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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  Texas Review - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sheryl Remick - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun youll ever have!

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  Its all that and more... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Defens - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Absolute joy to drive. Solid feeling, comfortable and responsive. Not "underpowered" at all. Plenty of "ooomph" to merge and pass, more horses would just get you in trouble :) Fit & finish is superb. Materials used convey a expensive feel. Just at 32mpg on first 2 tanks (80% highway driving). Loads of standard features. Plenty of room for my 65", 300# bulk in front OR rear seats. You wont be disappointed with this car.

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  Best Car For The Money!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rbranx - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive giving up on the SUV to get a efficent car which has perfect gas mileage for the money. Protege5 is dependable, and handles curves very well, my kids love it. This car is the best car for money. Reliable! If you dont want to make frequent stops to the gas pump the Protege5 will be ideal car for you. Ron

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  V6 Rulez - 2002 Mazda 626
  By vas - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Have 2002 626 LX V6 for about a year. Exterior look is very stylish, easy to recognize. Acceleration and handling are great, no need to slow down on highway turns. 626 V6 version has Japanese transmission, so go for it if you are afraid of Ford tranny. No mechanical problems so far (closing to 10K on it). The cost is 5-6 grand less than 6-liter Camry or Accord. Easy choice!

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  This is one to buy! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By klonrush - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After researching economical SUVs, we bought a Tribute. The kids love the DVD the wife likes the performance and I enjoy to total feel.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Dave - March 25 - 4:43 am

  I absolutely love my RX-8. It is so fun to drive and get those RPMs up. Gas mileage isnt great and it is horrible in the snow, but it is worth it.

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  Topless Delight - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BG - March 24 - 10:46 pm

  This is a car made to be driven with the top down. I even drive it topless in cold weather as long as it is a nice sunny day. If it gets chilly I turn on the heater. Put the top up and the car suddenly feels cramped and confined. The Miata handles great and accelerates surprising fast. It also brakes quickly to a stop in a pinch. I am using the Miata to teach my teenagers to drive a 5 speed and it is well suited for that due to its size and easy clutch. I find that the car is at its best on the winding backroads at speeds where you can take in the scenery and enjoy the outdoors. I am not crazy about driving it topless above 70 mph as the wind and noise pick up significantly.

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  Review - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By L-Dub - March 24 - 7:33 am

  I dont think you can beat the performance of this car for the price. I have to agree with other people, that after driving this car I have a big smile on my face. The car handles great (it was better than I expected.) The quality interior is a great value and you cant beat a 6 speed manual. Another surprising trait was the lack of road and wind noise inside the cabin. The A/C is cold and the fan speed is sufficient.

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  Black 2009 Mazda s Grand Touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark - March 21 - 1:43 pm

  I test drove the 2008 G35 sedan, the 2008 Saab9-5, the Lincoln MKZ, and the 2009 Nissan Maxima and found the 2009 Mazda6 to be a better value for the money compared to all of them. It really is fun to drive and has a lot of power when you need it. It has great stylish looks inside and out and I like that Mazda took a tested engine (from the CX-9) and didnt make a brand new one. It will be interesting to see how this does now against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camery since its now on par with those cars and might be an even better value.

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  One solid family mover - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By X - March 21 - 10:23 am

  We bought this van new 3 years ago and 50K miles later we have had no problems. This is very refreshing after our last van, a 98 Windstar was one problem after another. Pick-up is adequate. It cruises down the highway very well.