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:

• 

  loving it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By love it - June 12 - 7:06 pm

  Wow, Ive driven a Blazer for 4 years, decided to get a car. Never had a Mazda, but glad I read the reviews. This car is awesome, has everything you need for such a great price. Dont bother looking anywhere else for a compact car, this is it!

• 

  A True (4dr) Sports Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jsh1120 - June 12 - 5:43 pm

  A great car. Wanted a true sports car but needed a back seat occasionally. The RX-8 is like a 4 wheel sportbike. Unbelievably smooth. Handling is unparalleled. My mileage through about 12 tanks hovers between 17.5 and 19 mpg, about what I expected with 60% of my time in city driving and 40% on highways and freeways. There appear to be some 04s with much worse mileage that cant be accounted for by driver behavior. Some drivers have problems with flooding, cold starting. Appears to be a problem with only some cars.

• 

  Reliable, Safe, Economical - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Josh in Colorado - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving this car for almost 4 years. Other than the mass air flow sensor going out on me, I havent had any problems whatsoever. I would definitely recommend the Protege to anyone looking for an inexpensive, comfortable car. I would definitely consider another Protege (albeit more power, like the Mazdaspeed version) when it comes time to buy another car.

• 

  My Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Nejao - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It si a very reliably vehicle. Since I bhought in Nov/2000 the cars never gave me a trouble. Even though it is not a luxury vehicle, The tribute worth its price. This one is fully loaded and I paid only $25.000 while others SUVs with the same optionals would be around $29000. I recommend you the Tribute from Mazda.

• 

  Pleasantly surprised - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Puzman - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Downsized from an MPV, which I didnt really like. Protege is VERY fun to drive for the $. Power is better than expected, given the reviews. I never feel that it is underpowered, and what car couldnt use more HP? Handling, braking, and steering are phenomenal (though the ride is a bit stiff at times). The Laser Blue Mica color is stunning. Only complaints are minor- needs tinted sunroof and more sound insulation

• 

  I JUST LUV IT - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RONNIE - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CAR FOR A WEEK AND JUST LUV IT ... ITS A HEAD TURNER FOR SURE

• 

  Absolutely love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By frank - June 11 - 2:00 am

  It came down to an Odyssey, Sienna, or the CX-9. Drove the Odyssey for a week, and the CX-9 for a week, no comparison. Had to take a trip to Nashville, smooth, powerful, no road noise. Got the entertainment DVD for the kids, and didnt realize I got the Bose sound system with it, AWESOME SOUND. The step up to the touring trim gets the leather, and I got black on black. Best looking vehicle Ive ever owned. People stop and ask "what is that?" Did not know I could not add the towing package as later an option. Without the package, you are limited to 2000 lbs. With it, 3500 lbs.

• 

  Best little convertible - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By alainp - June 10 - 11:55 pm

  Ive had mine for 4 years and I still love it. So much fun to drive.

• 

  Not Bad - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By offset_98 - June 9 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had mine for 1 1/2 years now and have no complaints. Fuel mileage, as late as today is averaging 21.8 mpg in city/hwy with my wife driving it (18 when I drive it). It fits our daughter and everything that goes along with her perfectly. Im glad we popped for the GT but I wish Id spent a tad more for the nav system. Weve had our CX-7 in the rain and snow and the FWD was just fine. Traction control was great.

• 

  Owned 2 years 70k miles. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By tyoung85 - June 9 - 11:57 am

  I have owned my 2005 Mazda RX-8 for two years now and it is currently at 70k miles, I must say the car is an eye catcher, and very fun to drive if you dont mind a slight hesitation in acceleration! On the other hand, with the higher mileage it is falling apart, it seems everytime I go down the road I end up putting it in the shop before the week is over! First it needed plugs, but because one fouled it killed my coils, which killed my air injection....then the idle pulley failed and snapped a belt, which snapped another belt immediately after, tail lights full of water... the list goes on, all in all they are fun til they start their downhill march, then get rid of it!!