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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  1999 Protege ES - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By mazdany - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Has good low end pick up. Very responsive engine. Engine is not as peaky as a 99 Civic and has more gusto than a 99 Corolla. Transmission is easy to use and shifts smoothly. Handling and acceleration are excellent for this type of car. Interior feels airy, comfortable and avoids the cramped "econobox" feeling. Back seat is even roomy for adults. The trunk is spacious. You dont feel like you "settled" for this car.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By joelopez - August 3 - 7:50 am

  I have driven many cars in my 17 years as a licensed driver and I have to say that the Mazda6 is by far the best car I have driven. The handling on this car is equivalent to my nephews BMW. As soon as I reach my destination, I look forward to getting back into the car. Never had that feeling about other cars (BMW, Mustang, Maxima, Altima, Corolla, Firebird, Cougar, etc.) .

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  Technology incompetent - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By bb_gun - August 3 - 5:10 am

  The SUV is very comfortable, quiet, stylish and spacious. Its fun to ride even on long trips. Love the look & feel. CONS: Fuel economy - it doesnt give the listed fuel economy; couple of mpg less. Bluetooth - if I had my phone on before starting the SUV, it will transfer the phone call, but will cut in & out. USB/iPAD - always starts in the first song - doesnt go back to the song that you were listening to before. Hate the GPS.

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  Fast and Furious - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - August 2 - 3:26 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars, including Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette. I test drove Toyota Camry and Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai Sonata and Azera, and Mazda 6, Speed6, and CX7 ( 2006s & 2007s). I got this car new for $7,000.00 under list. Nice handling, comfortable ride for four people, good looking, good sized trunk, first tank of gas returned 19.5 mpg in mostly city driving, and fun to drive. Quality build and materials inside and out. No problems so far. I love this car.

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  LOVE the CX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By georgebake - August 1 - 9:43 am

  We have 2500 miles on the car and love its comfort, ride, looks, abundant features, room and quality. Looked at them all - Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Handai and Kia. This beats them all hands down.

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  Great Car with Little Disappointment! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andrew - August 1 - 4:06 am

  This was my first new car. I wasnt out for a foreign ride but found it to offer the most bang for the buck. The leather and DVD navigation are "must haves." I get many compliments on this car; two people mistook my car for a BMW. It has class, sportiness, and is very fun to drive. The quality is also spectacular for the price. A few quirks: poor gas mileage for the performance and 4-cylinder. Optional 17" wheels equals bouncier ride & poor winter performance. Also, the interior lights (3) must be turned on individually to light cabin. Great options, stereo, and quality for the cost. No regrets!

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  Extra note... - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By stadiumnuts - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Just got back from DisneyWorld. Loved the way my new Tribute handles. Smooth driving. Turning in lease for a Montana, glad its going back. If your looking for a great dealership in South Florida, go to Gunther Mazada and see Jim Collins. He is the best! They clearly like to give the best deal!

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  rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By chappy - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Fun to drive and definitly a head turner. Always getting complements on it.

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  Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Lynda Leon - July 31 - 10:00 am

  A roomy sports car that can fit 4 passangers nicely. A real looker!! Its fun and fast, I love driving this car.!! Great design, inside and out!

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  Best in class! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Henryli - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great 5M, Most sportier for an entry level compact sedan. reasonable fuel economy. great contemporary design. Good front ergo. many features (auto-manual trans, delay int. lights....)usually be found only on bigger or lux sedans. no cost compromised decontent.