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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  my new car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jared - July 13 - 6:56 am

  I traded up my 93 Protege LX and purchased a 2003 Mazda6. I was sad to see my Protege go but I LOVE the 6. Mazda has come a long way in 10 years. I was very impressed all around. It drives great and is well equipped for the price! Its no BMW or anything but still in my opinion the best that Mazda offers.

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  I love my Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Paul - July 13 - 2:46 am

  I purchased the Miata to use only when on special days. But since then, I have needed to use it as a commuter car. I commute 82 miles round trip each day. I have approximately 94,000 miles on the car and have never had a service call. I average 31.5 mpg in rush hour traffic. I cant wait for good weather to put the top down. The car is noisy and I wish the stereo were better. The seats could be upgraded, I have worn a hole in the driver side seat. But other then those issues, I love the car, and plan on buying another one when this one dies. I live in a snowy climate, and was told that the car would not work in the winter. I put 4 snow tires on it and it goes like a champ. No prob

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  A Tribute to the Mazda Tribute ES-V6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kim - July 12 - 6:53 pm

  My Mazda Tribute ES-V6 is a 2003. I just purchased it last Tuesday and I love it!!! Its a safe ride, with fun and comfort all rolled into one vehicle.

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  GREAT CAR!!! FORGET FADING COROLLA AND PLASTIC INJECTED HYUNDAI - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomhugger - July 12 - 6:10 pm

  BEST car ever invested with more appreciation to Mazda company than what I expected in other compact cars. NEVER will I own the cliche Toyota or plastic injected Hyundai. Forget about people saying "oh, you have to have car as reliable as Toyota or Honda.. BS. Any car in the Mazda line are much reliable and better built than family picnic Corolla, experimental Elantra, questionable crush proof Civic and BMA wanna-be Jetta also over-compensating interior light show Focus. Very glad to own a car that not what everyone on the road is whining about . I feel totally safe in this car than my Honda. Id recommend this car to anyone and will continue to follow future Mazdas.

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  SAFETY - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By JUAN - July 12 - 2:00 am

  MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT WITH OUR 2 MONTH OLD MILLENIA. THE OFFICERS AT THE ACCIDENT ATTRIBUTED THE MILLENIA WITH THE ABILITY OF MY WIFE TO GET OUT AND WALK AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT. WE ARE GETTING READY TO PURCHASE A SECOND MILLENIA AND POSSIBLY A THIRD. INCIDENTLY THE MILLENA WAS TOTALED BUT THE OTHER CAR FAIRED ALOT WORSE. I AM SAD THAT THIS IS THE LAST MODEL YEAR FOR THE MILLENIA.

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  Good value - 2002 Mazda 626
  By gw0454 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Took advantage of some dealer incentives such as $2500 rebate which made the deal! Nice styling, very clean, well laid out interior. Gets me where I want to go in comfort.

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  mpv lx 2003 - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By alan p - July 12 - 2:00 am

  everything in this van works and looks well. the smaller size is what makes this model work for me. when alone i drive aggressive and need the smaller size to maneuver in traffic. when driving with four in the van it is comfortable and well mannered. i drove with six in the van once for 150 miles and nobody complained and the van handled well and braking was excellent. my review takes in to consideration of the value factor, with the discounting with rebates by the dealer. decent lx package for less than 21k.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rebecca - July 11 - 10:50 pm

  I love my car! The only "bad" things I could consider is the stereo system could be a little better. And I am used to SUV driving in the snow, not such a light car, so thats a switch for me. Has good pep, and nice bright low beams and the temp on the mirror is always nice to indicate whether road conditions are icy, etc. It has fast acceleration (the 2.3) and tight brakes. Good buy, and definitely satisfied.

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  MP5 enthusist - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By eddie - July 11 - 10:10 am

  I bought this car in March of 2003, as of today I have approx. 115,000 miles. Ive gone through three sets of tires, new brakes and rotors, new radiator, timing belt, and one tranny flush. This car is awesome. Before this car, I owned the Mazda 626, so I was already hooked on Mazdas. The first year and a half, I would always take my car to the dealership to be serviced, but the cost got so high, I started doing all of the easy maintenance myself. That kept the cost of owning this car really low! All in all this car has held up and I love it till this day!

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  Never again - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By never again - July 10 - 11:40 pm

  I, like others, purchased this car because of its sleek look. It started with problems with the engine which the dealership wanted to replace. Unfortunately Mazda, the corporation ,decided it was my fault that the engine was faulty and declined all repairs. Even though, I have had all maintenance repairs(oil change, tune ups, etc) done at the mazda service center ever since I purchased the vehicle. The sad part is that the car is still under warranty and they would not honor the warranty. I even got a call from thier rep. who told me they would not honor the warranty. When asked if he could put this in writing he declined. To anyone who is thinking about buying this car..One word..DONT.