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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  My SE - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Amberoofie - December 12 - 10:00 am

  After many years of admiring Miatas, I finally broke down and bought a new 2003 Special Edition. It has been great. I now look forward to the drive to work and am always plotting reasons to take it out. Granted, it is not meant for freeway cruising. But it will keep up with everybody. It is a little noisy. I also purchased a hardtop for the winter. A wise choice I think. All in all...it puts the fun back in driving. I wish I would have done this years ago.

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  Glad I waited... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phx - December 11 - 11:50 pm

  I had initially planned to purchase a new 3 a year ago, but when I found out Mazda was going to redesign the car, I decided to wait. Glad I did! Finally purchased the car one week ago, and every time I drive it, I am still impressed with all that the car offers compared to the price. From the exterior design to the finish and instrumentation layout inside, this car puts my Toyota to shame. It has been a good while since I owned a Mazda, but from what I have seen so far, I am glad to be back.

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  Franks Silver Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fgalea - December 11 - 8:46 pm

  Not my daily driver, a joy to drive. Cant help smiling when Im in her and prideful when I look back at her when I walk away after a satisfying run in the sun. Even with the top up, its fun to drive. I feel a real connection with the road and have a hard time parking her when its time to face the real world. Never a problem. Not a powerful car but a powerful fun car.

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  Mazda Tribute Works For Me! - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Steve Reynolds - December 11 - 12:40 pm

  My wife and I were drawn to the Tribute because it is the perfect size for our needs. Also, it does not look like all the other boring, round tubby things that pass for small SUVs. Most SUVs look alike and are hard to tell apart, but not the Tribute. The seats are comfy on my large rear end, the 7 speaker radio blasts Sirius satellite radio loud and clear, and the truck (not car-derivative) goes where I point it. The only negative is that the attractive front end is made of plastic. A bug strike can mar the finish of the chrome-plated plastic grill. Unfortunately, Mazda is changing the Tribute for 2010 so itll look more Japanese. Bummer. There ya go.

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  Millenia - So..So - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Ftown600 - December 10 - 7:36 pm

  The 2000 Millenia rides well but is a bit sluggish. The upshifting when passing traffic is particularly annoying. However, since I am a conservative driver it is acceptable to me. There are many good features on this car. The leather is quite nice. The heated seats are great. The car is very handsome to look at with its two tone paint job. Overall, I believe I got a fair deal for the money (I got about 5000 off sticker).

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anna - December 10 - 5:43 pm

  Here is a car that you want to drive. Sporty handling with a sedan comfort. Good value for the money.

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  Great Minivan! - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Loren Hanson - December 9 - 3:33 pm

  I was amazed at the excellent engine performance. The ride is great and the turning radius is almost as good as my Focus. It is by far, in my opinion, the best looking minivan. We use it for golf every week and its a perfect size for us. We have no complaints and feel that we got the right vehicle for us.

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  A latter day GTI? - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By p5_in_ca - December 9 - 11:06 am

  My first car was an 83 VW GTI. This car reminds me of it in many ways. Great fun to drive. Reasonable straight line speed. An absolute blast in the twisty bits. Excellent ergonomics. Even the bad points are similar: too-low gearing (too many rpms at highway speed,) and so-so mileage (I get mid to high 20s for mixed use, and maybe 30 for highway.) This is my first Mazda, after 6 straight Hondas, and it is so much easier to work on compared to Hondas. I just changed brake pads and coolant in this car and a Honda Insight last weekend. Wow, what a contrast! The caliper swings up & stays up, out of the way. The coolant doesnt need to be filled and bled from four different places. Kudos Mazda!

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  Great truck - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By jon - December 9 - 1:13 am

  I have had this truck for a little over 2 years now and am very happy with it. I bought it with 30,000 miles on it and it now has 64,000. I have not had one problem with it and it still has the original tires. All that I do is oil changes. I currently get around 26 to 27mpg in mainly city driving. I have gotten as high as 33mpg on the highway before (55- 60mph). You can easily get upper 20s. Dont expect a lot of power from this truck but compared to the S-10 it does seem to have more get up and go. This is awesome basic transportation and I probably will drive it into the ground.

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  GREEAAT CAR!! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By gerry - December 8 - 10:40 am

  Just purchased 10/09. In beautiful condition. Well kept..runs,looks great. absolutely no problems. What a kick to drive. Has 200000 miles and runs like 20000 miles. Have a Sebring Conv,Chrysler T&C,Lincoln,and a Buick, and I would rather drive the Protege. Looking for another one.