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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  Great Value - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Lvampa - May 5 - 8:43 am

  As a previous owner of the Lexus RX330 I find the CX7 more fun to drive and definitely more technologically advanced. The Grand Touring is full of fun features that any gadget geek will enjoy.

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  Nice Ride - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mr MIke - May 5 - 3:06 am

  Ok, so I have been looking for a long while. Had an 04 Accord. The new Accord was the same car I was driving, just ehhh bigger. Camry...drives like an old lady car. Malibu.. bluetooth only comes with that OnStar thing? Nope. The 6 was the best looking of that bunch and seriously fun to drive. Smooth power. At first I was thinking the lane change thing was a gimmick but I actually love it and did from the first time I got on the freeway. What can I say this car fits me perfect, not too flashy and takes care of business.

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  2013 MX-5 Club Review - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By djflank - May 4 - 3:12 pm

  So today was probably the perfect scenario for driving the new 2013 Club spec Miata. Sun was shining, not a single cloud in the sky, and traffic was minimul. It took some getting used to with the short throw 6 speed amnual and the quick to react ABS. The 2.0 DOHC puts all 167 horses on the ground thanks to the 4.10 rear end. I am very particualr when it comes to sports cars, but this one kept me smiling. You already expect these sporty special editions to have a horrid ride quality, however mazda found a nice medium between comfort and harshness. I would Highly recomend this car to drivers who want to race the tracks on saturday, and enjoy small trips to the store on monday.

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  So far so good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoom zoom - May 4 - 2:16 am

  I jumped into the need another car category last October, with gasoline taxing the middle class and below. I quietly looked for a late model, used vehicle and drove nearly everything out there. Plenty of used American cars, surprisingly plenty of Toyotas, Honda and Mazda were harder to find. When I drove the 6 its was perfect. Smooth, comfortable, room for my family, 30 mpg, and no up front hybrid cost.

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  Excellent. - 1998 Mazda 626
  By mrwildwood - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love it. The only quirks it has is the auto tranmission, its alittle jerky untill you get used to how to let off on the gas, but other than that its great. Very smooth, good fit and finish, and one of the best factory sound systems in the industry. The only other thing thing about this car is the oil filter location...why? The instruction manual says to get the oil changed at a dealer because of the "special tool" needed to change it. Again I ask....why?

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  nice car good value - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By protege jim - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is a real gas saver,I have had up to 42w/mpg I like the car best of all no trips back to the dealer for any thing.A nice little car for the money.

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  Good Car! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Rogue DJ - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car! i am glad i baught it! ftom the screaming accelaration to the squealing breaking, I am who car makers fear. If i had the opertunity i would "dog out" a satern! But i havebt, however this car! Mazda is only surpased by subaru and chevy in car building knowlage, they build it to be used! 3 years of abuse and racing have taken litle tole on my car! few modafications that are cheap have turned my car into a street machene. Buy it, , and steer carfuly!!! cuz you are gone!

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  Surprise!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Nebulous - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Mazda actually came out with a car that looks nice and is fun to drive. This car actually has good cornering, and acceleration.

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  Great Midlife Cure - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Wes W - May 4 - 2:00 am

  About 20 years ago I had a 76 Ford Capri from Germany. Havent found anything thats as fun to drive until now. This car holds the road very well and almost seems to dare you to take that turn a little faster. It has cured me need for a motorcycle for now.

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  What a disappointment - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Bethany - May 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought new hoping to have fewer problems arise then our old cars with 150,000 miles. We chose Mazda thinking it was a better built car. The Mazda 5 has terrible road noise. The front wheels rattle like something has come loose. Two different Mazda service shops have not been able to fix the problem. Shortly after purchasing it the gas cap broke and was $45 to replace it not being under warranty. Mazda knows there is a problem with that and the new 2010 have a different gas cap. Now after owning the car only 14 months I had to replace all 4 tires because it was out of alignment. I kept up on tire rotations and had them balanced each oil change. This car is crap!