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 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By yen - November 1 - 7:36 am

  This is my first brand new car after having two used ones. I have winning blue and its been my life. I love driving it, washing it, and just looking at it. I have had no problems with it. Its very fun to drive and I feel cool sitting in it.

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  Between Civic and Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By leo - October 31 - 3:13 am

  The ultimate factor that made me choose the Mazda3 over the Civic was the hatchback utility and cuteness factor. I love the small and zippy feel of the car. Good size for me and not many people in my area have a Mazda3 so its nice to be different on the road. The telescoping and tilting steering wheel is nice. As is the lumbar support. I didnt upgrade my audio nor have a sunroof, so its basic but definitely fun to drive.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By nsoriano - October 30 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought this car after much consideration. Considered many other choices i.e. minivans (Odyssey, Sienna, MPV), station wagons/suvs (Forester, Vue, Tucson, HHR, XB). This will be mainly used for carrying 2 adults and 2 toddlers with enough room to spare for a doggy carrier and luggage. Although not as comfortable as my Diamante, its not too bad. None offered the value, efficiency and utilitarianism of the Mazda5. Not a speed demon because of the extra 500 lbs, the 4 cylinder engine holds its own on the highway. Surprisingly quick and nimble while maneuvering around the city keeping the tradition of zoom zoom alive. The brakes on this thing are excellent, comparable to a go kart!

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  es sport auto - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By linwoodestates - October 30 - 10:00 am

  car has very stiff suspension but that is it, sport auto on es is fun and only 95.00! smartly designed car as well, very reliable, have had no problems, driving 30000 miles a year.

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  No problems so far - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By JMS - October 27 - 7:30 pm

  The MPV is a great van overall. Handles well and looks sporty. We get about 17-19 mpg in the city with the AC on. We added fog lights and rear view mirror that dims automatically at night. The mirror has a compass which is very helpful.

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  Another good Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tim - October 26 - 3:40 pm

  Had a Mazda Protege when it came out in 1995; the car was just ok to use. Wife wanted another Mazda, so we got the Mazda3 and it is by far the best compact car that we have ever owned.

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  Sharp handling, no grunt - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By attila - October 26 - 12:13 am

  After driving a Camaro Z28 and various sportbikes I am shocked to see that a family-hauler can handle this well. Smooth (manual) shifter. The front wheel drive is a little disappointing and theres virtually no torque below 3000RPM but all in all it is an excellent package at a very good price. Dealers are willing to let it go several thousands less MSRP (mine was about MSRP-$8000 - what a steal!). Highly recommended if you dont absolutely need RWD.

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  Fun, sporty and reliable ! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Bluestocking9 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We bought our P5 in November of 2002 and weve been extremely happy with it. It is fun to drive, it has wonderful styling and excellent pick-up for a 4 cyl. engine. It gets noticed on the street since it is unique and sporty.

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  A Match For a Family - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By pickels - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I need to upgrade our family to a larger vehicle, we where drive a Toyota Tacoma Double cab Truck and that was our base for the quality we wanted in the new car/van. We found the Mazda to be a Great Match, it had the style the wife wanted and the features I wanted for the family. The fit and finish seem to be very good, and the engineering seems to be well thought out, great engine power really makes it move on the high way and the handling is almost sports car like.

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  Good Fun to Drive Mini Van (Sports Car) - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By churchgm - October 24 - 10:00 am

  When my wife and I were looking to trade our prized Civic Si for a MiniVan we looked at several different models and manufacturers. Honda was obvious and so was Toyota (2004 Sienna) but the real show stopper for us was the MPV LX with the Tow package. It just handled more like our Si then the others. It wasnt so large that parking would be an issue and I thought it was every bit as sharp looking as the other two vehicles already mentioned. The deciding factor however was the price. 0% financing, no payments for 90 days, the best value for our trade in and free maintenance for 3 years sealed the deal for us.