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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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By jazb4 - January 6 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 5 for 2 weeks. Gas mileage is awesome compared to my gas guzzling SUV. Im averaging 24 in the city and a recent drive to Los Angeles from San Diego was about 30mpgs. I couldnt be happier. This is not a luxury vehicle by any means, but if you like practical, this is the car. If youre tall or bigger you might feel its too small. Getting my kids in and out is easy with the sliding doors on each side. I havent had any issues with power. It gets up hills without any problems and merges on to freeways fine. So far this car is great for the price! I hope to get reliability over the years as its too early to tell. Also would like to know how it does in crash tests.

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  Awesome Roadster - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jsabowabo - January 6 - 8:10 pm

  This is my first roadster and let me say it is awesome. This car is just a blast to drive. I never considered the Solstice because its a GM product and I couldnt get over its "look at me" flashy design. The engine in the MX-5 is a gem, as is the transmission. I couldnt imagine buying this car with an auto. The handling is amazing, as is the top operation. This certainly isnt the fastest car Ive owned, but with this car you dont need to be breaking the speed limit to have fun. It really is like driving an oversize go-cart, which is why I bought it. On top of that its pretty practical for a Roadster, with a usable trunk and plenty of interior storage.

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  What a ride! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Diane - January 6 - 2:00 am

  We love our new Mazda 6. Its alot of fun and sounds great. Turns alot of heads.

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  It is a Pro - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By grahamcracker - January 6 - 2:00 am

  My Protege 5 is everything Ive ever looked for in a new car. It looks good, handles well, is dependable and gets fabulous gas mileage. It has all the interior space we need when traveling cross country or just to the recycling center. Ive gotten compliments on its looks.

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  Dragon-Slaying Machine! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Killerking - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have taken the car on "the dragon" aka Deals Gap (www.tailofthedragon.com) and had 2 strangers making movies of me! Thia car handles like a bullet on rails! The dragon has 318 curves in 11 miles ao believe me, I KNOW how these cars handle! Also, the attention you get driving this car is unbeleiveable.....Not too many people wanna run you in this car, they know better, esp. around corners. Mazda issued a service repair order to replace the oil pan, so my dealer did it and all is well now. If you want a true high-revving sports car, then look no further........get an RX-8.

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  Exelent - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By b_o_b_6_9_ - January 4 - 11:09 pm

  i have owned the car since it was relesed and since its done about 140,000 miles and hasnt had any issues , only thing i had to replace was the tyres and brake pads other wise its all good

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  Great Crossover for the Money - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By jasonsfolks - January 4 - 3:13 am

  Leased this 2008 CX7 after looking at Chevy Equinox, Ford Edge and Murano. Mazda offered best value for the money. 2008 edition can take regular unleaded which is what we use however the performance and turbo really needs premium gas. At $4 plus a gallon, we will use regular unleaded and loose some performance. Moonroof and Bose stereo with power seats is terrific. A fun car to drive. Im not tall but I wish the headroom was a little higher. Sometimes feel a little tight with near the sun visors.

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  WOW... Me likes... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Cbass - January 3 - 4:00 pm

  I have three kids and a wife and we use this vehicle always. Great compromise between the practicality of a minivan and the fun and pep of a sport car. We got it with the manual, very peppy indeed. Very happy thus far. Perfect vehicle for my family at this time. Hard to fit three full size car seats in a sedan/wagon/or two row SUV, this one does it all very well. Even though this is a "Ford" it is predominantly engineered and built in Japan; that sold it for us. All of this plus the NAV for less than $23K... WOW!

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  Drives like a go-kart! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By venguyen - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  I upgraded my car from a very practical and fuel-efficient Honda Civic. I LOVE driving the Mazda 3--not just because of its unique styling, but also because of its incredible handling. I rarely brake around corners anymore--it drives like a go-kart. Very stable, incredible handling. The only thing I dont like about my car is the poor gas mileage. Other than that, it really is Zoom Zoom.

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  Terrific Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Richard Stone Mtn GA - January 2 - 10:53 am

  Ive been driving Alfa Romeo sedans for 30 years, so I know what kind of small high-performance sedans I like. I dreaded giving up my last Alfa, but when I drove the 3s hatchback, I realized that I had found a worthy successor. This car tracks like an Alfa, but I found the engine far smoother, torquier, and more powerful than a comparable 2L Alfa I4. After spending February in Turin, Italy and seeing the latest offerings from Alfa, then coming home and buying a 3s Touring, I realized I had found superior bargain. If Alfa ever comes back to the US, theyll never be able to match this Mazda in build or performance for under $20K. I love this car! (This is my first Japanese automobile).