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:

• 

  Mazda scores a Grand Slam - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By MPVguy - March 17 - 6:10 pm

  This is the best van out there for the money when all the issues are factored... as long as you dont *have* to have a large van, which the MPV isnt. Best handling, best accelerating, best looking, imho.

• 

  buy one - 2002 Mazda 626
  By ski - March 17 - 2:00 am

  after two months of test driving the 2003 altima, accord, and camry i stumbled upon the 626. i love the ride and comfort of the car. the 4 cyl could use a couple extra ponies, but, i wasnt looking for a sports car. i also could not pass up the price. 2002 with 6K and 2.5 yrs left on warranty for 13,000. i believe this was due to two rental companies filing bankruptcy and sending inventory to auction.

• 

  I love my Mazda - 1999 Mazda 626
  By caris car - March 14 - 7:00 am

  My car has over 110,000 miles on it; Yesterday I got almost 40 mpg, interstate driving @ 73 mph with AC, cruise when possible. My car needs a tune up too, but always gets regular oil changes. I added a spoiler, alloy wheels and a stripe at purchase giving the design a more finished look; people still remark at how sporty my car is. I would buy another same model or V6 when/if this one ever gives up. I have minor back problems and the seats are great even for long distances; the rotating fan is great for in between weather and saves AC. Good buy for my money.

• 

  Protege 01 ES w/GT - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By dapplegrey - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very very happy with this car. I have not had any problems with it, other than the usual wear and tear and hope to enjoy it for many years to come. I would not hesitate to buy another.

• 

  Green Machine - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Scott Green - March 12 - 10:00 am

  29 MPG city! Rides nice and feels solid. You dont feel like your driving a small car.

• 

  Zoom-Zoom! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sholzer - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive noticed most non-miata drivers wear expressionless faces. I wonder if they notice the smile on my face as Im driving - its hard to not smile as Im wrapped in total satisfaction driving me-miata!

• 

  02 LX, automatic with 6 disk cd/moonroof - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By kdavis - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Great little car, wish we had know about it before we bought an Eclipe for my self. This car outperforms the Eclipse in everyway except gas milage and radio. Maybe I can trade the other car in, this time for a manual.

• 

  cool - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By daveyd26 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  phat that is what i think of this cool car and that is all that i can think of right now.

• 

  In A Class of Its Own - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Romanizer - March 11 - 9:53 pm

  Tough to add to so many enthusiastic reviews. They are all correct. I have owned all sorts of cars and can tell you that this 3 is an amazing little machine. Sexy looks, stellar handling, zoomy power plant, lux/techy/sporty interior, chock full of technology. Plus, Mazda reliability. All at a ridiculously low price. Pssst, buy this car!

• 

  Mazda MPV = Mans Perfect Van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Howard - March 11 - 10:06 am

  What can I say...Mazda did it again for me. A fantastic space saving/utilizing concept on wheels. On the LX the seats could have had a lumbar support to make the comfort better. The radio controls were obscured by the automatic gear changer. Other than those comments, no other criticisms/suggestions. :)