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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  How do they do it? - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By willdialitin - April 27 - 4:06 am

  That is the question. How does Mazda build and sale a car for under $25000 with all the bells and whistles, plus major performance and driveability. The Mazdaspeed 3 is my first Mazda and I am totally thrilled with this purchase. Hands free and voice activated bluetooth for phone and music. Navigation that is more than able, Bose 10 speaker audio, 6 disc in dash changer, Sirius satellite radio all placed for perfect ergonomics. Dual climate control, power windows and locks and a serious keyless entry. I havent used an actual key in nearly four months. It has two charging ports, auxiliary jack, vanity mirrors with lights, accent lighting on the doors and interior roof.

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  Buyers Remorse Does a 180 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bobmor99@gmail.com - April 27 - 2:23 am

  I had considered replacing the timing belt on my 2003 Honda Civic and keeping it for another 100,000 miles but I decided, somewhat impulsively, to get a new car. I test drove the new Civic but didnt like the drive-by-wire delay when punching the throttle. Handling and acceleration are much enjoyed. Fuel economy is not that big of an issue - as long as its in the same ballpark as its competitors. This is the first automatic Ive owned in a long while. Im used to it and I like it.

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  Great value to car ratio - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By TinTin - April 25 - 6:33 pm

  It made a few squeaks on the passenger front fender at first, but Royal Moore fixed it without questions or charge. Herzog-Meier made some fake warranty of 100 miles or less so I couldnt take it to them. Fuel economy could be better, but when you put the pedal to the metal, it shows its real performance. Flawless control at high speeds, like the car was a part of your own body. Sportiest looking sedan I could find.

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  Saved my life... best little car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sherylm - April 25 - 1:16 pm

  I have driven this sweet little car for the last few summers, and enjoyed every minute. Today, I got t-boned on the drivers side by someone running a stop sign, and Im alive. Really sore, but alive. The outside of the car was really damaged, but the frame protected me well enough, that I can write this review. Not only was she beautiful and fun, but she turned out to be the best car in the most important sense. Thank you.

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  Exciting - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Bob - April 25 - 3:16 am

  Just bought and find it to be the most exciting car since my brand new 1964 Austin Healey. Been through a lot of cars between. We are talking style and driving fun. Im certain it will be much more dependable according to everything I have read. Love it inside and out. All talk about seat sizes in back and cargo area are alright since design is so great.

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  MPV is BAD NEWS! - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Bad Buy - April 24 - 2:00 am

  BAD NEWS. Bad wiring, computer parts, cracking interior, fuel cylinders, door handles, terrible service, nameless regional rep., This should be rated less than 1 - but didnt have the option. DONT EVEN CONSIDER!!!

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  first sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zoomohio - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have test driven most sports cars out there, BMW, Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, etc and found the madza rx8 is the best bang for the buck. Great design, great features, excellent audio system, and fun to drive, too fun almost. Every day I DONT drive the car, I am sad!

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  Zoom-Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jays98978 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Just like the commercials say this new Mazda 3 goes zoom zoom zoom. I Love my car. I test drove both engine types and found out that the 2.0L has a little drag so I decided to go with the 2.3L and was very pleased. The car has great suspension and great turning. The driver side has plenty of room but if you’re tall like me (60ft) then its difficult for a passenger to sit behind you. The interior is hi-tech and flashy. Overall the car is great and fun to drive. Expect to pay close to sticker price because this car is selling quicker then Starbucks coffee. Enjoy!

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  Good Car Overall - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BayAreaMZ6 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Instead of doing what most people do and purchase and Accord or Camry, I decided to be a little different. The Mazda6 I purchased came fully loaded. I must admit, after 2000 miles, I am pretty satisfied with the car.

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  The 1990-1994 Proteges are better - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By ProtegeOwner - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The new Mazda Proteges are ok...but they are way underpowered. I have a 1994 DX which is a 1.8L SOHC 4 cylinder. My SOHC engine, which is only 103hp just right out murders the 1.6L DOHC engine thats in the new Proteges. I was very disappointed in the 1.6L when I test drove it. That engine had no pep or pick up at all. Whats with all that Zoom Zoom talk when the new Proteges do not have any?!?!. The First Generation Proteges are far better than the new ones.