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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  Mazda RX-8 Bright Blue - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By kjoh282903 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda RX-8 is one of the absolute best cars. one of my favorite features is that it is a four door coupe, it is so much easier than having a 2 door where u have to move the seat up. i love the overall look and design of the car, but i feel like the interior could be a little better, mainly by adding power seats. The only other problem i have had it that if your a shorter stature person its a little hard to back up due to the high seating. i do suggest that if you are a person who must transport many things back and forth that you may want to reconsider because even though the RX-8 is roomy, its not the ideal car for say a college student.

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  Zoom-Zoom -- Believe It! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Pilot - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Believe it or not, we were deciding between some very different vehicles when we fell for the 2002 MPV, including the Toyota Sienna, Ford Expedition, and the Toyota Sequoia. The MPV won out purely due to a MUCH more bang for your buck reason. Believe the commercials -- Mazda has a great minivan in the 2002 MPV. The drive is very smooth (probably a lot due to the 17-inch wheels), the horsepower is finally there (zoom zoom), the high-end features are definitely there, and although its a bit early in the running to tell it appears to be built very well.

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  Car of my dreams - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ampster - September 21 - 4:46 am

  Finally got the car Ive had my eye on since the summer of 2005 when they first came out. Had been driving a 2007 CX-7 but just wasnt happy--had those famous fuel system issues/CEL 4 times. My 2009 GT was fresh off the truck. Ive never had so much fun driving in my life. Took a hit when I traded in a car soon after buying...and I couldnt care less. Our two kids love it, my husband loves it and I plan on holding on to this as long as it still rolls.

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  My Experience with my Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kimmie - September 20 - 11:46 pm

  The Mazda 3s is as fun to drive as their brand phrase "Zoom-Zoom". Even though this car has only 160hps it is still very fun to drive. The audio system is configured to give you the most of convenience while you are driving this car.

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  Top Banana! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By robthelimey - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Miata - the first was a new 96, this one I got, loaded, with 58.5K on the clock for just shy of $9k. Have had the belts replaced - all other 60K servicing was done by the dealer I bought it from before they delivered. A really engaging driving experience, near-perfect handling, great gas mileage, thoroughly dependable. Never fails to bring a smile to my face top up or down, rain or shine.

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  almost perfect car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By prodagee5 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  this car really fits my lifestyle and personality. it may not be that fast or powerful but it has GREAT HANDLING for being a cheap & economical car. the standard features already comes with all the options you need. its the everything i needed. its the perfect 1st new car for me.

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  Good value - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By satisfied buyer - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I did my research and found the Mazda had better handeling, overall finish the the liberty, better gas mileage and more kick than the Honda and Toyota I am very pleased.

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  MZ Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By longrk - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a car.

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  Very Impressed - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By JailhouseMD - September 19 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned a Civic SI. It rides smoother and more powerful. I test drove the GTI. I agree not as refined, but very close and again way more fun to drive. Gas mileage on the freeway without a lead foot should be around 30 miles/gallon. All this and for less than 23K. I also picked up an extended warranty 5yrs/100K which is included in the price above. Overall best value hands down. Try get this kind of deal with the civic, gti, wrx. You must have made the deal with a gun.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By DanR - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone, without hesitation. Have been extremely happy with the features and how solid the build quality has felt so far. Where I am from, there really are very few of these cars around, so it stands out in the crowd of all the other sedans. Has great safety marks as well as being roomy enough for everything I need.