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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  The King of Compacts - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BlueMZ3 - August 30 - 9:06 am

  I test drove many cars before making my purchase. I liked the aggressive look of the Lancer GTS, but I could not resist the expensive feel of the Mazda. I feel like there are very few cars that compare on all levels. I put 10000 miles on my car in 3 months of driving- including a few roadtrips. The car is comfortable enough for me and easy to drive. All of the common controls feel right at my fingertips and can be operated without looking. The engine is smooth and powerful during regular driving and there is a subtle but pleasant exhaust note. I have a Celestial Blue sedan with a few enhancements such as aftermarket wheels. The front end has really grown on me and looks good from many angles

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  Practicality AND Fun in a small car!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JustinMoyer10 - August 29 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car used and have since drove almost 15K miles & this cars great! I have become a huge fan of this car because of its practicality: LOTS of interior space for its overall size, lots of standard features for an 02, nice price. There isnt another car for the price that is that practical and so much fun to own/drive: Handling is SUPERB!, I get the sporty sense of feeling the road, I love to pack my stuff in the hatch for trips, its a great looking car as well with some nice sporty trims. Yeah youll zoom-zoom if you get one but thats because of its precise handling, not because of its power (it could use 30-40 more horses). I wont mind driving this car for years to come!

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By geojp - August 28 - 11:13 am

  The cx-9 is very comfortable to drive. Love the seating position & visibility of the road. Lots of leg room (front & rear). Interior is very well thought out and organized. Exterior very appealing especially rear end. Car stickered at 39,200. Got it for 36,600 (including $500 Mazda loyalty cash)with 1.9% financing for 5 years.

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  Wow! What a car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By vasquez1 - August 27 - 1:46 am

  What can I say. I bought my Mazda6 for the fuel economy (I had a truck...BLAH) and how surprised was I to find out that this 4 door sedan was a sports car in disguise! Aside from the roomy interior and the great handling this baby comes loaded with a BOSE sound system, an in dash 6 disc CD changer (I dont know if that is standard) and power everything. All my friends are jealous and I absolutely love this car. If youre looking for a fun car to drive that looks great and is light on the wallet (on the lot and at the pump) then the Mazda6 is the way to go. ZOOM!ZOOM!

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  AMAZING CAR! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rx Freak - August 25 - 6:03 pm

  Basically Ive had this car for a year now. It is amazing. It has the best handling a car could ever have, and I have driven Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes, and many more. The suicide doors add a great comfort in that car. The Bose sound system is amazing and the cars rotary engine is smooth and the horsepower is amazing. The only bad thing about the car is fuel economy. With a full tank I get about 220 miles.

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  Mazda MX5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Morris Hamm - August 25 - 1:30 pm

  Great, fun car to have. Reliable, good fuel economy. Convertible top is easy to use and stow. Could have better interior storage.

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  Great value - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By dannybmx - August 24 - 9:37 pm

  I bought my Tribute used when it had only 25,000 miles on it. It now has 228,000 miles. The engine has been great. The weak spot has been the automatic transmission. I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. However the first time the shop did not do a good job so a second time was needed. This has been such a great car for my small family. The inside is really nice a rommy allowing us to pack gear and even a 50cc motorcycle into it. I have used it to tow a motorcycle trailer without problems.

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  Great car in this price range - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben Powers - August 24 - 4:33 am

  For the money, I dont think you can do any better in this price range. I test drove many vehicles, but none have the sporty feel and build quality in a sensible 4 door sedan. I remember the Nissan advertising gimmick, 4DSC (4-Door Sports Car), and I think this is a much better example. Even parked next to the RX-8, it looks great. MUCH nicer interior. Check out the Consumer Reports review - its in its 3rd model year, and it has a great track record with 41 mpg as tested by CR. After all my test drives, the only other car I considered in this same price range was the Scion Tc - but the 3 was still the clear winner!

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  Life after 50, it doesnt get any better - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Edge - August 23 - 1:20 pm

  Last July, after my 1st Miata, (a 94 classic red model) was "totalled" I purchased a Crystal Blue LS number. I have been plesantly surprised by the improvements and feature upgrades over the years. This is my second Miata and definitely not my last, how can you go wrong for under $25K? Living in MA, its striclty a summer car. Forget trying to drive it in snow and if possible, avoid the highway (too many Rs @80MPH).

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  Enterprise AL MP5 owner - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Brian Saxby - August 23 - 10:00 am

  great car. love everything about it but the cargo room...needs more of it. i really enjoy this car excellent for trips. cheap price and well worth every penny.