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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  Loaded for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hong kong fooey - July 25 - 9:43 am

  I cant believe the bells and whistles this car comes with and still is incredibly low priced,add to that the build quality,you cant go wrong.This car is great for a first time buyer or for someone who realizes that BMW has very little on this mazda.

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  Amazing - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By rylie1 - July 24 - 1:27 pm

  I drove this car for three weeks. I loved it. Unfortunately a guy turned in front of me without looking. My car got totaled. This car saved my life. The paramedics could not believe how much the car was squished and not me. Besides the normal symptoms of a crash, I am way better than I should be. This is one amazing car in all aspects.

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  2003 Mazda 6i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By BBroadster - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent headlights,and brakes. Enjoy shifting the automatic manually, came in handy in the Smokey Mountains. The 8way seat and double ajustable steering make it possible to find the perfect driving position.

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  just purchased - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Haynes338 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  love the car best deal yet

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  zoom zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dori14 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  super fun to drive, everyone thinks the car looks great and sporty.

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  My 2002 Protege 5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By nfm - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is really fun to drive. I love the option of the manual shift. Performance is great as long as you keep it maintained,(oil chg) Having gone from an SUV to the mazda, was a shock at first, but once I got used to being so low, I now love it! (much better gas milage.) The one thing Im not crazy about is the tires.........they seem to need filled more often, and you can sure tell by the pull when driving. The interior is cheap, but I like the design. (the SUV had all leather) Overall, I would give the car an 8.

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  A little bit of Viper... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By voister - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I absolutly love the body styling of the new RX-8. It looks similar to the Dodge Viper, especially the front. I chose the AT so that my wife could drive it and I am happy with the performance even though it has less horsepower than the 6-speed. Build quality is great and the interior is stylish. As others have said, gas milage is not great but hey, it is a sports car. Traded my Acura RSX Type- S in for it and have no regrets.

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  It is true what others are raving about this car... - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mx5v - July 22 - 11:06 pm

  Still kicking myself for not checking this car out earlier. This is not kind of Sport edition, SE of other pretend to be sport cars off the regular boring cars. It was built from ground up. I finally test drove a few and that was it - I had to have one. Manual is one of the best I ever drove, but for some reason, I just could not fully enjoy the car with manual. Fortunately, dealer had 2007 PRHT w/auto, besides the fact it had 60,000 miles on it, it drove same as brand new one. Both me and my wife were blown away with joy this car delivers. This car sent shock waves through my family. I never seen any other car to make such effect before. We own 2008 now and discovering even more joy.

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  Do your homework - poor A/C - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Bill - July 22 - 8:40 pm

  This is not a SUV as they claim, it is a car with more headroom. Make sure you check the A/C. Very weak - a 4 cylinder engine is too weak for this car.

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  Update - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jdowmiller - July 22 - 7:06 pm

  This review is an update from one I wrote a couple years ago. This MX-5 continues to hold up well. I finally made my first repair at 110,000 miles. The slave cylinder needed to be replaced. According to other owners, this is a fairly common repair at around 100,000 miles. I replaced the 7 year old top but that was a personal choice - not totally necessary. Otherwise, no issues. Im still on the original springs and shocks and it STILL performs better than nearly any car on the road. My one criticism is that, over the years, Ive concluded that this cars full potential cannot be realized in daily driving. Thus, the car is rendered nearly useless. A more appropriate convertible might be a Jeep.