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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  Purrrfect - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ben - January 30 - 1:16 am

  I get great gas mileage if I keep my foot out of the turbo. But get real, who wants to do that, I bought this for the fun and the reliability of the mazda name. My CX-7 is the best car-suv ever. Thanks Mazda!!

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  Good car for the money - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By mjones78 - January 28 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car used with 36k on it, today I have 185k on it. Its starting to run rough, but I have driven it very hard! I have changed all the belts, hoses, radiator, and some small things. The AC just went out last fall. (radiator only went because of the thermostat). In the 6 years, its broken down 3 times, and its been through an accident where I t-boned someone, so I would say this car has definitely given me all it could!!! Great car for the money.

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  I have a Mazdaspeed3 and a 3 Sedan - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By UHATEIT - January 27 - 7:56 pm

  I personally own a Mazdaspeed3 hatchback and my wife enjoyed the sedan enough to want to get a sedan so we bought one. The interior on both is very nice and almost identical. My wife loves the look of this car and it is a very sport car with nice interior and looks on the outside. I had to add a rear wing to make it look sportier and upgraded my wifes interior lighting to LEDs and upgraded her headlights to HID as well as upgraded the rims to 18-inch. The stock 16s are really ugly and too narrow so the fenders stuck out like crazy, adding wider and larger rims made a difference. Also the rearend is too high up so we had to install rear springs to drop the back down a bit to even it out.

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  masda miata special edition - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gordon scott - January 27 - 10:00 am

  it is a fun car to drive.we do a lot of road rallys. i have a yellow miata it always get good reviews from people. we never feel inferior at car shows either.reliability has been great i have 17000 miles on the car and so far only lube and oil change has been done. fuel economy on the ralleys has been great for the price of the car, finish reliability,proformance it is a winner in my book

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bking1822 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun and reliable car Ive ever had! It handles so well. Its great on gas. Let me tell you, the trunk is plenty big enough. When I go grocery shopping, I can pack two weeks of groceries in there! For the cost compared to other convertibles, this is a great little car. Im spoiled, Ill always have to have a Miata for the rest of my life!! Zoom Zoom!!!

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  FUN to drive but at a cost - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By jamesandlisa - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased fully loaded and with ground effects package. True to the advertising, the MPV is FUN to drive with quick acceleration and excellent cornering. Plus, for a mini-van this just looks great! Great compromise between sporty car and mini-van. Drinks A LOT of fuel but I knew that beforehand based on MPG ratings. Smaller size makes it easy to park and u-turn; however, interior gets tight very quickly for people over 510" tall! Definitely NOT roomy.. especially if add a baby seat. Overall, I would definitely buy it again!

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  Miata Mamas Fun Toy! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Madam X - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my little Miata! Its cute, cool and fun to drive! I especially like how it takes turns/curves and at an accelerated speed, too. BUT, I find myself doing ticketable (is that a word??) things just because I can! Call it my mid-life fling, but this is a car Im happy to have met!

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  MY8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dumkittymom - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several import cars and this is the only one that Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE (young,old) say WOW. I wouldnt let my 19 yr old take it without me I went out and bought her another car. Maybe that is why my license plate says MY8 on it......

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  Love My Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Petes83 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The whole experience of buying the Tribute was excellent. The dealership was very fair, working with a female sales rep was nice. The Tributes performance, handling, and capabilities are excellent. Got an 05 Tribute V6 with moonroof for 24K with 0% financing. Quite a deal!

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  Nice car for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nico - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Thsi car is a fun car to drive, and it is great quality for under $20,000. It is made great but the only downside to this car i have noticed is limited interior space in the rear seats, but if you are a couple buying this car or have small children, it is perfect.