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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  A Great Sports Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By railrdric - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks folks. Fantastic handling with a 50-50 weight distribution. The automatic is fun to drive and seems to have better take off torque than the 6 spend standard. Have driven both and found that the power was about the same even though the 6 speed is rated at 237 horses versus 197 for the automatic. The horsepower to weight ratio is well balanced to give you a true zoom-zoom.

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  04 mazda 6s 5 - door - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sparrow - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price. Amazing how many heads turn with this car.

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  Fun on wheels - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Steveo983 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  It is easy to go car shopping at just about any dealership and find a nice car that will provide you with everything you need...4 wheels, a seat and a few other parts, but I feel mazda did pretty above average on my mazda 6 5-door. It is excellent to drive, and I find any reason to just go out and drive it and I dont think that I will ever come close to the 21/26 mileage rating with how nice the 5-speed revs up Being a college student, the 5-door helps me move in and out all my gear easily and the stylish interior with leather makes the women melt. I havent found any problems or flaws with design to this car and I would recomend it to any lead foot person

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  great car for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nich617 - December 20 - 8:53 am

  I have had my hatchback for 5 months and I still love it. It drives so nice and the turning radius is unbelievable.The interior is so much nicer than other cars in its class. I never liked hatchbacks before I saw this car, but I love it. It is really comfortable and I havent noticed the problems other people had.

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  Love It - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jenn - December 20 - 7:13 am

  My college graduation present to myself. My first car was a 99 accord. I loved the accord but I do not regret my decision about the 3. I test drove almost every car in its class from civic to sentra and I can honestly say the mazda3 blows them all away. My advice to future buyers is pay the extra grand to get the s model because the styling is more refined than the lower models. And side by side there is a huge difference. People have actually mistaken it for a Lexus IS 250 from the back, which is fine with me!

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  Best Value for your money - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By FDC - December 19 - 6:23 pm

  Nice ride. Comparable to other luxury SUVs without paying the $$$. Nice handling and power. Touring edition has some nice features that cost more in other models. Definitely better than highlander or the pilot. Lots of room, great bose surround system. Comfy ride.

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  2001 MP3 Sporty Sedan (2.0l DOHC 16-V) - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By tritonheat1 - December 19 - 11:50 am

  The car handles so great, it makes the miata wanna have the suspension to keep up with the slalom that the MP3 can do. the acceleration is great powerful and have done easy 125mph stock with 8219miles as of today. I know this is for the Es review but i love my MP3.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Christy T. - December 19 - 4:40 am

  I have just bought this car a few days ago but I have already figured out that I made a good choice. I was looking for a car to keep and not keep trading every few years. I think I have found it in the Mazda6. I like the handling, equipment, styling, roominess. I have the 2.3l 5speed.

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  My B2300 truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Scott - December 18 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed the little truck. Great for running around town, yard work, trash, etc. Gets 27 MPG with 5 speed.

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  back killer - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By alakeperson - December 17 - 2:00 am

  great handling, reliable, everything works well, people always with compliments on car appearance/looks, had problem with a/c blower, dealer repaired it but disorganized bad service, long waits