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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  Zoom_Zoom_Zoom! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By HeatherStevens - February 4 - 11:56 am

  I just got this car a month or two ago, I love everything about it but the gas. The gas is just horrible. I feel like everyday I am putting gas in it. I love how it drives, its real comfortable, everything is in reach. This is my first car and I dont think I would ever trade it in. (Well only if they would get better MPG.)

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  rating on my 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By OSCAR - February 2 - 2:00 am

  just bought it wish it had more HP

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  3 Months later - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert145 - January 29 - 3:26 pm

  Im enjoying the car. I did notice that it does not have a good tight turning radius. I have been on the highways somewhat. Very quiet comfortable ride. The glove box is small. I miss the compass on the rear view mirror.

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  Bought new in 2004, now has 170,000 and going strong - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By kaiserdr - January 29 - 8:53 am

  I rarely give anything five stars but the service I have had on this vehicle deserves it. I bought my MPV brand new from the dealer and only had routine problems. My vehicle is approaching 170,000 miles and runs perfectly. We have maintained the exterior and interior of this vehicle. If the engine fails, I will buy a rebuilt engine, install it, and hope it lasts as long as the one now. I was recently at the dealer to have the air-bag replaced and a mechanic there said several owners bring their MPVs in for maintenance and have more than 250,000 miles on them. The only unexpected failure I had on this vehicle was last year when the sunroof leaked and I had to replace the seal.

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  makingasale - 1999 Mazda 626
  By hays1ch - January 28 - 10:00 am

  overall not a bad vehicle but for me its to small, engine performance is really good,climbs mountains great,city driving could be better as far as milage, but highway milage is good.

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  Love My P5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jake2 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Power is poor, but handling is outstanding and brakes, clutch, transmission are flawless. And, of course, my fire-red P5 is second to none on cruise night!

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  AWSOME - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BUSH - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I JUST GOT MY RX-8 ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I JUST LOVE IT. THE GAS MILAGE SUCKS BUT WHY BUT A 30,000.00 CAR AND THEN WORRY ABOUT GAS MILAGE? THE ATTENTION THAT YOU WILL RECIEVE IS SO FUNNY, PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE DRIVEING SOMETHING FROM THE NEXT WORLD. GOT TO HAVE MY ZOOM-ZOOM MBUSH

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  Great Minivan - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By trigman - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I think that Mazda has made an excellent minivan. My only problems with it were minor sample defects that the dealer fixed satisfactorily. I think that it has appropriate power, but I wish it would get better mileage. (It is a trade-off!)

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  Get one... - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By LoyalMazdaOwner - January 23 - 7:03 pm

  Not much to say other than if youre looking for a solid crossover with 3rd row seating, buy this vehicle! We have had the Grand Touring AWD for 4 months now, and absolutely love it. This is my 4th Mazda and I would put them up against Nissan and Toyota (before their recent woes) for overall quality/value. We replaced a Ford Eddie Bauer 4x4 Explorer and the comfort/ride of the CX-9 is superior, from the roomy cabin to the smooth transmission and solid quality feel of interior accessories.

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  Most fun for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Gheist - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Most fun car Ive ever owned. Comment from my friend: "I havent had such good handling since riding in an NSX." Not too punishing in daily driving, and handles like a dream. Accelerates decently when pushed, but I didnt buy it to be a stoplight racer. The front drink holders are in a somewhat awkward location where drinks can be bumped while shifting. The handbrake could be smaller and less pronounced. Minor fit and finish detail flaws which the dealer has already promised to fix.