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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  Sporty wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JoeZ - August 18 - 4:33 pm

  My wife wanted another wagon even though our Passat wagon left me with a bad overall impression. So after doing my research, I decided to look at the Mazda 6. Boy, am I glad that I did! The car is very attractive and although I have owned for a few months, it has gotten more compliments than my Honda or VW ever did. The car satisfies my need for sportiness while meeting my wifes need for versatility. If anyone is seriously looking for a sporty "people mover," I strongly encourge them to take a look at this vehicle.

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  Great fun to drive car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Jezz - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car never gets old. Every time you drive its like the very first time. The gear ratios are a little short, 4th and 5th gear could be taller, but the car handles great, and is loads of fun. Interior is on par with a german luxury car, good finish on all the trim and plastic on the dash and interior. the entire car is just designed and put together with thought.

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  Great! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ElvishKitten - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Its a great car and fun to drive.

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  RX8 - Wow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dlwoolums - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The rotary engine feels like it is directly connected to the gas pedal. When you decide to go, it JUMPS at the chance.

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  Most pleasing car Ive owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bruce Emmons - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the GT V6 - 5 spd. Auto. with the ground effects package. It is the best handling & driving 4 dr. sedan that I have ever owned (I have owned over 60 cars). Handling is excellent, cornering is smooth & predictable. Brakes are excellent. The 5 spd. Auto. Trans. works excellent. The 6 cyl. engine has excellent power expecially for passing, mileage is good (30 - 32 m.p.g.) and the sounds it makes when accelerating are addictive. There is nowhere I would rather be than behind the wheel of this car!

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  Good buy for the price - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lkiersh - August 17 - 8:46 am

  Love the truck, runs and handles great. My evaluation was that MAZDA offered the best package of this SUV compared to FORD Escape or Mercury Mariner. Downside is, no passenger operated power door locks. No daytime running lights offered. No tinted windshield offered (upper band). No backup warning system offered. Spare tire under the vehicle is a minus.

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  Weird Quirks - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By tasia41 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I like my 2000 MAZDA Protege ES, but weird quirks with it. Driving 65 mph - there is a whistle that screams through the dash vents. Played with the controls-nothing helps. Funny smell from air conditioning (no dead creatures found). Smell is sickly sweet. Heat also creates strange smell. Rear passengers stay hot all the time. Problems with auto entry. (Electrical?) Moon/sun roof also creates a screaming sound. Can correct by holding down the unit with hand. Shouldnt have to do that. No Umph. Try to merge into highway traffic is slow (manual shift). Hamster drive.

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  Very Satisfied - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By noname - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly satisfied. I test drove the Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, Bravado and Montero Sport. The Tributes comfort was better than any (except Bravado). Its performance was better that most. Its perfect for me. Mileage 1st tank 18.5, second 19.5. Go the ES model.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Convert - August 15 - 5:20 pm

  Just bought this little beauty for my wife and we absolutely love it! Drive this, then go drive a BMW 328 and Im pretty sure youll find it difficult to justify spending another 15K for little more than luxury brand image. Mazda built one heck of a car. Only complaint is lack of standard IPOD integration -- bluetooth is great though so we just stream music through our iphones (the bose stereo is worth the extra $). For a compact the mileage may not be what most expect, but if you want 4 or 5 more mpg buy a Civic (great car too), but youll miss out on the great character and the hell this car can raise on the road!

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  no longer boring - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By brian06 - August 15 - 6:03 am

  I have recently purchased my first sedan and coming from a truck person (Ford) I must admit it has been an easy transition. From the test drive to parking it at my home I have finally realized that driving can be more than an obligation. The Mazda6 handles like a dream and the attention to detail for this build is above the standards that I have always looked for. Only faults of this car would be the stereo for it is not much in the astonishing sounds department so replacing the stock speakers will be a task for the near future. Overall, I am completely satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this car to anyone in the market for a new vehicle. An excellent buy for the dollar!