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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  Reliable Mid Size SUV - Almost Perfect - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By phoenix131281 - March 31 - 6:16 pm

  Mazda has got it right. CX-7 is a reliable compact SUV. Drive feels solid. Much work & thought has been done on the interiors. Very well placed buttons. Good Cargo space. I have owned the car for 3 weeks and it is a pleasure to drive the car.

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  Dont buy it for the fuel Economy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By No gas savings here! - March 30 - 3:26 am

  If most of your driving is in local traffic this is not the car for you. The sticker promised 18 mpg city driving, Im getting 12.5!!! When I called both the dealership and Mazda home office they said I had a heavy foot (not true) or it needed more time to break in. Well its been 7 months and no improvement is found, however the highway mileage was much better then stated. The sticker stated 21 mpg Im getting 26 mpg.

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  great car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By edbeng - March 30 - 2:00 am

  this car is wonderful -- handles like a much more expensive sports car -- great car for anyone.

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  Excellent car, aggressive styling - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By zoomed - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Looked at the civic, corolla and finally the proteze 5. spent weeks on deciding civic or corolla, but on the first visit to the mazda dealer, loved the car and bought it an hour later. Even my kids love it and will not ride in the jeep anymore. This one drives good and it is really fun driving around in the city. Handles tight turns very well.

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  Great to feel young again. - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MMTech1 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. Test drove alot of cars before buying this one. Have the 2002 LX 5 speed. Was driving a Jeep SUV and switched to the mazda and now I feel like Im in High School again. Took a 5 hour drive down the coast line for a week end trip and had blast. My wife said if she new it would shave 20 years off my life she would have got me one a long time ago.

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  Miata - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Miata - March 29 - 3:43 am

  One of the finest driving cars I have owned. The only better driving experience Ive had was owning a Lotus Europa. However, the maintenance between the two is worlds apart. I have had virtually no maintenance other than tune ups and tires. As far as handling is concerned, I have a hard time breaking the tires loose in the turns. It can be done, but not easily. This car handles like a slot car. Well built, and takes what you can throw at it!

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  Wow! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Trebor - March 29 - 3:33 am

  Ive only driven this 2.3 L Sport 5 spd 400 miles or so. Traded a Mazda3 hatchback 5 speed with a variation on the 2.3 less torque and more hp. That engine is very sweet in the tribute and the shift linkage is nice. Its quiet at speed with a nice ride and quick good steering feel. And the epa nos. (22, 28) lead me to believe that 30 mpg on the highway will be possible. The interior is nicely designed and colorful (yellow/black upholstery/dash). If the fuel efficiency is similar to 3s, then Mazda/Ford have hit a home run by adding the 2.3L engine and stunning body upgrade. Great value!

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  Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jane - March 29 - 12:16 am

  This car is so much fun to drive! It handles great, and looks cool too! The size of a sedan, but the looks of a sports car. This is the first car ive ever bought, and I have no regrets!

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  No problems so far - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By BillD - March 28 - 2:36 am

  Got a great deal on a great SUV at the end of 2009. Back seat a little tight for adults but Ok for kids. Fun to drive and quality of build is good.

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  One of the only true sports cars - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By No More Motorcycle - March 28 - 1:20 am

  Dont buy this car unless you really want a true sports car. If thats what you want this car is sure to make you happy. I just cant understand why GM is the only other car maker that has something to compete with the Miata. And their two products are distant seconds. Get this car if you really want to have fun driving and you dont just want to burn rubber in an over-priced, over-powered machine.