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:

• 

  Great for our needs - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By ZoMan - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We recently purchased a 2002 ES with leather, cd changer, tinted windows, roof rack, compass, and DVD system. We have put almost 2,500 miles on it so far, the wife and I and our 3 dogs love it.

• 

  I love this car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Phylo74 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car gets great gas mileage (more than 40 mpg on flat highways), has comfortable seats, and has plenty of power despite having only a 1.6 liter engine. Have had the car more than two years now with only one trip to the dealership to replace some sort of air flow sensor. I recently sold my 2001 Subaru Legacy because I could never find a comfortable driving position and always preferred to take the Protege unless it was snowing. I only wish that Mazda hadnt discontinued the 1.6 liter engine on later models.

• 

  Zoom-Zoom van - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By pjnemt - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I only wish Ford, Mazdas parent company built more cars like this. Car is built with the Ford Duratec 3.0 liter V-6 on the modeo chasis from europe

• 

  My Tribute! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tiggirl - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Rides smooth. Dashboard isnt too deep. Everything is within reach. Simple to operate. Highly recommend it for mountain driving. Exterior is classy and fun all in one! LOVE IT!

• 

  The Best in its class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael Gore - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has more "bang for its buck" then anything else in its class. The power is excellent, and it handles like my friends BMW 325xi, and for half the price. The leather seats are very comfortable, and the 6 disk CD changer is easy to use, and works well with the rest of the console design.

• 

  2008 Mazda 3s Hatchback GT - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By RS - March 20 - 8:16 pm

  Took delivery early April. Have driven about 1600 miles already. Average mpg 23-24. Very lively and comfortable to drive. Like the dash layout and the feel. Nav system limits operation to while stationary. Unable to tell if the outside review mirrors are heated? Front seats comfortable. Rear seat leg space tight. Front seat heaters do not turn off automatically!

• 

  Unexpected nice found - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By jssum - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  My wife got her new drivers license and she initially wanted a MINI, but I thought why dont we go green, and I didnt even know theres a hybrid SUV made by Mazda at that time. The color options were limited, we picked the spark blue and there was only 1 available in socal when I searched the Mazda inventory. Fortunately it was a nice looking sky blue and the pricing sealed the deal. Weve been getting 29 mpg on avg so far, handling is quite good (we just drove it up to the mountains this weekend) and the audio system is better than expected. Even my picky parents said the back seats are comfortable.

• 

  Nicest Car I have ever had - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim - March 19 - 8:10 am

  Very good looking car. I was worried that these cars would have transmission problems and brake problems, but I have yet to see it. These cars handle like Porsches and people drive them like they are. The auto/manual hybrid has probably been abused by folks that dont know what they are doing. Get her serviced, treat her right and shell take care of you!

• 

  A Nice Surprise - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jim - March 19 - 1:13 am

  Looking to save on gas, I traded my Ford Explorer in for my Mazda5, and havent looked back. I have 4 kids, so the seating was a must. Being a man, I didnt want a minivan, and this was the perfect crossover (?) for my needs. Ive had the car for a full year and just over 10,000 miles now. The absolute best feature is that this micro machine drives like a car. I didnt want the spongy van-like drive like in my wifes Grand Caravan, and this car definitely responds when driving. It is a sporty 4-cyl engine and has no problems at all in the city or on the highway. I added window tint all around to defend against Florida summer heat, and the car always draws peoples attention. Love it!

• 

  Mazda 6 Great Buy - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tbone - March 17 - 11:03 pm

  I am now 2.5 weeks into owning my Mazda 6 which I finnaly took the plunge when the incentives and my Ford Supplier discount made it too hard to pass-up. My Mazda 6s sedan is equipped with just about every feature available, except for the sunroof. I was disappointed that it did not have auto headlights, or delayed locks. However, I am very excited about everything else that the car has to offer. The 225 horsepower engine is fun to drive, and gives me plenty of power on my 130 mile daily commute for work. Even at 85-90 mph, there is plenty of power for passing. I am also happy with the safety features that include ABS, traction control, & 3 point seat belts in the rear.