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 Ive owned yet - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By koopzilla - December 13 - 1:40 pm

  I love my Mazda3 Hatchback, Great gas mileage fun to drive no complaints at all if havent driven one do so and if your serious about buying new car give it a chance they really give you a lot of car for your dollar

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By witchiepoo - December 13 - 10:00 am

  the best new car i have ever had, will buy another mazda

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  This car is ok - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rulerofthenite - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a novelty, you know 30 going on 31 dad trying to be cool. The vehicle is not very comfortable for tall people like me. it is fun to drive with the top down only as with the top up it can be quite painful for me. If someone were to ask if i would buy 1 again i would have to regretfully decline.

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  NOT FAST and FURIOUS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8itsgotime - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, handles excellent love the 18" stock rims!! The car looks FAST standing still, too bad it isnt!! I love the back seat and like most people I need it (350Z has alot more torque for around the same money, but NO back seat) this car looks alot better than the 350Z in my opinion, but lacks the torque big time!! I also did NOT like the fact of buying an option package of 3500.00 to get the moonroof!

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  Finally Satisfied - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Car Addict - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I owned a lot of cars in last 3 years. I have had an 2003 M3, 2002 Boxster, 2003 I35, 2002 S2000, 1987 911 Turbo, Lexus SC 430 to name a few. I must say that this is the easiest car to drive and I find myself defaulting to it out of all my cars. It just does everything well. It does not have the prestige of the others, but the low stress fun of this light weight sports car has pleased me the most. Small package, but enough space for a 63" 265 lb. sports car enthusiast.

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  What A Beauty! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NJAYS - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a real head-turner...still turning mine! I dont know if theyre admiring looks or trying to figure out what it is for Ive seen no other in my local area!

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  Mazda hit a home run with the Mazda 6!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lucas47 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. Performance with the 3.0L engine is excellent, handling is magnificent, looks and feels like a true sports car, very comfortable on long trips, very good fuel ecomony, etc. etc. And it doesnt cost an arm and a leg. Mazda truly hit a home run with this new model.

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  madza 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By yankeesr1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  it is a sporty but yet comfortable car to drive and ride in. i love the car

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  Not as expected - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By datulip - December 11 - 9:45 pm

  So, I have had this car for about a year and my biggest complaint is the performance. If you dont drive on the freeway this may be the car for you. If you need to get moving quickly - dont even think about it. Secondary issue is the gas mileage. Advertised as 26 city and 32 highway. I have averaged 22 in the city; 28 highway; and 23 mixed. Not much of a consolation for the lackluster engine. Overall the design is pretty good and handling is fair. It does get quite a bit of wind noise. It has been reliable over this first year of ownership with no issues. Last issue - keyless entry isnt really keyless. Must have the key in hand to unlock the doors with this model.

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  Good minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Gabriel - December 11 - 7:33 pm

  We bought this van after we drove a Ford Windstar, Toyota Highlander, a few other SUVs and visited the annual L.A. Auto show. Has good power, expected interior size and folding chairs. On a tight budget so we ended with the MPV in the garage for $18,000 (including taxes). Feels slow when stepped on the gas (comparing to my 87 T-bird), but braking is good. Has the largest turning of any car I ever drove - U-turn is a problem. The gear shifter is - dumb - placed across the AC and radio controls. Cheap arm rests. Shortly after purchase, the water pump was leaking coolant on the hot engine, fumes were coming in the inside. Fixed on warranty. A bumper crash in the rear made a $3200 damage.