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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  Good Van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By AKA1054 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  We have owned for a little over a year and are very happy. The trans is a little busy at times and wish the 3rd row seat was easier to get into. Otherwise very happy so far.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By pittdp - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive, yet practical. This car makes me want to take the long way home.

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  Buy of the Century - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BByron - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought a fully equipted 4drS in lieu of the Mini Cooper I lusted after for years. This little 3 just fits, Im 63". It looks great, handles like a dream, rides very comfortably, turns tighter than the Mini and has a longer wheel base than my old Mazda 626. It runs on regular fuel and is just plain fun to drive. It has all the features of cars two or three times its cost. I have GPS navigation and its both fun and practical. The Mini was fun but try hitting a speed hump at the posted limit and youll take the 3 as your daily driver. Fun and practical and cheap. Hard to beat.

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  cup of tea - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bl fong - August 14 - 5:30 am

  Great handling, excellent brakes. Steering feel excellent -- you steer, it turns! Very good ride even with 50 series tires. No ABS brakes, excellent modulation. I got the auto transmission; spouse request. Very good from a stoplight. Seats and steering wheel infinitely adjustable and comfortable. Stereo 6 CD changer very nice. very little brake dust on wheels. Glove box huge! My golf clubs will fit in back. Rear seats tight -- exit/egress lacking. I would buy again!

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  The joy of balance - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Liam - August 13 - 1:33 pm

  The true personality of this car can only be revealed when in manumatic mode on a twisting road using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Let the free wheeling engine wind up to 9000 RPM before changing gears and you begin to appreciate the true advantages of a rotary engine. Bought this car with 5000 miles on it - nicely loaded and comfortable to ride in. The 50/50 weight balance is a pure joy, no sudden spin outs - very predictable handling with solid braking and good feedback through the steering wheel. A very nicely put together package or design, utility, performance and fun.

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  This car fits me like a glove - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By evoxpisces - August 13 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car used about a month ago, and I dont think I couldve been happier with my purchase. Its a car you dont see on the road often, which is unfortunate because they are great cars. As soon as I sat in the drivers seat I knew this was my car. The handling is so smooth, the seats are incredibly comfortable, and theres a good amount of room inside. The other day I was traveling at 70 mph...didnt even realize it. Thats how smooth it is. Didnt feel a single bump in the road. The exterior is beautiful, as is the interior. If I had to complain about anything, the gas mileage is just so-so. However, I wouldnt take any other car on the road over this one.

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  Comments for the 2002 B3000 Dual Sport - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By 112- Richmond - August 12 - 10:00 am

  The Truck is fun to drive. I have not had any problems. The Truck has a good clearcoat platinum gray paint job. The ride is tight and comfortable. The truck handles turns and curves very well.

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  My new Protege 5 drives like a BMW 3 Ser - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By MaryC - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Some years ago I had a Mazda 323 (87) and I loved that too but found out it didnt do so well in crash tests. My new Protege 5 got 5 stars (driver) and 4 stars (passenger) in the crash test. It drives like a dream. Nothing else in this price class can match its style and performance - its really got class. A very cool sport wagon.

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Daniel - August 11 - 8:50 am

  At first we werent sure about getting a 4 cylinder minivan, but we were pleasantly surprised by the power/performance of the 5. My wife wanted a six or seven passenger vehicle, that was not some behemoth SUV. This has everything she wanted, and more (incl. moonroof, 6cd changer, airbags) for under $20k.

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  Sport Performance Commuter - 2002 Mazda 626
  By troyb - August 11 - 7:40 am

  I bought this car used for $9,900 last June (2004). It had 10,800 miles on it then and currently has 22,500. I have had no mechanical problems. I am 64"+ so the vehicle gets a bit uncomfortable on 1-hour+ rides (leg room). There is not really ample room for adult passengers in the back seat, I think the 02 Protege has more space. The V-6/5-spd is quite peppy, especially on the highway. I average between 26-29 mpg. The interior is simple and functional. The exterior design is nice, but the paint scratches easier then other cars I have owned and the door molding paint is fading. The suspension is sporty, but can get uncomfortable on bumpy roads.