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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By louiseandbob - October 25 - 12:50 pm

  The Mazda Rx8 is a deceivingly large car. This really is a no compromise sports car. The car is just as tall, long and wide as most other sedans on the road but that doesnt take away from its sportiness. The car is quick, handles well, and actually has a decent ride.

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  WOW - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Drumchode - October 24 - 6:36 pm

  This thing is amazing. The funnest car Ive ever driven. I love driving anywhere and would take the long route just to drive it a while longer. Only bad thing is gas. Its supposed to be 18MPG, but Ive gaged mine somewhere approximately 12MPG ... crazy, but its worth the ride. Not to mention the attention.

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  Fun, sporty and reliable ! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Bluestocking9 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We bought our P5 in November of 2002 and weve been extremely happy with it. It is fun to drive, it has wonderful styling and excellent pick-up for a 4 cyl. engine. It gets noticed on the street since it is unique and sporty.

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  A Match For a Family - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By pickels - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I need to upgrade our family to a larger vehicle, we where drive a Toyota Tacoma Double cab Truck and that was our base for the quality we wanted in the new car/van. We found the Mazda to be a Great Match, it had the style the wife wanted and the features I wanted for the family. The fit and finish seem to be very good, and the engineering seems to be well thought out, great engine power really makes it move on the high way and the handling is almost sports car like.

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  Good Fun to Drive Mini Van (Sports Car) - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By churchgm - October 24 - 10:00 am

  When my wife and I were looking to trade our prized Civic Si for a MiniVan we looked at several different models and manufacturers. Honda was obvious and so was Toyota (2004 Sienna) but the real show stopper for us was the MPV LX with the Tow package. It just handled more like our Si then the others. It wasnt so large that parking would be an issue and I thought it was every bit as sharp looking as the other two vehicles already mentioned. The deciding factor however was the price. 0% financing, no payments for 90 days, the best value for our trade in and free maintenance for 3 years sealed the deal for us.

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  Best small SUV available - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kingofposen - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our Light Tundra ES-V6. Heated Leather, moonroof. Great styling, and handling. Couldnt be happier with our decision to buy a Tribute.

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  almost perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By umm5354 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  the respose rate of 4-cylinder is not fast enough during acceleration. sport- type automatic transmission is not smooth enough. So if you know shift stick and have money to get a S-model, youll have a perfect car!!

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  Amazing... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joe Mann - October 23 - 3:00 pm

  I have bought *many* cars (bmw, vws, honda, hyundai, chevy, ford) and this car is the most fun to drive. GREAT bang for the buck and the cockpit is designed so very well--all controls in their correct place. Love it.

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Buyer Beware - October 23 - 4:16 am

  This crossover is fun to drive, thats it. Mechanical problems. It requires premium fuel and the gas mileage is about 16-17 city miles. Only gets about 275-300 miles per 18 gallon tank.

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  Nice car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jax FL - October 23 - 12:23 am

  We compared a few cars before buying it for my son’s first car. Get average 29mpg. Manual shift is fun to drive. feels solid. Good Handling