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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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Adverrt32 - September 7 - 2:46 pm

  This is my first new car, I love everything about it except the gas tank openeing on the passenger side of the car. Guess Im just used to Honda.

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  I love this car - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By StevePetro - September 5 - 2:16 pm

  I just picked up a CX-9 GT AWD with navi and the power rear gate. I love this car. Coming from a minivan to this there is only one concern. Take some caution with the rear door. Kids who are used to sliding van doors like to swing open the large and wide back doors. If you have kids put on the child safety locks and open the doors for them. Other then that I love this car!!

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  Good Value - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By KD - September 5 - 1:53 pm

  I was looking for a smaller SUV that wouldnt break the bank. The Sport model comes well equipped for the price. The seats are comfortable, with the armrests being the right height. Visibility is excellent, although the rear headrests obscure the view through the rearview mirror somewhat. Very solid feeling on the road, the electrically boosted steering at low speeds is a nice touch!

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  Close to perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By DesertDriverInLA - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Style drew me to the car and that is definately its best feature. Many people have asked me about it, commenting how nice looking it is. In reading reviews about the car, one thing that kept popping up was that it had weak a/c. Im finding that thats true. You have to put the air vent to the recirculate setting to enjoy any truly cold air. I always start out with the windows down and the moon-roof open to let the really hot air escape and yet it still seems to take an overly long time to feel semi-cold air. Drives like a dream though even though the engine emits a strong odor on occassion like some kind of chemical is burning off.

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  The total package in one vehicle! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mr06mz5 - September 3 - 2:13 am

  All right, its a minivan thats a hoot" to drive. I bought my "5" based on looks, features, color (whitewaterpearl), price and the most important item of all, its a 5-speed. As I have owned it now for 6 months I am thoroughly pleased with what this vehicle gives me... dirving enjoyment! Mazda really did a great job in the overall design and build of this MAV. I have had no issues as of yet and find the fit and finish is excellent. My only complaint is that mazda didnt make a "speed5" version.

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  MP3 - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By philjessiann - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my MP3. I handles as well or better than any car that I have drive including corvette, camaro, prelude, integra type R. It it is definately sufficient in power but could use more. Biggest drawback is that it has no cruise! But all in all you cant beat the sound system, reliability, handling and fun to drive factor.

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  Wagon with zip - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Schultz - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The Protege5 is fun to drive and a practical little hauler. The car gets great gas mileage -- about 27 in the city -- yet it has plenty of pep when getting on the freeway or out of trouble. Fold down second seats make for a nice-sized flat cargo area. The paint allows for a great shine and the wheels are quite stylish. I have gotten rave reviews from neighbors and friends. Great little car.

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  Great Car for the $$ - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By fasteddie - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 37,000 mile on my Protoge ES, no problems yet! Fun to drive, and biggest bang for your buck back then. I like Mazda cars, this is my third, my forth was a Tribute that my wife drives. I used to be a loyal Honda fanatic, (I had 4 Honda/Acura cars)but after experiencing what Mazda had to offer at a more reasonable price, I defected to the Mazda ranks. I am looking forward to the new mazda6 as my next car, although I might wait for the hatch.

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  Handles great on windy roads - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Romeo Bagalacsa - September 1 - 10:55 am

  Overall very satisfied. Sport mode really works well with paddle shifter, not recommended with normal drive. Im 6.1 so my right leg is always on counsel. That will be true with any small car. The LED headlights really ate a help with backwoods driving ( able to spot dear easily ). Hit black ice once so far and worked awsome for traction.

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  Mazda did it again - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Gabe - September 1 - 7:56 am

  Wow, if only Mazda owned Ford and not the only way around. This is the 3rd Mazda in my family, and my 2nd sporty one (ex-Miata owner). Before you buy a RX-8, know what youre getting: a real sports car that is practical. Think NASCAR vs F-1, i.e. the RX-8 wont blow away a Mustang GT but in a twisty road you will leave it eating your dust. Four people can be comfortable in it, but the trunk is small with the spare. The rotary by design burns oil and needs to be warmed up, so be advised. Also the Renesis rotary engine uses gas like a V-6 so the comments here are true. Ive had the car for almost a year in the warm FL weather and I still look forward to driving it, thats how fun it is.