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 Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By WeskiNJ - March 26 - 2:00 am

  What many will consider as a replacement to the infamous RX7 is actually a stand alone design. The 2004 Mazda RX8 has 238 rear wheel HP. It also has the unique rotary engine. This isnt the same engine that powered the RX7, the 8s engine is based on the Wankel. Though it has 238 HP, it acts like it has 260, the rotary is much lighter than an inline or flat engine. Different from the 7, it has four doors. Stats are impressive, 3 10ths of a second off a Nissan 350Z or Porsche Boster, 2 seaters, .89 G on the skidpad,1 g more than a 350 & limted 144 mile per hour top-speed. Hope my review on "R-car" was helpful.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By thutton - March 25 - 6:03 pm

  Bought our 03 LX as new in 04 as a model year leftover. Great price, tons of options including sunroof, power doors, GFX package, 6 CD changer, traction control and ABS. After some initial teething problems (idle air control, transmission reflash both under warranty), car has been trouble free for 60,000 miles. Original Dunlop tires wore rather quickly, front brakes replaced at 40 K (average for Colorado mountain driving). MPG is pretty good at 25 fairly consistently on highway (not bad since CO is a 75 mph state) w/AC on and five aboard. In town is 19-20 in warm weather. Only advice? Dealer quality seems to vary widely.

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  Fun surprise - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jjn89q - March 24 - 8:20 pm

  My Protege5 is at 70,000 miles and I still love its sporty handling. Its the funnest economy car Ive ever driven.

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  Solid sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ryan Johann - March 24 - 2:20 am

  For the sports enthusiast who is looking for a car that is not going to drive your insurance up the roof, this is your car. They call this a "family sedan" but this car is every bit of a sports car. With 220 horsepower it is fun to drive, the Bose speakers with the 8" subwoofer in the back is very powerful and fun, the traction control is great in the snow and rain, and the trunk space is huge considering the size of the car. The paint on this car is amazing in that you never have to wax it, it always looks glossy and new.

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  Wish I got the V6 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Qmiller - March 22 - 11:10 pm

  I have my 08 tribute for a month now and I wish I would have gotten the V6. I had a V6 escape that I should have kept. So far the 4 has been ok. Some days it feels fast and other kinda slow. I was trying to save gas but for now theres not much difference.

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  BAD NEWS DO NOT BUY - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Sarah - March 22 - 9:10 pm

  Bought this gorgeous car new. At 20,000 miles it had been in the shop over 30x. At 30,000 miles and a new engine later they still could not resolve the problems going on with it. Yes it is a beautiful car and until this day I still think that there isnt another car looks as sharp but unless you dont care to pay out big bucks and never drive it I wouldnt recommend it. I do drive my cars I buy them to drive them not keep in the garage but I would still think at 30,000 miles a car should still have a lot of good usage left. Needless to say 20 grand in the whole I had to get rid of it because I need a dependable car.

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  Buy these cars! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - March 20 - 9:43 pm

  Ive now had this car for three years and 86,000 miles and Im as happy with it as I was when I bought it. Other than a few recall items, that I never noticed, which were fixed when I had oil changes, Ive done nothing to the car other than a set of tires at about 75,000 miles and the once over at at about 65,000 miles including a plug change. Other than that only oil and filter changes and a set of wiper blades. Since my mileage is mostly long highway trips, I havent even had to service the brakes. This car will out handle most sports cars Ive driven but is comfortable on my 6-10 hour drives for work. Ride is direct but comfortable, the perfect mix of handling and ride for my tastes!

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  Pure Joy - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dave - March 20 - 6:56 pm

  My first Mazda and first MX-5 and I have never had more fun in a car. Bought in winter to be able to negotiate on price and now are just enjoying the top down driving that is a pure pleasure. I am 65 so fitting was a concern but it is pleasantly snug all around and makes you feel like you are part of the car. Handling and sensitivity is sensory and requires the lightest touch. Couldnt ask for a better more fun car.

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  Attention Enthusiastic Drivers! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By conzoomer - March 20 - 5:31 pm

  If you are a person whose passion is improving his driving skill set, this is a perfect tool. The MX5 will reward you with increasing satisfaction and fun as you learn to master driving skills. Routinely switch off traction control after engine start-up to obtain linear throttle response and to learn the cars traction characteristics. This car is quite capable even in stock form; resist the urge to modify its performance until you have fully utilized all it has to offer. When you are not in the mood for spirited driving, you can chill and enjoy the scenery and the MX5 will not annoy you with a bad temper. Some 2008s had a defect in the manual trans. Mazda fixed mine under warrantee. THX!

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  M3 5 door--Budget Sports Hatchback - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By B. Hunt - March 20 - 5:20 am

  The only car in its class that I seriously considered. I wanted a real nice, fast, sporty handling hatchback with great reliability and decent fuel economy that wasnt more than $21,000 in my driveway. Thats what I got with the Mazda 3 GT 5-door.