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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  Im a believer - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By angeljoelv - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Never thought of having a rotary until this sweetheart came. I have no complaints at all, great looks, great performance for such a small engine. everybody loves it. I love it

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  Wow - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By igozmzm2 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Its the best looking car that I have seen in a long time, and everywhere I go, people are saying great things about it. Many of them have begged for a ride, and love it. Its the most fun to drive, and since Ive gotten it, 2 of my friends have now purchased one as well. Its a luxury car without the luxury price. The controls are easy to use, within reach, and the navi system is a breeze to use. I went out of state the weekend I purchased the car, had no problems using it. I feel like I got a steal when I purchased this car...people think its a 30K car, when I tell them 20K they flip out.

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  great car shame about the breaks - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By paddy73 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  great car i have been checking it out since i first saw it at the new york car show ,purchased after the first test drive and im getting to love it more everyday,the sports automatic is great for that little extra zip but its a little cheap of mazda that anti lock breaks and car alarm are not standard!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By drbarnes - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The "fun to drive" rating is no joke. I love getting behind the wheel. I dream about it. I upgraded from a 00 Ranger, so it has plenty of performance for me. The 6 is a good buy for the money. I went with the luxury package, sport package w/spoiler, moonroof, and the Bose package plus a few add ons -- more features than I honestly expected to be available and my sale price was still under $25K.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Mine 00 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Well I have recently purchased the Mazda ES GT [in Canada] which with out a doubt the best econosport vehicle that I have driven. I tried the Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic [Coupe], Acura Integra and others in its class but non compare in price and feel. The ES GT is the invigerates the soul and sooths the spirit. This car in my books is in a class of its own.

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  Not perfect, but no bad for the money - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By DDT - May 16 - 10:13 pm

  This is my 2nd car/van, & the 1st one I bought new. Maybe because the MPV is smaller; it handles the road a bit more stable than the other two minivans I tested. I love the flexibility of the 2nd & 3rd row seats arrangement as well as the 2nd row window that actually opens, which other car company copy in their later models. MPV does have its weakness in horsepower & torque (especially when you turn on the a/c). Another problem is the rear wiper spring is very weak; may break when car wash. I hated the transmission for its jerkiness. In terms of up keep of the vehicle, it actually cost me less than my brothers Honda Odyssey (5 years running), which he later traded in for a Sienna last year.

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  Was Not Happy - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By brandij - May 16 - 7:56 pm

  Well my mom had purchased this van a year prior with a new kid on the way I was excited to be a minivan owner. It was a really late night when they do those crazy specials at midnight!? I didnt test drive it because Ive been driving my moms for quite some time, got it home to notice that our van had NO REAR AIR!!! I couldnt believe they made vans without it! My moms came standard with it, didnt realize it was missing til the next morning when it was freezing cold taking our 2 young kids out!! Ive had to put fans in the back to just get by in the summer. It is brutal. I was very upset that the sales people sold it they had to know!! will never go back again!!!

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  Very small, fun, hard to customize radio - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Clinton70 - May 16 - 12:06 am

  Ive had this car briefly. Its fun to drive and didnt have problems in the 5 months I had it. It was small though. The radio stunk as it didnt play mp3 discs and didnt have an aux input. It wouldve been almost $500 to upgrade to aftermarket because of a trim panel connected to the climate is $200. The ride was nice, the steering sporty, and gas mileage is good for the highway and mediocre for city. Good power.

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  No XM unless you go top of the line - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By JMT - May 15 - 6:22 am

  I was very surprised by the fact that XM radio was an option that was only available on the Grand Touring. Very disappointing...I almost bought the car. Oh well.

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  Most fun Ive ever had behind the wheel - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JMZ3 - May 15 - 4:16 am

  This is by far the most enjoyment Ive ever had driving a vehicle. I traded an 03 Mazda 6 for this M3 and have no regrets. The increase in horespower and better handling was apparent as soon as I took the car for a test drive. Highly recommended.