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:

• 

  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ricymac - July 14 - 10:00 am

  this thing corners like a dream and everyone looks. Yellow is the only color to have. Nice comfortable interior and it has captured the attention of almost everyone. Like all rotary engines it is gutless at low RPM but screams when you get into the higher RPMs. The mileage has always been disapointing in rotary engines and still is. They guarantee it for 50,000 miles, but say that this rotary will last longer than that. I hope so.

• 

  Almost Perfect - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GRGLV - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Mazda built car and its the best yet. While those looking for a fuel efficient car should look elsewhere, this car has the best combination of comfort, performance and utility for those looking for a car that is truly fun to drive and somewhat unique.

• 

  Fantastic Hatch Action - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By perrito - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I just bought an 04 Mazda 3 hatch, with automatic, and most of the options. I traded in an 02 Subaru WRX wagon, and despite the lesser performance of the 3, I am not dissappointed. The 3 is quieter, easier to drive, and has oh so many more creatures comforts. It is smooth, but you can still feel the road through the steering wheel, a very nice quality in my book. The "reliability," of course, is just a best guess at this point, since it is new.

• 

  2007 Mazda 3 - Awesome! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Morgan - July 13 - 8:00 am

  Purchased a new 2007 a couple of months ago. We researched other vehicles and found this to be a ton of car for the money. Well built, great looking and fun (very fun) to drive. It looks like a small BMW and drives a bit like one too.

• 

  A very fun car - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By helenTex - July 13 - 7:43 am

  I have had this car for 7 years and absolutely love it! The car is nimble and incredibly responsive-the car takes curves wonderfully. The top is easy to lower - I have taken the top down while sitting at a long red light. Unlatch and drop it behind you. The gas mileage is good. I get up to 33 mph on highway driving. It is a roadster and sounds/feels like one. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, no frills car that is intended for driving enjoyment. When I bought it, the differences between the Miata and the (then) Z3 didnt justify the $18K difference in price. I am glad I went with the Miata. Fully loaded with all options it was only $24K,

• 

  Dream come true! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Drek4 - July 12 - 4:13 am

  Just purchased this awesome machine a little over a month ago. This car is real fun to drive and really stands out by it`s looks and rotary motor. Only thing I don`t really like about it is its fuel consumption but other than that it`s a sheer pleasure to drive. I read a lot of people need to add oil, but have done 2500 mi without needing to add a drop. The best place for it is on the highway, mind you curving roads are fine if you don`t mind the bumps. Suspension a little firm on this car. The Bose sound system is just fine and has a great surround effect and the front seats are very comfortable for 2 hour + rides.

• 

  tribute lx 4wd 6 cylinder - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By curly - July 11 - 10:00 am

  We owned this vehicle for a little over one year. Initially we were impressed with the size, acceleration, and utility of this vehicle. However, certain annoyances became much more noticeable the longer we drove it. It is NOISY. I repeat NOISY. Rear lift developed a loud rattle which has proven elusive to correct. Cigarette lighter broke after one week. The steering is very heavy at low speeds. The seats are very firm and uncomfortable on long trips. Fuel economy is poor. Brake dust!!! Brake dust all the time on the front wheels. The longer your in this vehicle the more annoying it becomes. Beware future buyers, this is a FORD with mazda badging.

• 

  Nice, for the money. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwaynepg - July 8 - 3:36 am

  Overall nice car, good safety features, good performance. Back seat is fairly roomy, like the dash and radio setup, huge glove compartment.

• 

  very happy owner - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By wtkidd1972 - July 7 - 1:23 pm

  I bought this car without truly being interested in a Mazda Protégé, just interested in a small, inexpensive, economical way to get to work. I had never owned a Mazda before, but the Protégé seemed like exactly what I was looking for. Six years and 95,000 miles later my Protégé runs just as well as the day I brought it home, and is still just as fun to drive. All I do is keep up with oil changes, and keep putting new tires on it. I’ve replaced the brakes once. This car has been amazing. Would love get a the new Mazda 6, but find it hard to get rid of the Protege when it still feels like a new car.

• 

  MAZDA 626 - 2001 Mazda 626
  By fmn3926 - July 7 - 10:00 am

  HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINEERING RELATED PROBLEMS. SEATING COULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE. DIFFICULTY WITH RADIO AND CLOCK VISABILITY.