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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  vinny car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By vincent galatolie - August 19 - 10:00 am

  as a second car to work or fun this is the best

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  An excellent car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AndyABOM - August 19 - 10:00 am

  An exciting car. I love the handling and performance, although the HP is a little lacking in the automatic. The biggest suprise was the lack of headroom. I am about 56" and find my hair frequently brushing the top. The MPG is a little low, but matches pretty well with Mazdas estimates. She handles very nicely and takes corners in such a way that just makes you want to push your driving skills harder and harder. An exciting drive!

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  Quickly forget its a wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mym6 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I drive an automatic Redfire Sport Wagon with black cloth interior and the Bose and Sport packages. Great car for the money. Handling is superb, predictable and smooth most of the time. The engine mated with the 5 speed ATX is smooth most of the time but generally under powered for a V6. It lacks the low end grunt most Americans are looking for. Instead it offers smooth delivery that feels nearly the same throughout the RPM range. The transmission also likes to shift a bit too soon and is a bit busy between 40-50MPH, a TCM update from the Mazda dealer fixes this gripe however.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kitten - August 18 - 1:10 am

  In Canada we have the top of the line GT with a GFX package. This car is so much fun to drive and the handling is just amazing as well as the brakes. Interior is beautifuly crafted with high quality materials which puts other cars in this class to a SHAME. This vehicle is by far of superior nature and quality. The 2.3 engine with a 160hp is fun and gives great gas mileage. Id suggest to get the 5 speed manual to truly enjoy what this car can throw at you.

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  Great car almost luxury - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brad - August 17 - 10:13 am

  This is an awesome car! The outside is very sleep and stylish, the headlights are similar to BMW, the black looks very classy.The alloy wheels are nice, the interior is very comfortable and the controls are well lit, very very very nice car for the money. Great power. Smooth quiet ride.

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  Happy Happy Joy Joy - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By aw - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I am so glad that I decided to purchase this Millenia. It is a wonderful vehicle that I am sure will last me a long time.

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  20,000 and counting...... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By lovinmymp5 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my mp5 for almost a year and I love it. The build quailty is great, no squeaks or rattles, and the engine has run flawlessly. I drive around 50 miles per day, on country roads, and get 28 mpg. Its a great looking "economy car" for money.

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  Not built for the long haul.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Pitt Fan - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, but Im starting to think it isnt built for the long haul. I recently had the dealership perform a transmission adjustment to eliminate an occasional "rumble strip" noise that would randomly occur in the 40-50 MPH range. They said theyre getting about 4-5 of these problems per month! Ive also noticed the mileage is getting worse. I was getting about 20mpg with combined city/highway. Now Im down to about 17, which STINKS.

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  This minivan kicks ass!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mpvowner - August 16 - 2:00 am

  When I decided to trade in my 2001 CR-V for a minivan, I wanted to make sure I would get the ample space I needed, but without sacraficing the looks and reliability. Guess what? This van kicks its ass!!! Everything about it is fantastic. The side by slide seating,fold down rear bench seat,alloy wheels,CDplayer, and beautiful handling absolutely won me over. No other minivan can compare. Although I bought this primarily for my wife and kids, honestly i cant wait to get behind the wheel!!

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  Best in show - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By LB - August 15 - 12:13 pm

  I took my time and test-drove almost every Asian or European car in the small-sedan class but the 3i Touring stood out. Now that Ive had it for 3 months and taken one long trip (2000 miles), Im more convinced than ever I made the right choice. The competitions cars are either fun or economical, never both. This car is. Ive been getting over 30 in the city and over 40 highway, up to 44 mpg! Not a fast car but zippy and very nimble. Wow. Absolutely get the stick. The worst problem is road noise but every car this size has it so I guess its just part of the deal.