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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  My Mazda Protege-5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By PrincipezzaJen - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have been mildly pleased with this car. I like that is has pep, and a sporty look on the inside. It does not drive well in the rain/snow/ice. It hydroplains very easily and is very unstable in the snow. There are limited tires that you can purchase for this car, and they are very expensive and NOT good in adverse weather conditions. The tires you get for the car are very soft and wear down faster than other cars. Ive had to get the wheels balanced many many times. The roof rack makes a lot of wind noise, and the cross beams have to be removed. I have not been able to find a comfortable position in my drivers seat-knobs very hard to turn.

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  rx-8 fun car, horrible factory support - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jpw8737 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  i bought my rx-8 about five months ago, its been through 2 transmissions,and continual factory problems, with no good manufacturer customer service. fun to drive, handles great!! too many minor problems.

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  2000 Mile Update - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon G. - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3s Hatchback is the best blend of handling, fun to drive factors and looks for under $20K. In fact, I test drove an Acura TSX, Suburu WRX and Accord EX-L which all cost 2-7K more and couldnt find any compelling reason to pay more. The 3 handles very crisply (See MotorTrend Slalom times) and the acceleration, although not WRX explosive, is quick and linear. Plus, the looks of this car distinguish it from every other car out there. Take a curve at 60 mph and the 3 sucks down onto the road. This type of performance is coupled with good damping so even harsh road surfaces are not too intrusive. The ABS is a must option and I added Xenons,leather and 6

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  ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By melguy - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the car

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  Jims opion - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jimmyduncan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  So far great car. My 5 2" wife can see out and my 6 1" legs have enough room. Its a hoot to drive on mountain roads.

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  A scalpel in a world of hammers - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MRGTX - January 31 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second Miata and the rush of endorphins that these car are capable of inducing has not waned at all in my almost ten years of Miata ownership. Theres nothing on the road as inexpensive to own and reliable while being as much fun. You cant help but fall in love with these cars! Sublime handling, intuitive steering, shifting is a pleasure. Second generation (like the 2000) offers some nice improvements glass window, stiffer body, etc. while not being much (if any) heavier. I miss the pop-up lights though.

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  Total Package - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Faro - January 31 - 1:56 am

  I am the 2nd owner, bought it with 67000 miles. Currently 76,000 in a little over 8 months. Had a 97 Prelude (auto trans) previous to this and I can say that this car handles just as predictable as the Prelude, which was lowered 2 inches all around. It has just the right amount of power to merge onto the highway, to cruise on the open road, as well as passing someone on the highway. I have the manual tranny and so far havent had any problem. I do experience starter squeal from the clutch dust in the bearings, as well as a defunct CD player, and my fan control module went - causing the engine to overheat. The car does have its reliability issues, other than that, its a great all around car.

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  Manual transmission survives - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By oak6 - January 30 - 3:55 pm

  This car has got the look. To my eye, this is the most elegantly understated car on the road. Interior is huge. Comfortable and sporty ride. That said, this is not a genuine sports car. The acceleration is adequate but not stunning. V6 with manual would have been my choice; would have put more zoom in the zoom-zoom. Dash radio controls are easy and intuitive so I rarely use the steering wheel controls. I like the seat fabric. Seat is comfortable but back has a "V" shape side to side; Im not sure how that will feel on long trips. 30mpg so far. Owned 2 months, 1700 miles.

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  Worst car ever. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By briannnaaaaa - January 30 - 10:46 am

  This is my first car. Ive had it for about 2 years and 2 months. I loved it at first, then things started to break. My window almost fell out on a highway, all my tires have been changed at least twice, and they went bald after a year and 6 months. Ive had my breaks changed after a year. My passenger has stopped working, twice. So many more things have gone wrong with this car, I dont have enough room to type it all. I never should have gotten this car. It is horrible in the snow, and just starts failing after a year. Im never getting another Mazda, and Im ending my lease as early as possible. The driving is pretty decent, but its definitely not worth the money.

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  2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring FWD with Bose/moonroof - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By bdranger1947 - January 30 - 5:32 am

  My wife bought this vehicle on Monday, February 27th. This was going to be mine, but it does not have the manual transmission. Anyway, my wife really liked it and is replacing her 2003 Tribute ES-V6 AWD with the CX-5.