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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  We Love This Car - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Ray - January 28 - 8:10 am

  My wife and I had been looking at others like the Sienna and Odyssey, but found the MPV a great value. Its just about the perfect size for my family. The power is good, though I have to agree with others that the transmission is a little sluggish. It handles quite nicely and the ride is quiet and comfortable. We purchased the "All Sport Package", the "LX Plus Package" and the DVD system. After rebates and some dealing, we paid about $9,000 less than a base Toyota Sienna LE. Overall this MPV has the most bang for the buck!

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  FUN! FUN! FUN! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By fotojournalist - January 27 - 12:30 am

  What an incredible vehicle! So sporty, so fun! Solar Yellow is THE only color to have. The metal flake in the paint is what makes the color pop. Comfortable and a great price. ZOOM! ZOOM!

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  Mazda CX9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rags - January 26 - 3:53 pm

  Considered Highlander, Q7, GX470, X5, Enclave, etc. and the CX9 was the only SUV that had all (most) of the options we wanted at a reasonable price. Styling and fun-to-drive factor made the others pale in comparison. Curious - the Mazda engineers/marketing people forgot (?) to include trip computer, 8 way pass seat, memory mirrors and auto-locking doors. Overall, very happy so far.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Bryan Lipson - January 25 - 1:56 am

  Had my protege almost 1 year now and have enjoyed all the driving. Racked up 16000 miles on road trips and driving to work and has been clear sailing thus far. Milage is still improving on all types of driving averaging about 28mpg and I dont get too uncomfortable even after 6 hours of straight driving. Babied this car the whole way and it is built to last. Cant beat the deal they offered late in the model year. Moonroof, 6-disc, abs all great options on a bargain car. Solid driving on sunny days and very controllable on snowy streets.

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  I love my 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jason - January 24 - 8:10 pm

  This car is a blast. It has about every feature you could want standard.It also has the best horsepower to gas mileage ratio. I think Im gonna buy another one.

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  Still fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Road-runner - January 23 - 5:00 am

  After 2 years, I still feel excited with the possibility of driving it on open roads. Try it on 8 hour-long journeys like we do and you will love it. The face of some "muscle" car drivers when we just wave them "good- bye" is a poem! Bose sound is for pros.

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  My 08 Tribute - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris - January 22 - 6:16 pm

  I was in an accident yesterday and was broadsided by someone that ran a red light. My daughter and I both walked away without any injuries. I believe the side airbags saved us from having serious injuries. I love my Mazda Tribute.

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  Excellent car! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By amrsn - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I got this car last year, IÂ’ve always wanted it, and itÂ’s even more than what I expected. ItÂ’s the most fun IÂ’ve ever had while driving and its a decent performer too. 8.x sec 0-60 not bad. One of the best things is that there are tons of aftermarket parts.

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  Satisfied Long-term Owner - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 99 Miata owner - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 1999, I have had this Miata for 5 years. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Great fun to drive with the top down. I have replaced the battery twice, and there was a minor problem with the Bose speakers in the first year (replaced under warranty), but absolutely no other problems. If you fit into this small car, you will LOVE it, even long term.

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  BO Review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BO - January 22 - 2:00 am

  So far I had no problems with the car, it has a great handling and excellent brakes, the fuel comsumption is a bit high.