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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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By RBOB24 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, THIS CAR HANDLES LIKE A SPORTS CAR. ITS QUICK OFF THE LINE AND ACCELERATES VERY SMOOTHLY. THE GAS MILEAGE IS GOOD, AND THE FIT AND FINISH IS SUPER.

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  A CAR TO DRIVE - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By YUNUS SAHIN - August 2 - 10:00 am

  THE car is beatiful forget all the things it has just the exterior look of the car draws the attention. interior with two diffrent colors is another nice piece of a rx8. not to talk to much this car is a car to drive

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  Mazdas continued rise to greatness!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dpayton - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I was originally planning to purchase the new Mazda6 sedan, but when a local dealer got me behind the wheel of the Mazda3, I was hooked. Not only was this car sportier, but it handles better than the 6. It also offers a navigation system, and leather which is unheard of for this class of car (even the 6 didnt offer the navigation system). The engine loves to rev and is incredibly quiet. Ive caught myself almost red-lining the engine many times due to the quiet nature of the engine. The 3 also handles like a dream, taking corners with confidence and gives the driver the feeling of complete security even when pushing the car.

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  First time Mazda owner update - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Judy H. - July 31 - 6:30 am

  I am writing an update to my review of 4 years ago. I still really like my Tribute, and would probably buy another one. Done all routine maintenance and have had no mechanical issues (knock on wood) and hope it continues that way.

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  Nothing compares - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Enthusiast - July 30 - 11:43 am

  Dismissed the Corolla outright because of its appliance-like nature. Civic seemed too unrefined in comparison, and was turned off by so-so reviews of the Cobalt. At this price range, theres nothing that even comes close to the 3. This car is simply superb! The exterior (especially of the hatchback), is distinctive; the interior is comfortable, attractive, and refined. Performance from the smooth 2.3L engine is more than adequate, and its a joy to row through the gears. Too early to report on fuel economy, but this car begs to be driven hard, so Im not expecting stellar mileage. Dont take my word for how great this car is - read the reviews by the professionals and test drive it!

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  My first NEW CAR AND I LOVE IT - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By demartini - July 29 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car bought it on Nov 2010 brand new, i got the Stormy Blue and in the night it looks like Black, 360 degrees i love my car in the outside and inside. Very reliable never had an issue with my car as of yet. i have recommended Mazda to all my friends of just how reliable my car is. She is perfect!

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  You get more than you pay for - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Brian - July 29 - 5:40 am

  I bought the Tribute almost one year ago for under $12K with 55K miles on it. It is not perfect. Wind noise is bad on the highway and the shifter is annoying, but everyone is amazed when I tell them what I paid. It has a superb engine and transmission, handles great (better than my old Saturn coupe), and looks good. It is not a luxury vehicle, but it is a great car. I have not had any of the problems listed below like the door leather peeling. I was a little worried by all the Ford parts. I would prefer Mazda to build it on their own, but people looking for relatively cheap SUVs with awesome performance cant be too picky. If you get it at a good price, buying the Tribute is a no brainer.

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  What a bargain! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Climbhi - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Incredible brakes and handling. The tiptronic transmission makes an otherwise so-so 4 speed automatic more than tolerable. The car is built incredibly well. Fit and finish are Lexus quality. Interior driver controls are excellent, ride is smooth and communcative, outward vision excellent. Talk about a car that is easy to drive. It provides a sense of sureness.

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  Buy Now! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DMC - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun, fast, great value. Why doesnt every car maker produce cars like this? Nothing else in its class even comes close (and Ive owned all of the others).

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  Outstanding Car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Delbert Mazda - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed. Great handling, very reliable, good performance. I love the silver with the dark interior. Closer to a hatch than a wagon.