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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  The most fuel efficient minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Alex Povolotski - November 30 - 7:36 am

  This is Mazdas version to European Ford C-Max. Very nicely executed. The biggest features are sliding doors, manageable size, super fuel savings, and nice suspension. Also, its not as noisy as other reviewers have indicated. Ive driven it with 3 adults and one child on board and the motor stayed quiet if you dont hit it hard. Just remember its not a sports car. The motor is a big underpowered though, so it takes quite a while to gain the speed after a sharp turn. Interior buttons are large and well positioned though cheaper plastics in the interior kill the whole mood. Suspension is good, eats small bumps very well.

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  Safe and strong, but frail. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By FreshSmile - November 26 - 5:13 pm

  Enjoyable to drive. We keep meticulous records and do mostly hwy, around 26mph but down to 16 in the city. Poor rear visibility. Paint is very fragile; hairlike scratches seem to appear spontaneously and are now everywhere (even when weve never taken the car to a cloth wash, only touchless). Interior floor covering is very thin and frail. Windshield washer tank is too small for a Michigan winter 50m commute. One year left on a 3-yr lease. Wont keep the car bc it will require too much attention. It did handle 2 winters and a couple of storms safely. Traction control works very well. Like most new cars, factory installed tires dont last long. 25K on this car will be max.

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  A Family Car a Man Doesnt Mind Driving - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By AFAngryWarrior - November 24 - 11:50 pm

  At first I told my wife there was no way I was getting a Mazda 5. It looked like a cross between a minivan and a station wagon. How would I ever show my face on the military installation driving what looks like a minivan. I decided to test drive it though figuring it would drive like a minivan and we could finally stop talking about the Mazda 5. Wow, was I wrong! It drives like a Mazda RX8. I got on the highway to see what it could do, popped it over to manual and off we went able to pass anything that stood in my way. Even did a little stop sign challenge with a Mustang who never knew what hit him. This definitely isnt your typical family car!

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  a very good urban transportation - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jason Lam - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Sporty design but not overdone. Good value even with the base model with features essential for safety, handling, comfort and space.Competitive pricing and factory incentives makes a great buy. A great choice for those who wants the space and convenience of a hatchback but not as big as the traditional wagon.

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  my opinion on the 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By angies8 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car 1 month and have put about 1000 miles on it. It is a very nice sports car. Since it has a few miles on it I am exploring the upper rev band and its plenty fast for me. It has a few blind spots in and you have to pay close attention with lane changes on the freeway.The air conditioner is also weak for a high temp area. I am concerned since with depreciation now Mazda has announced it will buy back the first 3000 rx8s from dissatisfied customers because of the misstated horsepower numbers.I think I will keep the car and accept the $500.00 offer along with the free maintanence offer instead. But I have until Oct 1 the make up my mind.

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  Bang for the buck - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Cameron - November 20 - 8:50 pm

  Excellent car for the money. Leather interior, all power doors, windows, moon roof very good stereo w/ 6cd in-dash player, 6 speakers and subwoofer. Excellent mileage average 30 mixed. 73,000 miles and runs/looks exactly as brand new. Complaints include very noisy driving conditions. Engine revs very high, 5 speed needs to be upshifted very quickly to gain speed Car will not win many races. Not the most quiet, compliant ride but again this is a compact car.

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  I love my new MPV! - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By New MPV Owner - November 19 - 2:50 am

  I love the sporty look of MPV and its so much fun to drive. Much safer than an SUV and it doesnt look like a "Mommy Mobile."

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  Great Car to Own - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Tucker - November 17 - 7:13 am

  I have had no problems with this car since I bought it three and 1/2 years ago. Just regular maintenance. It has been a very reliable car. I bought the car used and have put 60,000 miles on it. It still drives very smooth and handles great on the road.

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  non-turbo CX-7 is the way to go - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By 2008stype - November 17 - 12:04 am

  I had to wait until April 2011 to get a CX-7i touring. I had rented a CX-7 tubo in Colorado several years ago and liked it but not the $20/day for gas. The CX-7i touring is so far very nice. I have taken it on several trips already (1200 miles and several 300 miles). Rides great and handles like a good sedan. Very short turning circle which is handy. I am getting 20-22 mpg in town. I am a bit dissappointed in the highway mileage as it is on the order of 26. Only have 2500 miles on it so maybe it will improve. I think the non-turbo motor had adquate pep for frwy crusing (70-75). Tested a CRV, RAV4 and several other alternatives (Escape for example). The CX-7 is a better car- my view

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  Impressed - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - November 16 - 1:13 pm

  OK, first I need to provide a little background on my previous vehicles; my last 6 vehicles have all been V8s, they have also all been GMs. That being said, a 4 cyl. motor is going to feel down on TQ and HP, no matter who builds it. And, I was fully prepared for that before I bought the 6. I love this car, period. I am a sales rep and I drive a lot for work. I wanted a taut, well mannered car that had a sporty feel and was good on gas. The 6 fits the bill. I bought my 08 used with only 8300 miles. For the price this car cant be beat. Long road trips are a breeze. I can drive 250+ miles nonstop, and get out feeling very little signs of discomfort or fatigue. I am 63".