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 RX-8 lot of flash, bad on gas - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By lugnutz - November 13 - 12:46 am

  The Mazda RX-8 is a great sports coupe. In terms of performance the RX-8 competes well with the Porsche Boxster and BMW M4. It has a broad rpm range, true 9000 rpm redline, has a shifting sweet spot around 7500-8000 which is absolute music to the ears. The Zoom Zoom is in the curves. Its .88 Gs in slalom testing by Motor Trend magazine puts the RX-8 in a class with true exotic sports supercars. This is an ideal sports car for the family guy. With seating for four, you can take drop the kids off at soccer, ballet, and lacrosse practice. Its exterior design is flowing and graceful, but definitely exudes its sports car nature. The drivers cockpit very stylish, but all business.

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  Still Lovin my Mazda6 - Zoom Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By silvercrown - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. When I walk away from it, I still turn around for one last look. The ride is smooth and the handling is superb. I really like the cool features that I have on the car and the Bose system rocks. I would like better gas mileage and a tighter turning circle, but other than that, theres nothing I would change about my car. I love it, right down to the gorgeous blue color. Over 4,000 miles and no problems. Zoom-zoom!!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By enie jr - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Handling is unbelievable. Handles far better then my wifes Maxima. Overall a blast to drive. Could use more power but hopefully the 3 took care of that! Get the AUTOSTICK its worth the money! Overall this is a great compact.

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  great minivan, not so great engine. - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By migyride - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have the lx version with all kinds of upgrades.The van is well balanced as far as control and comfort are concerned.the one weakness of this van is the loud under-horse powered engine. the engine is adequate but thats about it. It growls and sounds like its always working too hard,also the gear shifter should be repositioned. Everything else about the van is an exceptionally superb deal.wish they had engine options, or a mazda built not ford built engine.

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  love my car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By compactfun38 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Not only is the car fun to look at, it is also incredible to drive. I was not sure what to expect out of the car with the new renisis engine and side ports but the car has been running great. Long distance travel and faster acceleration as well. Check to oil every 500 miles it is just that type of engine that needs to be checked on because of the rotary engine. Also let the car warm up for 3 to 5 minutes before taking off. You and the car will get along better. =)

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  digs - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By freedom - November 12 - 2:00 am

  the car gets plenty of looks (RED. I bought some accessaries at the dealer which made it look beter, some of the items are from mazdaspeed but available from the dealer

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  Its great! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nne3jxc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda3s handling is tight without giving a punishing ride. The interior was nicely appointed and well laid out. Sure -- it doesnt have some of the fancy doo-dads that the luxury cars have, but I can turn on my headlights just fine all by myself, thank you. Its a comfortable little car that feels bigger than it is and has some nice bigger car features. (Many "stolen" from the upmarket Mazda6.) Its sensible without losing any of its zippy fun factor.

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  Mazda Sport 6 05 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 4 dr sport sedan - November 12 - 12:20 am

  It has a lot of pep when you need to get into traffic or getting on the interstate. Its fun to drive.

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  sporty and fun in comfort - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By dan - November 11 - 8:46 pm

  The Mazda MPV is real easy to drive. It runs smooth and handles well. For instance making a U-turn is simple as well as parking. The acceleration is good. Overall the van is comfortable, spacious. I dont have any complaints.

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  Gas Hog & Rattle Trap - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By christi - November 11 - 8:40 pm

  Purchased used with only 600 mile so it was pretty much new. 1 year later I have spent 600.00 for brakes and my tires need to be changed already. I average 14 mpg in my V6 so is really is a gas hog. When gas was at its highest I was putting 63.00 every 3 to 4 days, I am not happy with the mileage at all. I thought it was pretty good in the beginning but now I drive 80 on the freeway the whole thing shakes. The resale value is terrible. The value 13 months later is about 8000.00 and I paid 17000 for a used. Will never purchase a Mazda ever again.