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:

• 

  Best vehicle out there for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Canaan - August 9 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle at the very beginning of January this year (so it is difficult to estimate items like "reliability" and "build quality." I have thoroughly enjoyed everything about it so far. Its very stylish exterior is, in my opinion, best in class. It is fun to drive, handles well, and the 2.0L engine feels like a sizable step up from the 1.8L of my former Corolla. The interior is well-designed and comfortable, and the dash looks sleek (and the controls are easy to use, contrary to what I have seen in reviews). The fuel economy is perfect for me, even if not the best in its class. I get almost 30MPG off freeway. The value here is undeniable, so why wait? Get one now!

• 

  Papas rave - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By papa31 - August 9 - 4:33 am

  Great little car

• 

  Fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bart - August 8 - 11:53 am

  Great car, fun to drive & economical.

• 

  One year update - still happy - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jmick1 - August 8 - 7:53 am

  Follow up to the three month post. Still very happy with the car. Pleasure to drive, easy on the eyes and at the pump. Made it through a South Texas summer and would prefer cloth over leatherette seats--they get pretty warm and dont breathe. That would have meant the Sport vice Touring trim, which would have removed the COMAND knob (which I play with but dont really use). I would have been OK with that since the Sport Auto includes the backup cam, which has turned out to be really nice. The smaller wheels wouldnt have been a deal breaker. Averaging about 31.5 in mixed driving.

• 

  Mazda Skinny - 1999 Mazda 626
  By redhawk - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This was the second new Mazda I have purchased in since 1996. I have had only good experience with the Mazda 626. It is affordable and DEPENDABLE. That is why I am in the market for another one. Stick with something good.

• 

  04 Tribute LX 4WD - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Scout101 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Owned about 6 months now, no problems, peppy and fun, can fit everything I want into it. It rides better than most of the SUVs I tried, not trying to be a truck.

• 

  I Love my Mazda 3..... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mwheatley - August 6 - 9:11 am

  When I first bought the vehicle, it was a horrible headache, and it was too bad but I received a Lemon. The Motor Blew at 28,000 and I drive it like a grandmother. I think almost every part on the car fell apart or was defective, I would list however the list is way too long, no word of a lie at least 20 different parts in/and out. It was so bad at a certain point I gave up and left some stuff broken ex. vents However I still love my car, its always a fun drive. I would even buy another. My wife bought the same car except it was hatchback and it has over 300,000 kms and still going strong and other then general maintenance, the only part that we needed to replace was the Altenator.

• 

  fun car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By thomas - August 5 - 10:00 am

  The Miata is a refined roadster. The finish detail is good and has a sporty feel to it. The soft top is easy to use and when down doubles the driving experience. Although having reasonable power, more could always be used.

• 

  fun car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Thomas - August 5 - 10:00 am

  The Miata is a refined roadster. The finish detail is good and has a sporty feel to it. The soft top is easy to use and when down doubles the driving experience. Although having reasonable power, more could always be used.

• 

  Good Car for the Money - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By il26race - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for about 1 year and 10 months. The car has been trouble free. The only thing I have done is change the oil and rotate the tires. I was involed in a major accident which caused $7,600 damage. The car did perform well in the accident and the crumple zones did function properly. My only concern is that the seat broke backwards and it pulled up out of the floor. What troubled me was the Mazda REFUSED to talk with me about this issue, they said I had to have my insurance company or an attorney call them, I think that is very odd and suspicious.