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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  Not Bad, better than I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By QbanPete - March 16 - 2:40 pm

  I needed a vehicle to get to and from work, well the 6 does and then some. I find that I take the long way home through country backroads that have lots of hills and curves. Once I adapted to the "Semi-Manual" its fun to keep the engine revving above 3500rpm. Keep the engine happy and it rewards you with a pleasant sound, considering its a 4. Gas mileage has been around 26mpg, which I consider good since I tend to floor it. A lot!

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  The LilCar that Could thats Not so Lil - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ThaiXcel - March 15 - 7:26 pm

  I love this car! It might not be the fastest of the bunch, but if I wanted a fast car I would buy an ugly overrated Mustang thats all engine and nothing else. The response of the car, especially in turning is unbelievable, and the smooth performance of the unique Renesis rotary engine is like no other. You feel like youre in a jet. This car might not be for racing, but its definitely for Driving. The manual tranny is flawless and it takes turns like no other. After coming out of turns you almost want to apologize to the car for not taking the turn faster. Its styling speaks for itself and its interior quality is better than most, especially better than that fast, but poorly built Mustang.

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  Great car, needs a couple things - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazdaman - March 15 - 6:33 pm

  I tried an Altima, an Accord and a Mazda 3. I originally wanted a Miata but opted out because I needed more room. While in Mazda dealers I was always struck by the exterior and interior design of the Mazda6, so I test drove it and loved it. The handling is fabulous and the comfort of the leather seats is as good as Ive experienced in any car at any price. The fog lamps are the only ones Ive ever had on a car that were truly effective. The road feel is solid. Its great on long trips. Defect-free as delivered and still no defects of any sort have shown up after 2 months.

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  Perfect! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By pyrexmaniac - March 15 - 5:36 am

  Ive owned my Mazda5 for almost 18 months and it has been flawless. The combination of a 5-speed manual, small size, cavernous interior, and incredible driving character make it an all-around perfect car. Some call it a minivan, others a hatchback, some a station wagon. I always call it an outstanding combination of space, performance, economy and yes, style. (My teenage nephews think this car is awesome. Minivan? What minivan?) What more could anyone ask for?

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  Great van overall - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By haile - March 15 - 2:03 am

  I have 3 kids. This van is a perfect choice. The price to own is the best on the market. The extended warranty from Mazda up to 100,000 miles is very reasonable and it gives you peace of mind.

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  Nice little hatch - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Kenny - March 14 - 9:40 pm

  I dont like those common small cars. It was made in Japan and not as common as other Japanese sedans. I test drove the sedan but didnt like the seats and ride. I bought a Protege5 because it had more comfortable seats and and gave me a little bit of "road feel". The driving experience of the hatch was more closed to my old Saab (Of course the Saab was better). I dont understand why people dont like hatchback. It doesnt have typical noise from a hatchback. The car performs quite good in the city but it is quite noisy at highway speed. The autostick stick is fun but it needs a 5-speed auto instead of a 4-speed auto.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jsannes - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I had a Saturn SL2. The car handles tight corners, avoidance manoeuvers superbly. Interiour is well thought out, nice materials. The transmission shifts very smooth and precise. Trunk is small, but better than MR2 Spyder. Overall quality and finish of materials is very nice. Longitudianl engine, easy service. The Mazda VVT and longer stroke make the 1.8L powerplant feel more powerful.

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  A whole lot of fun. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By charliedog - March 14 - 10:00 am

  You cant go anywhere without someone approaching you and asking about the car. I feel like a salesman for Mazda. While passing everyone on the hiway people try to catch you to see what kind of car just blew there doors off. Somtimes you let them catch you, especially if its a cute girl.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazdaspeed - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Mazda3 hatch a month ago, and let me tell you it is an awesome car to drive. The way it handles on curves and turns is astounding. And as far as looks...well lets just say that the ladies definitely love it.

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  Frugal Sport Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BillF - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My criteria was a midsize sedan with high MPG, and very fun to drive. This car is fantastic. I get 28 MPG driving around and 32 MPG on a trip. The performance is great above 3,000 RPM. The car is also very quiet inside. I have never seen an oil filter like this! The 4 cyl has a housing where you replace the paper filter media. This media is hard to find and many places cannot perform an oil change because they do not have an oil filter.