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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  One fine Zoom Zoom SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By CJMS - January 2 - 1:33 am

  I bought my CX-9 recently. The price you pay for the car makes it a great value. Bose sound system is great. The car is very quiet, pickup is good on the freeway. The advanced keyless system is a must.

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  CX-9 - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By vts747 - January 1 - 2:15 pm

  Feels like smaller sporty car. My 12 hour long, 850 mile long road trip last summer wasnt as exhausting as usual, thanks to smaller steering wheel, sporty seats and carlike handling. Steering is sporty and precise. Seats feel carlike and comfortable for a long trip.

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  Fun, Reliable car to drive with some not so good features - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jwonger - January 1 - 11:06 am

  I bought my car from my brother 4 months ago. It currently has 157k miles on it and it runs great. Just changed the timing belt at 155k and so far its been running like a dream. Its a great affordable commuter car that has some quick speed on turns. Very reliable, every Mazda my family has owned has had 230k+ miles put on it. Definitely will be buying another Mazda after I put another 100k miles on this one!

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  Downsized from a Chevy Minivan - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Linda M. - December 31 - 10:26 pm

  We purchased this a week ago, and so far, so good. I got tired of lugging around a big minivan at 15mpg local, just to do mostly local errands, little league, lugging furniture from IKEA, etc. My family of 3 takes a 3000 mile road trip every year or two, and I did not want to sacrifice the comfort & cargo area of a van. The Mazda 5 seems like the perfect solution. Better mileage, sleeker (drives more like a wagon than a van) and I dont have to give up the cargo space I am used to having. I have used less than half a tank of gas so far, and cannot yet evaluate the true mileage. Much easier to park than a full size van.

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  Real Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Muhammad Kaisar - December 31 - 9:40 pm

  After tring Altima,Accord,Civic,Gallant and camry , i felt nothing like driving mazda , the cornering , the sharp turn superb handling

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  Great Value Sport Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By hank - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car handles like a champ. Nice 130 horses to zip around in. Overall fun car to drive and extremely practical! 5sp manual is the way to go for this car. Great gas mileage as well.

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  Fun car - needs more power - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Dan Charlebois - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Protoge in October of 2002 and it now has 11500 miles on it. The handling of the car is more than I could have expected. The car has very precise steering (perhaps a bit of oversteer) and the suspension is tighter than most in its class. This makes cornering quite fun, especially with the 195/50 R16 Dunlap tires. Living in Syracuse I had to buy a set of Blizzaks to get anywhere. The Dunlaps were useless in snow. If I had a problem with the car it would be that it lacks power. The engine doesnt get into its power band until around 4000 rpm. I highly recommend the 5 speed to get full enjoyment of the engine.

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  3rd time around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By russo - December 31 - 2:00 am

  after owning a 1982 rx7 gsl and a 1992 rx1, my new rx8 is the best of the three. Granted, my 1992 was a VERY FAST car but it rode like a truck. My 1982 was fanatastic by the 2004 has the looks, the price and the driveability. Thumbs up to the engineers!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TM45 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is very entertaining, draws a crowd, handles beautifully, is very quick, and seats four. WHat is not to like?

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  Know What Youre Getting - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gingersrus - December 31 - 2:00 am

  One test drive and I was sold and have never regretted buying it.... BUT Mazda is not clearly notifying new buyers about potential problems from flooding/fouling plugs when shutting down cold. This is a real problem if you valet park where they have to move your car, or if you forget and back the car out of the garage without letting it fully warm up. NEW ROTARY BUYERS BEWARE Make sure you ask the salesman about this.