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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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jim nowell - January 10 - 4:50 pm

  Plenty of zoom zoom and room for a 64" man. Gas mileage is about 17mpg in town or on highway. Must be my lead foot. Shifts smooth and has plenty of get up and go.

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  Better Than A Caravan - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Joel from IL - January 10 - 3:30 pm

  I test drove many makes of minivans. The Mazda was the most versatile for seating except for the Dodge. It has the easy folding rear seat. The standard captains seats also pull together for more room to access the back. What sold me, though, is the car- like handling. The engine and tranny are silky smooth, and theres more than enough acceleration. The fit and finish of the body and interior parts are phenomenal. Definitely better than any domestic make Ive ever owned. Im hoping to have many happy years of driving the MPV. At 37 yrs old, I still have some youth left in me. Oh, I must say there will be no more Chrysler products in my name.

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  This car needs a soul - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By icantdrive55 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car for everyday driving, however it wont do much more than that. Whenever you need that extra oomph there is nothing there, and downshifting hardly does anything but make more noise. Overall it is a good car but it just seems to be lacking, maybe that ES would be better or even the new MazdaSpeed. I just wish it had some character to stand out from the rest of the everyday commuters.

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  Very fun, low on guts - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JHRacing - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I debated between an RX-8 (my wifes choice) and a WRX STI (my choice) for a new car to compliment our Outback wagon. Id have to give the RX-8 the nod for interior and exterior styling and a little more comfortable ride, but after a couple of months Im finding the lack of low-end torque quite a disappointment. The engine has no problem revving, but you have to flog it to the limiter to keep up with traffic away from a light. Not really what I wanted out of a sports car, and poor mileage to boot! Should have gone with my gut and the STI.

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  Mazda rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bigalintexas - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Phenomenal handling, good high end power, barely adequate at low rpm but its a rotary!Good seats.

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  Really nice but it would be so easy to be better! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By 23j96 - January 6 - 1:09 pm

  Fun to drive? Hell yeah! I love this car. Mostly! After 2 years with an automatic (my first) I ditched it and went back to manual shift - with this Mazda3. Oof! And it was a good change. This is way more fun to drive than, say, my MINI (also manual). I love it - its got a great feel, good power, lots of fun. But there are a lot of details that are so close but not there! So, this is more fun to drive than the MINI, right? But MINI gets all of the details right on.

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  Love it. - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By mazdalove - January 6 - 9:50 am

  Ive been with this car for 10 years. My parents bought it brand new and now its been in my ownership for a year now. Its been 10 years, and it is a great car. Its reliable and totally affordable. Fuel economy is great for the age of the car and it makes a great family car too. All in all, it is a nice car :)

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  mazda rx-8, - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By barry jaffin - December 31 - 6:56 am

  great to look at, drives very well, major problem is very poor gas milage, less than 12 mph in city, 18 highway (at best)

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  Best little car I ever owned - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By abqrich - December 30 - 4:35 pm

  I love the way this car handles. Great engine coupled with great transmission. I have owned more expensive cars, but I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one

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  very reliable - 1998 Mazda 626
  By DM - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 626 to be different than all my neighbors who were driving Camrys. Opted for the 5 speed manual. Never had any problems with this car for the first 100,000 miles. After that...just normal wear and tear. (fuel filter, brakes, plugs) Love the car and would consider buying the new "6" that just came out