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:

• 

  Zoom! Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Navy_Vet29 - January 6 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first Mazda, and I am sold! This is an excellent car, reliable/superb handling/excellent styling. My only complaint is the rather poor fuel mileage, other than that I love it. Im sure my next car will be a Mazda as well.

• 

  A great choice! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lizlubee - January 5 - 7:29 pm

  I spent the better part of 2 years researching small SUVs. I keep my vehicles for a decade or more, so wanted to get it right. I ultimately decided upon the 2014 Mazda CX 5 Grand Touring (AWD) and I am extremely pleased. My gas mileage has been very good (31 highway/27.5 city) and will likely improve as the weather warms and the engine "breaks in". It also handles well, is very comfortable, and includes "blind-spot monitoring" as a standard feature! Its great fun to drive and a great value. I couldnt be happier with my choice!

• 

  No Compromise - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Montana Driver - January 5 - 4:40 pm

  Traded my 2002 Miata SE for this car. Wanted an all season car without giving up much handling and fun to drive. Shopped Civic Si, WRX, Altima Coupe, Mazdaspeed 3 and GTI; chose a Mica Copper Red Mazda3s Touring 5M for price, fuel mileage (premium fuel not required) and versatility. Figured I was making a compromise for enconomics sake. My 1st drive was over a winding mountain pass here in Montana and I havent smiled like that since I got the Miata. Of course it doesnt have the kick in the pants acceleration of a WRX or V-6 Nissan, but the handling and transmission is more then up to the task. Im 64" (yes I fit in the Miata) and found the front seats as comfortable as any I tested.

• 

  A New Generation - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JTMauney - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This review is based upon 1,000 miles of ownership. The RX-8 is, quite simply, the best performance automobile Ive ever driven. The handling is nothing short of superb. It drives like a race car, and once you learn to deal with the unique power curve of the rotary engine, produces a speed-thrill every time you crank it up. It is very comparable to European exotics that cost a great deal more money, and at an average US$30K price point, its the greatest enthusiast car bargain ever sold. Go test drive one right now; you will not be disappointed.

• 

  Love my Var! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Emily&Nessas Mom - January 5 - 12:33 am

  I bought a 2008 Mazda5 and lost it in an accident, so I replaced it with this. I love this car, as I loved my first one! This is the perfect car for someone who wants to be able to haul kids, or groceries, or a little of both, or a lot of something big. I adore the versatility, my kids love the room, and it drives like a car. I also get a kick out of the fact that no one else seems to have one. We call it a mini-mini-van... or a var!

• 

  I love this car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By 87mustang - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive got an yellow P5, automatic. Bought it on 8/19/01 and have 19600 miles as of 8/11/02. This car handles great, looks awesome and I have no regret that I bought this car. Mazdaspeed parts are coming out soon and should make this car faster than SVT Focus (too many problems with Focuses) or Civic SI (too ugly). Since its a hatchback, when you sit inside you get a feeling of openess and a much bigger car.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Kurt Hoeper - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 5 Mazdas including the 323 the Miata and the Protege. I have sold Hyundai, Mazda and Volswagen for 9 years and have always gone with the Mazda. The combination of value and reliability keep me coming back. The new 2.0 liter engine gives the Protege the fun to drive quotient that it needed. Love my car

• 

  Tribute Summary - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By stev - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Here is a summary of the rest of the board. Fun to drive, looks great, good power, and nice ride. Should change the location of gear shifter, noise at high speeds, gas mileage, mud flaps, cheap "leather", lighted cruise control, ignition light-up, and steering wheel radio control. There has been some stalling early in purchase and customer service is horrible. I agree with all but the last two, knock on wood.

• 

  robs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Robtc - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!! We love it. I am 64" and I fit just fine in this car. Pleanty of head room and leg room.

• 

  Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kristie DeLuna - January 2 - 1:10 am

  I bought this car for a sales job with lots of miles, it was perfect in every aspect. I especially loved the red dash lights, it made it feel like a small sports car, but it was still roomy enough for the family. My only complaint is that when I totalled it out in December from rear ending a car in front of me, from what should have been little damage (the other car only had a scratch) My Mazda was demolished, over $11,000 in damage and the airbags never deployed. I went to the dealership who said although I hit the other car head on, because the passenger side took the brunt of the force, no air bags deployed. But, as long as you dont wreck it, youll love it.