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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  luxury finnaly at a reasonably price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By machr85 - October 20 - 1:43 am

  Very impressed with this car, my friend had the mazdaspeed3 and I drove it one time and thats what got me into it, I couldnt afford the speed3 but got a 06 hatchback gt, I must say the interior has nothin to envy thus of a Lexus. Performance is great ride is great, only thing Im waiting is for repairs hoping since is a Japanese car it might be expensive.

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  Gear Shift - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By FosterBears3 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van a month ago and we love it - the only thing that I see as a problem is that the gear shift is too big and the windshield wipers shift is on the same side. The gear shift should be smaller and the windshield wiper shift should be on the side where the lights are. Other than that it is a great van and would highly recommend it.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By PAT HEMPHILL - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE TAKEN THE SUV ON TWO TRIPS AND HAD BAD WEATHER ON BOTH TRIPS. THE MAZDA DID GREAT IN THE STORM ON BOTH TRIPS. THE GAS MILAGE WAS NOT GREAT,BUT GOOD. I HAVE ENJOYED DRIVING THE MAZDA TRIBUTE YOURS TRULY, PAT H.

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  Sweet ride for the family & under $17000 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3ownder - October 19 - 10:00 am

  WOW, what a ride for $16962.00 out the door. 17" allows on a great looking sports car, big enough for a family. No minivan for this family with two kids under 5. After 6 months I still love to get into the 3 and drop the clutch. Mazda scored huge with this one.

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  Pauls M6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kim - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We drove many other cars in simular class, and size. Drove the Mazda last, mainly drove it for a fun ride didnt feel it would live up to what we wanted in a new car. To our surprise it surpassed all of our expectations. We chose the four cylinder, for the fuel economy. It is a little down on power but at 33 miles per gallon the very little we give up is made up in fun, and style. It has more class on the outside and the best in class interior design. The handling of the car is incredibly nimble on the 17" rims and Michellin Pilottires. All it took was one drive after driving many other cars more than twice. Great car at a great price.

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  05 Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee - October 19 - 6:53 am

  For a small car, the front seats have plenty of room for my 64" frame. Love the steering wheel audio controls, snazzy interior, and good stereo system. I added a mask on the front and graphics on the side and frequently get comments on its looks. Ive put 26,000 miles on it in my first year of ownership and LOVE driving it. My 3 has the the 17" wheels and the handling is great. I love zoom zooming around curves.

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  So nice - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Skoobaed - October 16 - 2:23 pm

  This is the first new car Ive owned and by far the best. Everyone I know likes it and Mazdas definitely still reigning at top of the economy cars(if you wanna classify it as such). It drives like a sports car and the interior is so nice. The gauges at night are one of the coolest looking Ive ever seen glowing a cool blue while other features are glowing in red. If you were an older person you might think that the interior is too hip, but being a 19 year old guy I enjoy staring at it.

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  Great little car! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jph - October 15 - 5:06 pm

  Keeping in mind that no car is perfect, Im not scoring a 10. This is my daily driver, commuter and grocery getter, it will be driven all year round (dont get any snow here) my baby girls car seat is permanently secured in the passenger seat. The 2.0 has plenty of power, but the car is not "fast" by any means. However, it can change direction faster than most cars, and this is where the MX-5 shines. Very nimble out of the box, it handles just great. A little bit more body roll than Id like though. Lightweight, 50/50 weight distribution, double wishbone suspension, sticky tires, rear wheel drive. Close ratio manual 6 speed; a true sportscar.

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  Inexpensive, fun and make a statement - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mx5fan - October 15 - 3:40 am

  This is one fun car to drive, even stock. With aftermarket items (shocks, springs, etc.), it is even better! Although the EPA gas mileage is 29 MPG on the highway (for 1996), I get 34 to 36 MPG on the highway. Combined with the reliability of all Miatas, the cost of ownership is very affordable. Note that this is not a fast car. Even my 04 minivan can out run the 96 Miata on a straight road (0-60). However, the Miata has much more handling than speed, making it a fine canyon carver, autocrosser or city zip-zapper. If you enjoy modifying cars for appearance or performance, the first generation Miata has plenty of mod options. Id spend the money on maintenance, tires and gas, though.

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  Proto 5 Review - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By winlet - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Proto 5. All options, sweet leather seats and steering wheel, fun to drive, love to corner it. Drives much better than my new Jetta that I sold. (Had all kinds of problems with that car) This car looks sweet and puts all the zoom, zoom, zoom it claims in its performance. No problem with acceleration here.