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:

• 

  Great Car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Annie - December 30 - 5:53 pm

  I bought this car used with 25,000 miles on it and it now has 125,000 miles after 6 years. I have NEVER had a major mechanical issue with it (other than the AC about 6 months ago). Its the greatest car and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap, fun, reliable car.

• 

  Mazda3... My New Car ! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By KCOM2006 - December 30 - 1:06 pm

  I recently bought myself a new car and chose the Mazda3 as for under $20,000 you get a vehicle comparably priced to one around $30,000. It has all the bells and whistles, but is lacking in torque. Yes this car accelerates, but it doesnt grab you an make you fell like it is accelerating. But the bonus is excellent gas mileage!

• 

  65,000 update - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - December 30 - 12:24 pm

  I have had nothing but great driving experiences and initially when this car came out people were wineing about the front end ,now almost every car company has stolen the body of the Mazda 3 2010 hatchback .people are stopping me at gas stations so it seems mazda again way ahead of its time .Im writing this just after the first plug change & using mobil1 20-50 syn as factory oil in 2010 for the 2.5 was 20-50 Dino , I switched after break in at 10k . Then in 2011 the 2.5 got 0-20 syn as factory oil. So after plug change this thing bloomed like a new car and rips like a rocket thats been sport tuned . It definitely still blueprint balanced .

• 

  From Acura to Mazda - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Love4Rotors - December 30 - 10:53 am

  When I traded in my RSX type-S I thought I would regret it, but I love my RX-8, recalls and all. Yes, it has bad mpg and has to be wound up to move but it is a sports car I that is what one should expect. This is the best ride of any sports car for the money. I only drive back and forth from work with the rare trip out of town, but this car always makes it enjoyable, even though it takes it longer to warm up than drive to work. I would suggest this car to anyone who is looking for more than basic transportation. This is a very enjoyable car that can easily be your only car.

• 

  I have two of these: Used as Taxicabs. - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By GT - December 29 - 10:43 pm

  I have two of these and I use them as taxicabs. I have a fleet of 14 cabs and have used Subaru Outbacks, and Volkswagen Passatts. We put about 50-60,0000 miles a year on each of our cars. The VWs cost me about $4,500 a year to maintain and the Mazdas cost me about $1400 a year. The car is solid and well built in my opinion. Im gonna buy ten more once the VWs all blow up their engines, which I know will happen since almost every VW Ive had blew up after around 150,000 miles. Highly recommended.

• 

  True Drivers Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zero11534 - December 29 - 11:20 am

  The Mazda RX8 is not a car for everyone as it has a 1.3L rotary motor in it. But if you are looking for a well balanced, excellent handling decent accelerating sports car then this is the one for you (although its not a true SC since its got 4dr). The best 0-60 Ive done is 5.9sec launching at 5k and no roll out on Perli Zeros. The Renie motor more reliable then the 20B was, however do to no forced induction the motor losses a bit of tq and a few hp. But no need to worry as she makes up for it in the corners. This is a true lux sports car for a very well equipped price of 25k with heated seats 6spd man 6disc cd changer and many more options. Drive one just know the limits of the motor.

• 

  Fantastic! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By JesseSouTex - December 28 - 8:46 pm

  I bought this vehicle last week. Its perfect. I got the perfect color (dallas cowboy blue), turbo, dual exhaust, leather seats, and heating seats. The drive is awesome. It has a smooth, but sporty drive. Easy to maneuver and accelerates quick. If youre looking for a midsize SUV, drive this one for sure. It will probably beat out the other vehicles youre considering. I am pretty picky when it comes to my vehicles, and this one really impressed me! Dont think, just buy it!

• 

  RX8 Review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Keith Bertolino - December 28 - 8:23 pm

  Excellent car, well built, fun to drive, and beats out any cars handling for the price range. Crash tests show outstanding ratings, and the 2 door looking, 4 door design is innovative. Power is great in the high RPM band, but the automatic is a little slower that I would have liked, however this 1.3 ltr. has more pull than my 3.8 ltr. V6 Mustang.

• 

  I must have got a lemon - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Snoop - December 28 - 5:03 pm

  This vehicle has been in and out of the shop though they dont want to fix it when it gets there. Finally found a factory defect after 4 attempts. Still having the same problem. Dealerships dont want to fix the car unless its dead on the water.

• 

  From Experience - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By bballincO2 - December 28 - 10:13 am

  Great car, reliable, fuel efficient. This car has worked great for me on and off the track (yea, I race). Great car.