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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  Poor dads review - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By imapodaddy - July 25 - 3:56 am

  My wife and I love this van. I was surprised on how much it drive like a car. Just like the commercials..."Zoom Zoom". It does feel very sporty yet practical. I would recommend this van to anyone.

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  Family Utilitarian - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Sourdough - July 24 - 4:13 am

  We have two young daughters with a child on the way and our MPV has been great. It drives like a sedan. The window sills are low, which allows great visibility from the drivers seat. It has more than enough power, but gets better than expected gas mileage. The third row seat folds down into the floor to provide exceptional storage capacity. It has served our family well.

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  Long Term Honest Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By procritic - July 23 - 5:19 am

  Mazda 3 Hatchback Pros: Styling and Handling Mechanical Reliability Convenient Hatch Roomy Cons: Cheap Interior Carpet Difficult to clean ! Black plastic has a bleached white look from ONLY using proper Dash + Interior cleaners Original Tires worn out at 20,000 Instrument Cluster Dash visibility is Poor Steering wheel may block view of Gauges for short people Snow belt driving - premature rusting of rear quarter panels and brake rotors Road noise due to cheap tires

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  Zoom Zoom MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Greg F - July 22 - 8:03 am

  This is a real sports car -- no leather, no wood, no fancy gizmos, no navigation system, and no ashtray. Its quick but not fast, and it handles like its on rails. You feel like youre going much faster than you really are because youre sitting low and because of the exhaust note. It also gets great gas mileage. Theres enough room in the trunk for a weekend getaway for two -- but thats about it. The top does work with one hand (though I have long arms) and makes one wonder about car companies bragging about how quickly their power tops fold up. If the journey is more important than the destination, this is the car for you.

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  2nd time around - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Mike - July 21 - 4:03 pm

  I needed a second car for the family and immediately suggested to find another 02 Protege. You cannot beat them. You can easily get 200k+ on these cars. Very reliable. Perfect car fo a teenager as a first car.

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  Special Edition - Near Perfect - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Matthew - July 21 - 12:46 pm

  I had a hard time finding the special edition here in SoCal. When I found one for sale, I went to see it, and it was beautiful. The light blue doesnt seem too feminine for me. I love the contrast of the brown leather against the blue exterior. The car handles beautifully, and is always a blast to drive. It has rained 4 days since I bought it, and those days are the only time that the top has been up. The manual top is just perfect, easy up and easy down from a seating position. Throttle response is great especially when merging onto a highway. But the real treat this car delivers is the steering. Near perfect! Lotus Elise is the only car with better steering than Miata.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dean - July 21 - 7:43 am

  Very sporty, fun to drive and loaded with features. The seats are very comfortable, love the aux input, peppy engine (2.3) and best in class looks.

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  2nd rating of 2008 CX7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Marlo - July 21 - 4:26 am

  This is my second rating of this vehicle and not much has changed. I purchased the 2008 CX7 Sport December 2007 and it came with some options. It currently has 45k miles and I drive it alot. I havent experienced any major problems with the vehicle. The CEL came on once about 6 months after purchase. The light came on again last week but it keeps coming on/going off. I replaced the tires around 36k miles. My complaint about this vehicle remains the same - the stiff suspension. I dont have any additional complaints to add and the vehicle suits my needs. Considering my experience with the vehicle so far (and if the ride wasnt so stiff,) I would probably purchase it again

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  The Ultimate Commuter - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By psiegler - July 20 - 10:13 pm

  I commute daily 75 miles, one way, from Phoenix, up a wonderful, winding highway where the speed limit is generally governed only by ones own prudence. The recent purchase of my 2010 3 Hatchback has made me a Mazda believer. Plenty of power, plenty of comfort, great interior design and ergonomics, and it corners as if on velcro. The shifter feels stiff, and MPG avg. is only 28 or 29, but zoom on. Love it.

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  Only the first week - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By DRR - July 20 - 5:40 pm

  Two days of ownership and the electrical system shut down on startup. Happened again the very next day, the keyless entry, radio and dashboard display shutdown completely. Electrical issue and the dealership will be checking it over in a couple of days. Great!