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:

• 

  I LOVE this car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cyn - August 9 - 2:30 am

  I bought this car in college over 5 years ago and put 85,000 miles on it - no mechanical problems whatsoever. Its extremely reliable, inexpensive to maintain, handles well, plenty of storage area, and has good gas mileage.

• 

  Love This SUV!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By c.sims - August 8 - 12:00 pm

  I just purchased this SUV after looking at, reading about and test driving almost every small SUV out here.This is one of the sharpest ones, inside and out, on the market. It has every standard feature you would need and the dash is black and shiny and looks really expensive. The interior design altogether is just beautiful. Great job Mazda!!

• 

  Nice Vehicle But Some Issues - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Ironton215 - August 6 - 6:56 pm

  This is my first Mazda. I purchased it because it is a very nice looking vehicle and it fits my family, which includes three in car seats. After purchasing the CX-7 I noticed several things that have slightly reduced my opinion of the vehicle. The fuel economy is not very good and premium fuel is required. From the interior the engine noise and heat is very noticible. The transmission shifts oddly back and forth between fifth and sixth gear at times. Suspension is very stiff. Turbo lag. Many "nice to haves" missing - no bluetooth, no navigation software support between Mazda and Navteq, no extra functions such as MPG in the display, no iPod ability with nav. sys., etc. A-pillar blind spot!!

• 

  great value for all around car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By emre - August 6 - 10:00 am

  It is simply fun to drive this car.you get everything that you want from a car for 19K with all extra features such nice 6 in dash cd and alloy wheels out the door. it gets noisy when you are driving over 60mph

• 

  Finally MY BABY! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By TotalBoy13 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted a Pro since 1996 when I got my license. It has been well worth the wait, it is everything I ever wanted in a car, and MORE! Beat the crap out of v-6s all the time. I Love this car and would recommend it to everyone.

• 

  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8 CONSUMER - August 6 - 10:00 am

  UNBELIEVABLE HANDLING, NOTHING IS AVAILABLE THAT HAS THE STYLING OF THE RX8. THE 50/50 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION IS VERY EVIDENT IN THE ACCELERATION, CORNERING AND OVER ALL FEEL OF MY RX8. WORTH EVERY PENNY YOU WILL SPEND TO BUY YOUR 8.

• 

  Mazda Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By frankie - August 5 - 4:46 pm

  Bought this car in 2008, very good mileage 72,900. Love this car handles great good gas mileage looks great. Wish they bring them back 2011.

• 

  Has everything except storage - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By allana6 - August 5 - 3:16 pm

  This car is great, you get a lot for your money. It drives well, it handles the road, the interior room is great, the exterior looks great. I love this car, I have the blue mica with navi, bluetooth, roof rail etc, all the bells and whistles, the only thing lacking is storage. Little compartments are lacking, you end up putting everything in your cupholder and then having no place to put your cup. Aside from that, little things are not attached properly. something is always popping off and out of place, if its not the seat belt holder, its the cap for the lights on the trunk door. For a family car, you it should be built a little tougher. But all in all, a great buy, very pleased.

• 

  Still enjoying it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Shawn B - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new back in July of 05. We have had minor issues with it, but I still enjoy driving it. We brought it back to the dealership for a faulty lock, and bushing noise. The dealership did not fix either problem. Even with its issues I still like it. We recently picked up a used 2007 Odyssey and the thing is absolute garbage. I look forward to driving the Mazda now.

• 

  Nice Car for the money - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By phild - August 5 - 10:00 am

  My last 4 cars were BMWs. When I purchased the Mazda 3 I expected a great letdown, but boy I am surprised! This car is a joy to drive. Very comfortable and surefooted, goes exactly where you point it. It has many features found on cars costing thousands more. Feels very solid on the road. On my 2nd tank of gas averaging 25mpg. The hatchback carries lots of stuff, just a joy to get behind the wheel.