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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  Mazda Speed Custom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By R. Richardson - January 13 - 4:33 pm

  Other than premium fuel/20MPG average, this is a tight, agile, eye catching rocket that seats two like a glove. Lower torque on the low end is offset by electric motor-like acceleration at high rpms. No problems so far. I have the Mazda speed customization, plus stiffer suspension, custom exhaust and 19" 245/35/19 93Y tires.

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  Most Driving Fun. Period. - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By r09 - January 13 - 11:06 am

  This car is in a league of its own. The steering wheel responds to the slightest of inputs. Its agility is amazing. Its cornering ability is amazing. Its lane change ability is amazing. Its value is amazing. It is the most nimble car I have driven, and it is the most fun-to-drive car I have ever driven - and I am a car collector.

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  Fun car to drive - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By vwgolf_1999 - January 13 - 6:20 am

  Bought a 2013 Mazda 3 iTouring Hatchback after the 2014s were released, so got a good deal on the car. I really like the way this car drives - it handles so nicely. The iTouring (which is the base hatchback model) has good features - automatic dual-zone climate control and advanced keyless entry (which Ive gotten to really like). Road noise is higher than Id ideally like, but similar to other cars in the class. Gas mileage (after ~600 miles, so still running in) has averaged ~32mpg (mostly city and hilly driving). Overall - Im very happy with this car.

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  Love the car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By billswjr - January 13 - 12:56 am

  Whoever designed the car had a previous Mazda. Should have left the turbocharger. Doesnt have the kick that my Mazdaspeed had. Cruise control and extra leg room really made a good road trip car. Really good around vehicle.

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  The superior vehicle - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By jack - January 12 - 2:56 am

  This is a vehicle that has plenty of room in it and is an absolute joy to drive. The turbo really gets this vehicle moving.

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  1 Month Test Pt. 1 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By the_hero87 - January 11 - 4:20 pm

  Had the car for about a month. Im taking a trip next week from WI to Washington D.C. Ill write another review when I get back. I bought my 06 Mazda5 with just over 82K miles. Ive driven about 1,000mi and I havent had anything happen with the car that I feel makes this vehicle any less than a 5/5. The couple of things I noticed where: I had to pop in one of the plastic fillers where the fog lights are, as mine doesnt have that option and it popped out. I also did notice that, no, it isnt the best in the snow. But its a 4 cylinder wagon, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!? But I know with a good set of snow tires, shell do just fine. Ample fuel mileage, about 23cty, 28hwy.

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  95 Miata M - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By k - January 10 - 1:50 pm

  Love this car! Bought it in 98 with 32K miles and have put another 50K on it myself. I have not had a single problem with this car, save an airbag recall last year. The only other maintanece has been new brakes and tires at 70K (should have had new tires earlier), a new battery last week (82K), and oil changes. It is a blast to drive - corners like nobodys business. The looks are great-timeless and classy. I drive it hard and still get 28 mpg.

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  Worth my Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe - January 10 - 1:33 am

  I enjoy driving this car. I commute 80 miles a day in it, and it definitely feels sporty. I replaced a Celica with this car, and I dont feel like I drive a mommy mobile. This car is not for the people who want cushy ride. I actually enjoy having a car with quirks. EXCEPT the weird clutch feel; thats annoying in stop-and-go. This is the car that Saab used to make, and its a well rounded vehicle. Im not crazy about the Bose stereo or the middling fuel economy. The tires are a very weird size which make replacement fairly expensive. I enjoy the rather peaky nature of the V6, it keeps me alert and focused. I cant be a lazy driver

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  Wow! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - January 9 - 3:06 pm

  This is a great car! Its fun to drive and gets even better gas mileage than the window sticker promised. It looks cool, seats four adults comfortably, and I got a great deal too.

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  Bolt-on mods - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Craig - January 9 - 3:26 am

  I read all of the reviews on this car on Edmunds.com AFTER I purchased it and have noticed a recurring suggested improvement: power. I agree. The engine is rated at 142 horsepower stock but what it needs is more mid-range power and torque. After installing Racing Beats cat-back exhaust system and K&Ns Typhoon Intake the Protege5 not only sounds great but now produces just the right amount of power and torque at the RPMs I prefer: 3000 to 5000. The Protege5 is a sports car at heart, it just wants to breathe better. Whats better is that the intake and exhaust were not that difficult to install -- floor-jack, jack-stands and metric tools are all you need; just follow the directions!