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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  So Exciting! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kathy79 - December 1 - 6:59 pm

  I have been scoping out the Mazda CX5 since December. Could not wait to see it in person. Love at first sight. Comfortable, roomy, stylish, and fun to drive. I test drove one last week and had to wait a week before the dealer found the color an options that I was looking for. Looked at many crossovers on the market. This one was worth waiting for. Glad I did.

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  The 8 is enough - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By late8 - November 30 - 9:26 pm

  I just purchased the RX-8 in mid-May and I have already logged over 1000 miles and the handling of this car gets better as each mile clicks away. I didnt buy this car for torque and the gas mileage so far is slightly below average but the trade offs are great. Smooth revving engine, high powerband and very unique lines for the body style. The car handles great on tight corners.

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  Miracle Car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By mazda rocks! - November 30 - 10:46 am

  This amazing car has survived a major ($7k) deer attack when it (my Protege) was just a few months old, a crappy dealer that forgot to replace the oil cap so had 100 miles of driving with no oil, and still -- at 80k I have only replaced tires and brakes. The car handles like a true sports car. I still surprise other drivers, and is comfortable and just unbelievably reliable.

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  Loving it! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By TheHonza - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The car is a thrill to drive. Sharp handling and sits very well on the road. The exterior looks aggressive and is a handy little hauler!

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  The Best Car Ive Owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cowboy of the West - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in June of 2004 because I was in need a good dependable vehicle. It was suggested to me that I look at the Mazda brand because of their fuel efficiency as well as their safety rating. After I checked this out I would later become the proud owner of a brand new Mazda 6. This is the best car that I have ever own and I do not plan on giving it up any time soon.

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  Two years and going - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dryer - November 29 - 2:40 pm

  Fun to drive, takes corners like it is glued to the road. Have to rev to get torque. Do not be afraid to wind it out. More power at higher speeds. Rides better than a Z.

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  Excellent SUV with a much lesser price - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Masood - November 28 - 4:26 pm

  I test drove almost all SUV in this segment, Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4, Nissan Murano, Arura RDX, Lexus 350, Infiniti FX-35 and found this SUV the most attractive one for the money that I paid, this suv is fun to drive with lot of style. It has all the qualities of the luxury SUVs with much lesser price. Only issue is premium gas and low mileage. But overall it is the best in its segment

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  THE Sport Sedan - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By archway - November 28 - 3:10 pm

  Strangers often ask if its a Jaguar! I love driving this car. Performs like a luxury car on the highway, but my favorite place to drive is a curvy country road. It knows how to hug a corner.

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  Exceptionally fun and reliable to drive - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By nichols2 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  The Protege 5 is fun and reliable with lots of "get up and go." I bought mine with the roof racks which I use to cart around two 16-ft Kayaks. Even with the Kayaks on top (which act like two huge sails), the gas mileage is great. The fold-down seats provide extra cargo space when camping or hauling materials for my many home remodeling projects. Additionally the Protege 5 comes equipped with a great sound system.

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  Zoom-Zoom!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Zoom!!! - November 26 - 12:00 am

  This is a great car! I drove about 200 miles to get mine due to the options I wanted and it drove absolutely great on the way back. I think everything on the vehicle is well put together for 18K, it is a lot nicer in my option than the Lexus. Sure the Lexus has more power, but overall in my mind it wasnt work the extra 14K. Some of the pros are the 5sp, the suspension and handling, and the overall look of the vehicle. I also read the reviews talking about lack of power; well mine gets up and goes without a problem, and for the people who complain about the power, PUSH THE GAS PEDAL! :)