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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  Always wanted a Wankel engine - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Trochoid - May 20 - 9:36 pm

  Always wanted to have a Wankel car, like NSU Ro80, but those old timers got now very expensive. Then RX-8 came in sight. Drove it in Dec. 2003 and ordered it. My heart really beats faster when entering this car, even after nearly one year. Never wanted a two seater, because I have two kids. I really love this car. And it corners perfectly, accelerates like only a Wankel can do, smooth and constant. Ever had a test drive? Youll be missing something! By the way, oil consumption with 0.3l/1000km is really low for a Wankel engine.

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  02 Protege - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By jetskier111 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Been a great, fun and reliable car. I really enjoy the look of the exterior and the interior has done extremely well. It runs solid and true, may not be the fastest out there, but then again that wasnt its goal! If your looking for something that isnt a driving appliance- has reliability and is safe, check this one out.

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  My Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaMom - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Mazda for two weeks now and I cant stop smiling. :) Every day I discover new reasons to love it. It handles like a dream and I love all the extras that come standard and all the extras that were added. I feel like I got a car that is pretty much loaded for only about $3000.00 extra. How in the world did I ever do without radio controls (which came standard) on the steering wheel? I love the zoom from 0- 60. My only problem is trying to set a good example for my teenagers. I want to race down the street in this car everywhere I go but I hold myself back. When I do cut loose on a stretch of highway - IT MOVES! I feel like a kid in a candy store.

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  EXCELLENT!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric Borenstein - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought it last month and i had no problems with this car.This car drives similar to a BMW,including the radio looks like a BMW,Its a really a fun car to drive!!

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  Mazda 3 high milage reliablity - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksmike - May 20 - 12:37 am

  I have a 2.0 liter, 5 speed manual that I bought new in 2008, which I use for commuting to work in a rural area. 175000 miles now and still get 34-38 mpg (depends on the tires and season). The only part replaced was a new power steering pump was replaced as a recall. Other than that, changed tires every 40,000 miles (you have to have frequent tire rotations due to positive camber), oil changes every 5000 miles, coolant flush. I have not even changed sparkplugs, needed an alignment, or even needed to have the brake pads replaced.

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  Great Mom Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By whit - May 19 - 2:06 pm

  This is the car I had been looking for but did not know exhisted. When I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for my families needs. I did not want a clunky mini-van, nor could I afford a gas guzzling, pricy SUV either. The Mazda 5 seats 6 comfortably. I wish the interior were grey rather than black though, because the hot Hawaii sun really heats up the car. Other than that, The Mazda 5 handles curves, and bumps well, and it has a great sound system. Very fun to drive.

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  No Valet Protection! Beware of the Small Things - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By condor2fly - May 18 - 10:04 am

  I have deep buyers remorse. I agree with most of fawning reviews concerning the cars style and how it drives. But oh how I wished Id examined it more carefully for practical lifestyle needs, when I went for that test drive. Subsequently, I was bummed to discover the only way to open and then lock the doors and trunk is to dig my key set with the key fob out of my pocket, rather than pushing a little button. A couple days later I was shocked and mortified to discover that I cannot secure my identity papers or anything in the glove box or the trunk, because theres no valet system whatever--not even a key. I live in Los Angeles, and now I cannot valet, without removing a bunch of things?

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  Car nut buys and loves econowagon - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rev. - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Had 2001 Miata SE. Had baby. Sold Miata. My wife and I were wondering what we would get to replace the car that we loved. After debating a few options like the RAV 4, CRV, and Matrix/Vibe twins, we drove and loved the Protege5. It is as fun to drive as a four cylinder wagon can be, gets good fuel economy, looks cool, and can support my canoe on the roof. The leather seats are supportive, the instrumentation is where it should be, the radio is great, and it has every bell and whistle we need. Mazda has done a fantastic job with this car and I know we will be pleased for years, especially with Mazdas penchant for quality control.

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  Perfect for me! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By peachofalady - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my Tribute from the Southeastern US to West Texas several times - no problems, ever.

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  I want to love this van, BUT - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By donP - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I did alot of research before purchasing this van. Initially,I loved the van-this was our first van purchase and we loved the flexibility in seating, comfort, space, styling, etc. I waited until we drove 5,000 miles before writing this review. There are two strange noises when I apply the brakes-one is an occasional popping sound from the front and another noise from the rear. The dealer thought it might be the tires making that sound (yea-right). I will be taking it in next week. I wouldnt feel comfortable recommending this van until I see how it performs over an extended period of time e.g. after three years.