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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  We Love It. - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Melissa - November 25 - 2:03 pm

  Our Subaru station wagon just wasnt cutting it on comfort and size with a large carseat in the back so we were looking for a new car. We didnt feel ready for a minivan, didnt want the low gas mileage of an SUV. I was so thankful when we came across this car that we bought it almost instantly. I love the feel of it and the price is GREAT! All the other vehicles we were looking at were well beyond this range. Lots of room in the back when the seats are folded down, and comfortable 2nd row seating. The 3rd row is a little small, but it would only be for some extra in a pinch anyway. I love that we have that option. I dont understand why other car companies arent making similar models?

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  Zoom Zoom Is Definitely True - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott B - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  I traded in my SUV (gas prices too high) for my Mazda 3s Touring Wagon. I needed to get better gas mileage since my commute is 70 miles each day. I fell in love with the car the minute I sat in the drivers seat and drove out of the parking lot. The price was great for all the features you get on the S Touring Model. I cannot wait to see what they do to the Mazda 3 over the next few years. They are moving in the right direction with their line of cars. It was difficult to find the Pearl White S Touring Wagon in CT. They had to get the car from NY. This makes it a little difficult to bargain since there is only one car within 4 states. The dealer did not want to take much off price.

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  I just cant wait to get rid of it!!!!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Really not liking it - November 23 - 4:23 am

  So we have now had this car for a little over a year and i would honestly say that i have had nothing but problems.After two months of purchase we hit a stick in the middle of the road and ended up with a whole the size of a softball in the gas tank and that was not covered by warranty. We have had to purchase several gas caps costing $65 each and a new gas intake. I also have had water spraying out the vents with the air conditioner on.This should not happen when you buy a new car all we have done is put more money in to this car then its worth and to top it off its such a hard car to try and trade in for a better car the dealerships DONT WANT IT. I will never purchase a Mazda AGAIN ~!!!

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  Great Value - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By go_buffs - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Ive been very pleased with my vehicle which I purchased with 17,500 miles and 1 year old. Ive had no significant problems with the car. If you are in the market for "near" luxury car for less than the Lexuss, Infinitys and Acuras, this car is a great choice.

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  2001 Miata SE - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By icecreaman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful car that continues to bring a smile to my face, and encourages the development of good driving skills. Plenty of power for normal driving, a responsive and fun ride at highway speeds. (Under 40 mph, in town, nothing to brag about.) Stylish exterior, well designed and thought out interior, and high quality, both cosmetically and mechanically make this car a winner. The trunk holds more than its appearance conveys, and so if you can accept this car for what it is (2 seater, firm ride, limited cargo room, I believe that you will be quite pleased, and experience the same pride of ownership that I have.

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  4dr S 2.3l - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joseph8 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the 4 door sedan fully loaded and am very pleased with it so far. The car rides smooth and handles great. The engine is very quite and has impressive power. A nice balance between performance, style, safety and comfort. Going 75 MPH on the highway feels like your doing 40 MPH with a smooth quite ride that makes you feel safe.

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  2004 Mazda 6 s 3.0l v6 with sport packag - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By doughery9001 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The best thing about the 2004 mazda 6 is the styling. with the dual crome exaust the euro style tail lights and large lighted rear wing the vehical has a very agressive look. The sport package is a must!!! the only small regret i have about my M6 is getting the V6 with the sport package and getting the automatic transmision. With the sporty car i think i would have enjoyed the manual, also increasing the 0-60 time down to 6.9 sec. the Mazda i purchased was fully equiped with heated leather seats and the bose audio package which is execellent.i highly recommend this vehical for anyone not looking for the tipcal honda or toyota.

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  Miata STO - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rhino1776 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Im 57 years old with back sugury and was concerned with being able to drive a performance car. However, when I came across this STO Miata I thought I would give it a try. The deciding factor was the automatic transimission. The car cries out to be a stick, but I have to stay with reality concerning my back. With this in mind, the car has performed past expectations. I am just under 6 and fit just fine. The automatic it is like driving a go cart.

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  Awsome little car - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By itsjustme - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly LOVE my MX5. It is fast, it just plain STICKS to the road, its great looking, and convertable! Only thing I run into problems with it is it is very small and the two seats sometimes are a pain. A small nit-pick is a better cup holder would have been cool.

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  The best in its class. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By sokokid - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I think mazda has a hidden gem in its protege series. The handling is the best in its class, the manual transmision is slick, and the 130hp, while not likely to blow your doors off, is geared to give great power off the line and in low to mid rpms... perfect for racing around town. Throw in great styling, a great list of standard equipment, and a practical hatchback/ wagon design and I cant even imagine why anyone would consider a civic/corolla/sentra. This car is not simply "reliable transportaion", but a fun car to drive that I am proud to own... something I didnt expect when spending only $15k.