spending more on repairs than I did on the actual car. I did love it, though. One morning on my way to school the transmission went out going up a hill. 138,000 Miles. That was the last time I drove it. I sold it for 500 for parts. The transmission is known to go out on these models, though.

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  Excellent Value in CUV Race - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Sellstar1 - February 22 - 6:43 am

  Our Stormy Blue CX-9 GT is great! Turns heads all over town. Drives well both on the road and in town. Wife LOVES the bluetooth connection capability. Bose sound system is outstanding. Back seat (third row), while not used a lot, will come in handy for hauling around 7 year olds friends. I am particularly pleased with the handling of the vehicle. Going around corners in town the CX-9 demonstrates little body lean. Stops and starts just like you would expect a sporty ride to do. Would pay $32K for this over the Lexus, Infinity or Audi/VW and not fret at all! For now, will sit back and enjoy the ride!