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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  Good Alternative for Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chip - December 4 - 5:56 pm

  I felt that this car was overall better than the Civic & Corolla. It came w/ more standard features and the quality of material was supurb. As for the Proteges success, I had no doubt in purchasing it.

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  Most Practical Vehical - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gordon - December 4 - 2:40 pm

  Our other cars are Toyota Sienna and Honda Fit. The Mazda5 has most of "Best" plus more. It is as fun as the fit and as practical as the Sienna. The other car Mfg has them but they are afraid of image. We Mazda 5 owners like the image this car has.

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  Nothing like a go-kart on steroids - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Themisfitjoe - December 4 - 10:23 am

  My baby, my first car. And what more can I say that hasnt been said. If youre a young male owner many people will criticize you for maintaining possession of the car, but do not heed their words. Most stock cars dont corner like a Miata, and with such little weight the car is very nimble. Ive had this car for just over 3 years now, and it wont be my last, but I do plan on keeping my baby for awhile, because its so much fun to drive, especially in sunny Florida. And though the RX-7 and others are better at it, drifting in this car is still lots of fun, at sponsored Drift Days. One downside is that it is a pain to work on, and at least mine breaks down often, but it is 13+ y.o

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  No fun to drive, but seems tough enough. - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By MazdaOwner - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Decent ride, uncomfortable seating if you are over 62", Crummy Mileage (17 HWY), Plenty of power from the 4.0L but shaky idle, 88 MPH speed limiter (dyno proven) (Mazda will only acknowledge this AFTER you buy the truck), 3,000lb max trailer weight with the 4.0L and 5 speed (read: weak clutch), A/C clutch engagement feels like youve been rear ended, Good cruise control, Gas guage is horribly inaccurate...

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  zoom-onology of mpv lx - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Geno - December 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I conducted extensive research on the purchase of an suv, when we decided to purchase the MPV instead. It handles like a well tuned car and with three young children, it not only represents a great value, compared to other similar vehicles, but provides comfort and space for our needs. The sliding side doors are a must and the electric windows are a major plus for kids that like to feel fresh air. We are thrilled with our purchase!

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  Cool Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By JW79 - December 3 - 9:36 pm

  Tons of fun to drive + has turned a lot of heads. I have had many compliments on the design from friends and strangers alike. A police officer told me to roll down my window + I figured my sticker was past due or I had committed an infraction + instead he inquired about the car and told me how much he liked it. The handling is great! Tons of fun around corners and curves. It should be a little faster off the line + this is a significant drawback considering the horsepower + the poor gas mileage. At first I was unsure about the lines but now I love the look. I love the suicide doors + at least 3 adults can fit in the car as long as everyone isnt tall. You need snow tires bad in the snow!

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  Awesome - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By petronilus - December 3 - 2:13 pm

  I was not really planning to buy a new car but couldnt resist the CX-7. Great design, great acceleration, great interior, nice navigation system. Just awesome.

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  1st week - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By artsmazda5 - December 3 - 8:40 am

  So far, this car, minus one particular issue Ill get to later, has been just about perfect. I feel proud driving one of these down the streets of San Francisco. This is especially so when i drive by the two other cars I was within moments of purchasing instead of the 5 - the Subaru WRX or Forester. Im 33, I have a 3 1/2 year old son and Im recently separated. I agonized over the decision. Do i get the WRX, i.e. single-guy, race-car on a budget. Or the Forester, i.e. time to grow up, go conservative and be "responsible". My answer, why not some "responsible" zoom-zoom, i.e., Mazda5. Ive read lots of complaints about the power, but the stick I got makes for some pretty exciting driving!

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  Complete garbage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By efwilson4 - December 2 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car and saw where Mazda of North America warrantied the engine until 100,000. Well they lied. Mazda admitted to utilizing a loop hole to deny engine replacement. This car is garbage and Mazda will do anything but stand behind it. They charged me $1,100 dollars to replace coils, wires, plugs, decarbon the engine before saying I needed a new engine. The car runs worse than when I took it in. This my 4th rotary car and my last. I recommend something else. DO NOT BUY! Just search warm start or low compression.

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  30K mile UPDATE- - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - December 1 - 2:02 am

  I have revirewed my 2008 versus this 2010 and already have concluded it just that much better. I will focus on the passing of time,servicing and performance continuity. I replaced the Avid-Yokos which I found on the harsh side like the previous 08-09 suspension set-ups but slightly more ameinable to all-around driving with a bias towards all-out sports car tuned firmness. I installed Bridestones new Pole Position S-04s and even though the overall tire is heavier at 70-90mph this car is silent and super-stable at 85 Im turning 2900 rpms and its not even breathing hard -this damn 2.5 wants to be ridden to 120+ and sprout wings. Everyting else is tight and right ! Just oil/filter and gas .