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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  What Fun - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By HighRPM - December 19 - 7:16 am

  Came from a Toyota Prius getting 45 mpg. I miss that, the climate control, the outside temp. display, and the bluetooth. But I wouldnt trade back! Nothing beats a great handling, manual transmission little car like this for a smiling commute. And, I havent yet dropped the top!

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  I love Mazdas - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gary - December 18 - 5:43 am

  I feel young again driving this fun little car, I just love the way it handles and looks.

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  Good car, dont get black - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By kcpaull - December 18 - 5:02 am

  In the past, Mazdas interior design was light years ahead of anything American you could buy so I was somewhat disappointed with the interior design of the CX-7. Dont get black interior as everything shows up on it. Its got all sorts of "extras" I dont need and dont use such as blue tooth, 5 disk cd changer (who needs that), and a link for a mp3 player. I must admit the heated seats are nice when its cold out. Other than these extras its just a basic car that drives well and gets me where I need to go. Im not much of a gear head so Im not even going to try to say anything about performance.

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  Peppy engine and trans - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By opher123 - December 17 - 7:33 pm

  Bought this car from the dealer. It has a strong transmission as well as super handling on even wet pavement. The only thing i notice with this car are the belts which are very annoying and its a common problem with this car.

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  reliable and fun to drive - 2001 Mazda 626
  By oncerest - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought it as the first look. As a used car, it doesnt cost that much as Honda, and certainly a good value. Since we bought it, it has been reliable, and just change oil every 3 months. And with that good price, I can use extra money to buy good warranty

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  brand new - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Imantz - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Have a 1990 base version and was shopping,ie: BMW z-4, Corvette, Nissan 350Z and after comparing value for the dollar the Miata is #1. I wasnt going to buy another since I wanted and can afford most vehicles but the price was too good to pass. Impressions of going from a 1990 base to this is no brainer. More performance and comfort features and build quality looks as good. The plastic molding has definitely improved along with seats. Driving finds a good turn in for cornering and adequate acceleration and braking. Anyone wanting to experience the virtues of open air driving should not pass on these vehicles as they deliver and are dependable!!

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  love this car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By SweetCJ - December 16 - 8:43 pm

  this is a great handling car, fun to drive, gas mileage isnt all that good, but you do have fun driving the RX8

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  My second review - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By TKLK - December 14 - 2:40 pm

  Have had the car for almost two months now. Still happy with it! Gas mileage has been 25 or 26 mpg mixed. No long trips yet. The car should have daytime running lights, automatic locking doors and rear tinted windows as standard features. Didnt realize it didnt have them when we test drove. Climate controls take a while to get used to - they are not very intuitive.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - December 13 - 8:33 pm

  Have had for a few weeks. Great in all ways. Cant wait to drive it. For my wife but I love to slip in. Seats are perfect for a small car, great support. Interior is gorgeous. A lot of fun to drive. Plenty of power. Handles like a Mazda. Not sure that you can get anything close in the price range. Bought it loaded, except nav.

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  Piece of junk never buy a 626 - 2001 Mazda 626
  By miami3055 - December 12 - 12:10 pm

  Ok where do I start I bought the car for 4500 and I have put that much into repairing the darn thing. Tranny went out at 117,000 water pump and timing belt at 118,000 2 radiator resivours had bad seals and coolant leaked through. Brakes needed to be done @ 115,000. The car just fell apart right after I bought it and I would never even consider Mazda again for a future car in any model at all. They are cheeply made and also the tranny is a Ford tranny. Umm Mazda car with Ford tranny? tranny has been known to fail in these cars but Mazda says nothing about it and has no recalls on it. Ford and Mazda will never receive any future purchases from me ever