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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  Flashy Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Sherri - November 9 - 10:40 am

  The RX8 is an awesome looking, head turning sports car. It is extremly fun to drive and handles great. The four doors, back seat, and roomy trunk also make it very convenient to take along an extra passenger or two! The manual transmission is a definite must. It shifts very easily and is actually a very quiet ride inside. The exterior styling and Royal Blue paint finish is very eye-catching. The ability to change the dash lights from white to Red is also a plus. Great car!

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  Disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By ali36 - November 9 - 10:08 am

  Have owned this car for two months now. Stereo is awful, cabin noise is horrible, its also very sluggish. The only thing going for it is the looks. Now Im told the heated seats only work in 63/68 degree temp!!! This was the reason why I bought leather seating. The backup camera doesnt beep when in reverse. I wish I would have chosen the Nissan Rouge instead. The biggest disappointment is the gas mileage, Im getting about 22mpg, not the 28 suggested!!!!

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  Fun but noisy - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By David - November 8 - 1:56 am

  This is definitely one of the funnest cars I have ever had. With that said it is also the noisiest car I have ever owned. Lots of wind noise when the top is up and the more you drive it the more it seems to develop new rattles. (mainly in the dash) Anyone approaching six feet tall will not be comfortable in this car! Fun yes....would I buy this car again. No!

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  Buy it, you wont regret it - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JohnO - November 7 - 4:30 am

  My first new car since 1997, this vehicle is fun and gutsy. I have the power to merge and pass, and the handling to take curves with little effort. I researched a Dodge and a Toyota, but after driving this car, I loved it.

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  Nice Little Truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Anthony - November 6 - 7:30 pm

  Bought it brand new and I have never had a problem. I get about 19 mpg in mixed driving. I have about 65K on original tires. One set of brakes and oil changes every 5K. Not the fastest vehicle, but it will drop a boat in the lake easily with the raised suspension.

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  Happy owner - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By vroom vroom vroom - November 5 - 10:16 pm

  I have had my Protege for almost two years now and it was been a joy to drive to work. It handles well for an economy car and has a surprising amount of room for my wife, two kids and my black lab. The 5-speed is smooth and precise. Steering has nice feel.

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  Pleased for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By cumadogg - November 5 - 7:33 pm

  Pleased with the car - it has served its purpose as a family transporter for a family with 4 little ones, but it is quickly becoming too small. But for the price, I cannot complain - other than a few minor quality issues, it has been a reliable method of transportation.

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  Stay away from this Car and all following years - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Anthony Chestnut - November 5 - 4:25 pm

  I got the 2007 as a used car 2013. i purchased this car from a dealership and they perform no working on the car. I had to give the car a full check up from my pocket. I had to change the tires. I can understand these situations but when you hear about. Now I am hearing the Mazda dealer ship they have to check the suspension and the same day the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened investigation into suspension it starts to make you wonder if Mazda is hiding something. It seems like they are selling a lemon hear. http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/feds-probe-2007-08-mazda-cx-9-after-suspension-complaints.html

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  Zoom Zoom is everywhere - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By adick75 - November 4 - 8:59 pm

  Great car for value on the market. Good millage as a cars with over 270 PS under hood average 21 miles per gallon. Bed side is only limited speed to 132 mph. In Germany hgwy no doubt. You can get easy over 155 mph and the worst is that this car can do it more than that. Nice acceleration 0-60 under 6.5 s. Beast!!! Only speed limit and breaks poor quality (pads changed after 14K miles and rotors after 22K) are under average. Also hand set free system is screwed only for US and Canada with dailling European nr you can do it on phone book.

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  My Protege two years later - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By totustuus00 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Protege after driving most of the competition (Corolla, Civic, Sentra). The Mazda felt tighter, handled better and had better brakes. It has been reliable to a fault. I now have almost 40k on the car and it is still running good. I had to put new pads front and back recently and replaced the tires. The 16" Dunlops are next to impossible to find, so I upgraded one size to 205/55/16 Fuldas. The car rides a bit better on these tires. The only faults are that with the wide 16" wheels, it can be a terror to drive in the snow and the gas mileage could be better (25 to 28 typical with automatic)