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 Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By 323familia - December 8 - 10:20 pm

  Best car I have ever owned hands down. Needs a little more power, but overall great car!

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  A great MINI - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By martman - December 8 - 9:10 am

  Having a family of four (two kids and my wife) this is a perfectly sized vehicle. Easy to get around town in, decent on gas, and has very efficient use of interior space. We get looks at stop lights and when we park our MAV at the mall from people whove never seen such a unique car/van. We do not miss the huge Sienna we replaced the M5 with.

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  The best Miata yet! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Brandon - December 7 - 11:16 am

  So much fun to drive and one of the best cars with the top down. Great looks inside and out. Comfy seats and bigger than the previous Miatas. Race car steering, race car transmission and race car suspension. Suspension turns in sharp while the wheels stick like super glue. Flick the steering wheel and you dive into the apex with barely any turns on the wheel and the whole car talks to you. Great exhaust note. Great gas mileage. I owned a Evo 8 and currently own a 350Z and a Lotus Elise an this is probably the best deal when it comes to handling. And has become my new weekend car and ever daily driver.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 1998 Mazda 626
  By JGansauer - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Without a doubt, the best car I ever owned. I gave my son this car a year ago for him to drive to work. Later, I sold him my truck and he returned the Mazda. I fully intended to trade it in for whatever it was worth, considering it had 122,000 miles on it. The moment I got in again, after a year, I realized I couldnt get rid of it. It was too reliable and too good a ride. I had a mechanic check it out. It only needed new spark plug wires. In 124,000 miles, besides the usual maintenance, only the water pump failed (at about 30,000 miles) which was under warantee. Well worth the $22,000 or so I spent on it.

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  Silver 5 speed with ABS, Sunroof, 6CD - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By poblano99 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I think I got a steal on this car. Exactly the color and options I wanted for just under 18K (just over invoice!) So far I have 2000 miles with Chicago city and highway driving. Fun little car for zipping around the city. Handles great, easy to park, gets good mileage for the power. Im tall and can get comfortable but wish the seats moved up and down or the seat bottom pivoted back to accomodate my long legs. Chose Mazda over Golf, Audi TT, Mini, Volvo. I think Mazda is the better value for my needs.

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  Top car for the money, with a few quirks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aaron Oliver - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Thinking about this car? Well, its a solid choice. Dont waste your money on the larger engine, though. Even with the manual transmission, its weak, and city fuel economy is poor for this class: I get about 20 m.p.g. in town. Highway mileage is quite a bit better at around 31 m.p.g. On the plus side, handling and braking are both terrific, and the manual shifts smoothly, with just a hint of "notchiness." Interior space is also very good. A few parts are cheaply made. The glove box latches into a flimsy, molded-in, plastic bracket/notch. The drivers side fabric on my car began to pull away from the underlying cushion after only 6 months.

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  Love that 6! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Bohan - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my 6 for 2 months now. I love the design and form of the car. 20 more hp would not have hurt, but all-in-all it is the most pleasant riding, sports sedan I have owned yet. When the engine idles, it is so smooth you cannot tell it is running. The BOSE audio system is top notch, and the climate control works rapidly and efficiently.

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  I Heart My Mazda5! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By lostshadows - December 7 - 8:16 am

  Just drove it off the lot this afternoon but have test drove it and been eyeing this car for almost 2 years! What can I say...I LOVE it! We have two children and will need to carpool in the fall. The kids love the captains seats and the fact that they can move around and stand up in the car when getting into their car seats. I love the gas mileage, flexibility, and 3rd row. Ive read reviews that mention that its underpowered and the interior feels a bit cheap. Im no car expert but as a mom of two who travels around town with her kids, it is perfect and super peppy for me. Plus, the interior doesnt seem cheap at all. Im loving every bit of this car!

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  zoom zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By michael - December 7 - 7:40 am

  I love this car! Fun to drive; handles the curves through the mountains like on rails. Only complaints: check engine light comes on often. I am well aware of the gas cap causing this but that has not been a problem. Also it lags a little when you "punch it" from a stop - the turbo takes a bit to wind up. Could get a little better mileage and use regular gas.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - December 7 - 2:56 am

  I have loved owning this car - its a lot of fun to drive, gas mileage is great, peppy engine. Only gripe is the tires - Im putting on my 4th set in a year. Tried switching to another type hoping that would help, but nothing lasts longer than 4 months. Hopefully, Mazda will address this issue soon as its becoming a major cost factor.