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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  Excellent car for the money - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By DMW003 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Went from a ford escort to the protege lx. Car has good pickup on the highway. Great mileage and the 6 cd changer and sunroof makes it fun to drive, Since I commute everyday good car to drive.

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  Some nagging Problems - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hizz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this car, but it does have some nagging problems. I had a 96 Secial Edition and was totally problem free. This one has had two recalls in the first 3 months of ownership and a clutch chatter problem that the dealer tells me is "normal". Cant believe that, but they swear its true.

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  For Your Driving Pleasure - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By czyber - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is simply a great car that is loads of fun to drive. A real classic with supurb styling, high reliability, and excellent economy. Even though it is not high performance vehicle in terms of power, it certainiy makes up for it in many other ways. This car delivers plenty of driving pleasure!

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  Great 3rd Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By MI-Mazda - January 13 - 9:33 am

  I loved this car for the first six months. The handling is phenomenal. Convinced my wife that it was practical for our family b/c it was a 4 door. However, this car is undriveable in winter, and thus, remains parked for nearly 4 months of the year here in Michigan. If I could, I would keep it as a third car to drive for fun. It just isnt practical for me as a daily driver.

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  Super Fun, Practical, Economical car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon Donning - January 12 - 5:03 pm

  After owning a 2004 Mazda 3 for a little over two years, I am still impressed by its exceptional build quality, fun to drive nature, and great fuel economy and practicality. No defects or warranty issues of any kind. The car has survived a deer crash and a trip through a ditch in two different accidents. Body shops did a great job, and the car is still driving great. This is a car you dont get bored with very soon. Had the 30K service done a while back and everything checked out great. The tires tend to wear somewhat quickly, though. Replaced the original set at 27K miles with some Kumho Ecsta ASX all season tires.

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  Love my Mazda - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Boo - January 12 - 7:23 am

  My mazda drives like a dream. I have a 97 automatic and should have blown up by now and OD out but wont quit . My 98 manual drives like a dream, interior is grey and sharp. It is a comfortable ride and with regular tune up gas mileage is still good. Love to just go for a ride or drive on pretty days.

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  Fun and Reliable - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Meyer - January 11 - 10:40 pm

  Just purchased and love the handling. Only had 50K miles. I bought this over the Z3 for the following reasons: -Reliability, Glass Back Window, Manual Top

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  2005 Tribute Fwd - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By David - January 11 - 8:03 am

  Ive had the Tribute for 2 months now and I couldnt be happier. I priced out the Escape and the Mariner but ended up with the Tribute for the styling, standard 16" wheels, warranty (4 years/50000 miles), and the aggressive pricing from the dealership. Even if you live in a cold climate, the FWD is more than adequate for getting through snow and the antilock brakes are very effective. I test drove the new 4 cylinder and it was fine but the 6 cylinder is much smoother and the gas mileage is still respectable. Give the Tribute a look and tell the dealer that youre seriously considering an Escape. The price will come down considerably. Hope this helps!

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  Fun vehicle - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ED STRINGER - January 10 - 9:40 pm

  This vehicle was purchased as a "just for fun" vehicle for me and my wife. I was an owner of the old rx-7 back in the late 70s early 80s. This car is all you would want from a "fun car." It is not an economical car. It requires high octane gas, regular oil checks, and expensive tires. It drives and handles just as you would expect a sports car to drive and handle. It has a six speed transmission that adds fun and power to the rotary engine. This is a wonderful vehicle.

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  mazda ES protege - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By xteban - January 10 - 9:06 pm

  I just bought this car yesterday, I was a big Honda fan that was all I had, but after 3 times that my cars being stolen I had to make a change and really the Mazda is a great car, soft ride compare to my 2000 civic ex, I love all the little details of this car, its well worth buying this car!!!