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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  protege - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By manda - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my Protege

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  RX8 What a surprise - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tkemory - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Last summer (July 03) I decided to take a test drive on the RX8 which had just come out. I was currently driving a 99 Corvette but was looking for something a little different. Prior to test driving the RX8 I tried out the 350Z, Infiniti G35 Coupe, and the Honda S2000. The minute I got behind the wheel of the RX8 I knew I loved the car and wanted it. I was sad getting rid of the Vette but I the upkeep of the Vette was becoming a pain and was getting expensive. I was worried at first that the overall experience would wane and that eventually I wouldnt be happy with the RX8 but after a year I still love the car and get constant compliments.

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  get the 5 speed - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zookarama - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I only have a few hundred miles on the hatdchback so far, but Im very happy with it so far. The power of the 2.3 will certainly surprise you- its very quick. The car is quiet, very smooth running and it handles very well. The ride is what Im used to in my 626- not mushy, and perhaps a bit tight, but thats what I want. The manual trans is a delight. The gears are just where they need to be, ratio- wise, and the shifter is smooth and sure. Seems like the best deal under 20K, and Ive looked at and driven all the competitors these last few months.

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  Sweet Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jhgough - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery of a steel gray Wagon with Luxury Package (black leather), Bose Audio, Moonroof, Sport Package, Side Airbags on 6/22/04. I have the roof side rails and bumper step plate on order at the dealership and will have them install it in a couple of weeks. I traded in a 98 Mustang GT and I have to say that as sad as it was to depart with the mustang the Mazda met and has even exceeded my expectations. This is an excellent vehicle and great value for the money even if you have to have all sort of other items (moonroof, bose audio) in order to get side airbags. Excellent driving characteristics and great space.

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  Best vehicle ever - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By HEFFAE - April 4 - 5:06 am

  Eight months later, Im still looking for reasons to run to the store. My black CX-7 still turns heads even with all the new SUVs that have recently come out. It is like driving my Saab convertible (that I sold to buy this) except with a top on it and comes with lots of room. Im older but still enjoy the occasional "pedal to the metal" because of its extremely quick response and incredible passing gear.

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  Good overall - 2016 Mazda CX-5
  By susanchicago - April 3 - 1:38 pm

  I traded in my 2015 Mazda Touring with Technology package for this GT AWD and couldnt be happier. I am a college student in Illinois and AWD gives me better confidence in snow, but I really wish there could be a way I can manually turn on the AWD. This car is also good for student, I can turn the car into a bed if I fold down the rear seats. The biggest improvement is the infotainment system and it does make a big difference. The new wheels look great. In general, I found the look very attractive and the gas milage to be great. The 2016 model seems to be more solidly built, as the interior plastic is better assembled, whereas the plastic in my 2015 fall off within weeks.

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  If you cant afford a Jaguar - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rod M. - April 3 - 3:26 am

  Lease expired on our beloved 2007 Mazda3 Touring. Checked out the 2010 3s and could not get past the homely grill. Test drove new Sonata and Camry. The Sonata is pretty and handles well, but the GLS feels like the economy car it is. The Camry (even in sportier SE trim) was not much fun to drive. The Fusion, Accord, Altima and Legacy styling do not move the pulse rate. If you put a leaping cat on the 6, it could be mistaken for a Jag. One car editor said it drove like a Jaguar XF. So whats the down side? The cloth seats are not that comfortable. The lumbar support does not hit me in the right place. Cheap Walmart seat cushions fixed that. Stereo is just okay. Mileage is mediocre.

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  I think Im turning Japanese - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By newlyconverted - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My family has always been a satisfied Chevy family. When I opened my options to include foreign cars for my first car purchase, I fell in love with the Mazda 3i. I needed an affordable car that was cheap to own and this fit the bill. I got the 3i completely loaded with options and I still found it very easy to afford. Plus, Im 64" and about 245 and I have plenty of room in the car. I compared with the Jetta, S40, and this car met every single one of my requirements. Contrary to most of the reviews on this site, I found the A/C to be plenty powerful...and Im a big sweaty guy!

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  Lovin it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hongdaniel - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Thank you Mazda! Less known than Honda or Toyota, but more bang for the buck!

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  Be careful what you wish for - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Alex - March 30 - 4:20 am

  Great handler with good power. Communicates well in corners and inspires confidence to push on. It has enough power to make pushing on fun. But beware, this is not a quiet ride. Engine speed at 70 mph is 3500rpm. The exhaust is loud at that rpm. Road noise comes through the wheel wells, and the tires throw up little pebbles which create noise. The car is low so egress and entry are difficult. Once inside a six footer will fit, but this is no Caddy (duh). Fuel economy is 25- 27 in mixed driving on any grade of gas-not great. Lastly, OEM Michelin Pilot Preceda are great in wet/dry, but useless in any light snow