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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  Best car ever! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By slttexas - February 6 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car off the showroom floor in 02. In all these years I still get compliments and people are always asking if I just got a new car and what kind it is. It still drives solid and very comfortable. Only routine maint. has ever been required, weve never had any mechanical problems. The controls to everything are conveniant and the car has lots of room. With recent additions to the family I have hsd to purchase a new mini-van, and my husband took over my mazda...I sure do miss it.

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  Firecracker - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By mrowley - February 5 - 9:20 pm

  I bought the MazdaSpeed 3 to provide some driving fun. My other car is an Escalade, which is wonderful for long distance trips, but lacks soul. No such problem with the MazdaSpeed 3 - I have had an almost continuous smile on my face since picking it up. I cant get over the combination of handling, performance, comfort and sheer fun in a car costing $25,000. Ive had Saab 9000 turbos, a BMW 735iSE, Toyota MR2s and many other great cars but none was nearly as much fun as this. Brilliant.

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  Fun And Practical - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By D L Heilemann - February 5 - 1:33 pm

  As a still very active adult and recent dog grampa I found my 350Z satisfied all driving urges but I couldnt haul my mountain bike or my dog! I had to have a more practical everyday hauler plus the performance and handling I have always craved. I knew the MazdaSpeed3 had scored very highly in all media tests for the previous 3 years so when an all new 2010 model was announced I began to follow the reports and searched out the internet for spy shots and videos. Long story shot?...I bought the first one in town the day after it arrived! Even in town the 6 speed is a dream to use, the brakes are very impressive and the torque steer some complain about just reminds me to mind the cars power.

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  Bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By JohnTaylor - February 5 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 used and have had it for 2 1/2 years.. The car has been a pleasure to own everything has been beyond expectations.. The car has plenty of power and great MPG I avg 26-27 mpg with the V-6 something hard to find now days. The car is just right for the the new dad, that still wants something sporty to put the baby seat in. The car has been 100% reliable not a single problem and the inside of these things is so nice looks like a vehicle that would cost so much more.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tbizz H - February 5 - 2:06 am

  Ive had this car for almost 5 years. During that time Ive taken it to the dealers to get fixed twice. One time was so they would tighten the wiper blades and the other was a sensor that was throwing faults. They were both before warranty expired and I havent had a problem since. I drive 40 miles to work everyday and it does it very well. Ive used synthetic fuel since 20K every 7 thousand miles. That may have contributed to the reliability but I doubt it. Mines a manual transmission too.

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  Love it Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Howell - February 3 - 6:33 pm

  Traded in a gas guzzling Ford Expedition. Absolutely love it. Fun to drive, easy to maneuver and plenty of pick up. It is a great looking vehicle. Looks like a BMW without the price tag. We plan on driving it forever. Plenty of room for two adults and our two kids!

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  Just Totalled it Today - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Barté - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This morning, Jan 26, 03 at 12:09, three friends and I were involved in an automobile accident in my 2002 Mazda Protegé ES. The accident involved a speeding pickup truck. The impact occured MAYBE 20 degrees of an angle away from being a head-on collison. My protegé is totalled. All four of us walked away. All four.

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  Very under-rated by pro reviewers - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By BobG - February 2 - 4:10 pm

  This car has it all!! It is totally maxed out in terms of accessories, mostly all standard, not like in other cars in the mid-size range, especially American manufactured cars. We have the leather package with Bose and moonroof, and I cant say enough about how comfortable it is. Its a real thrill to drive, acceleration is tops, and handles like a high-priced sports car. Doesnt have the "sedan" look of other cars in its class. We tried the Optima, Accord, Camry, and Passat, and none can match this great package.

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  Midlife crisis pacifier - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dacvulcan - January 31 - 10:56 am

  Test drove a Sky and S2000 but the MX-5 felt more like a classic roadster. It is very responsive and has totally replaced the "need for speed" that my motorcycle satisfied. It is real nice on a Saturday cruise to have A/C, heat, music, and a top when it starts to rain. I am going back over my favorite motorcycling routes and enjoying them more than ever.

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  Nice CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Jim - January 31 - 4:10 am

  Just bought the white CX-9 sport fwd and drove to Florida and back to Ohio with two adults, two 16 yoa and a 17 yoa. Vehicle ran great and surpassing the speed limit was no chore. Ride is so nice you dont realize how fast you are traveling. We sold our Tahoe and traded in our 2006 mazda6 for the CX-9.