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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  Initial Delivery Quality questionable - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By E. Lin - December 22 - 3:16 pm

  Within 24 hours of MPV delivery by dealer, the "check engine" light went on. A defective/damaged fuel cap was the cause. Other than that, it is fun to drive this MPV. Engine is powerful but acceleration is not linear. Price is attractive, $17K out to door for LX-SV, probably because this is the last model year.

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  Its all right! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tucker72 - December 21 - 7:40 am

  I think my mazda is ok its fun to drive. But theres nothing that keeps me excited about it. Its got average everything, nothing spectacular. The looks are nice but the lack of power even with the 2.3L is a bit disappointing.

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  Fun Drive, But Not Fun MPG - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By zoomguy - December 21 - 2:50 am

  I bought this car new in Dec. 2003 and it was the first new car purchase I have ever made. I loved the outside appearance and the five-door hatch design. I picked one that has about every option except the leather. With all the options there is little left to be desired when inside. Larger passengers have complained about not having enough room and four adults are a little cramped. Overall this is a very nice car for what I purchased it for. The fuel economy has never been all that great and the chrome wheels dont look great after two winters. The suspension is strictly for smooth roads. CD changer gets stuck occasionally. Heater is slow to warm up. Tires expensive to replace.

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  Cool Ride - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By alballon - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Handles great!!!

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  Just a few things shy from perfection - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andrea - December 20 - 2:06 am

  Great car. Not impressed with the recall and the flooding problems. Needs a better place for the dipstick, you have to stick your hand down in the engine to get to it. I thought the interior would be more impressive ... my Dodge Neon was about the same when it came to the fanciness. A lot of people lean on that center console to get out because the car is so low, and because it slides open and its on tracks, it often pops off of track. Maybe get a lift open one instead? The speedometer is a little difficult to read, maybe make it bigger. Gas mileage isnt impressive ... otherwise this car has been very good to me, *knock on wood.*

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Fun2Drive - December 19 - 6:20 pm

  This car is fun to drive. It lives up to its Zoom Zoom motto but thats it. It requires premium which in this economy not good. Tire life was about 25k miles had to replace relatively early and the tires were expensive $150 per tire.

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  A great car - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By EddieJ - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Miata, and I still love it everytime I see it and get it for a drive. Build quality went down from my first (a 1990), but I may be nitpicking. Ive driven alot of of other sports cars, but not many compare, because the Miata is so light and communicative. You dont need fancy electronics to get you out of trouble the miata tells you, and the car has the ability to get you out of trouble. Only when you start getting into the 50K+ range do you get something comparable, but still those drive so dryly and clinically. It just doesnt seem to be an experience.

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  P5 Good but Not Great - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By rbb4u - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Its fun, nimble, great value, but as predicted, signficantly underpowered with wind and road noise near limit. Periodic 1st gear (when cold-up to 5min)clutch slip (which, naturally, dealer cant replicate) is crazy making. Gets lot of attention - even in upscale sections of LA where seeing 10 SL500s a day is norm. Hope MAZDASPEED stuff is affordable. Thats next.

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  GoodLittle Truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By bushdow - December 18 - 10:13 pm

  I purchased this truck September 2002. The gas mileage could be a little better (17 mpg) The truck is high for better road view. The engine could use a little more HP for merging traffic situations.

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  Mada MPV ES - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By good_luck - December 17 - 10:00 am

  the price value for money. we compared this with a Sienna, and we find there is a $7000 difference (incl the premium we have to pay to the dealer). Over all - very satisfactory.