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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  Nice Ride - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By tooold - April 10 - 9:53 am

  Just fun to drive. Feels light and quick. The 20" wheels cause a rather harsh ride, but it doesnt bother me. Extremely quiet. The advanced keyless system is in the same class as my first TV remote, color TV, and AC equipped car. I doubt that I will even consider a car that doesnt have it in the future. I put mine on a little lanyard that goes around my neck and I just drop it inside my shirt. The rain sensing wipers are also a very nice touch. Im coming from a 2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali and Im impressed with everything except the mileage. Mostly highway at 4000 ft elevation @ 82 mph yields about 18 mpg. Much better than the 6 liter Denali, but I was hoping for 20. Buy one!

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  The Rodney Dangerfield Luxury Sedan - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By sprocketboy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda Millenia gets no respect, at least if you read the automotive press. I bought this car with 55,000 miles on it in October 2002 for US$14,700 and I have not seen anything to match its value-for-money. Powerful, quiet and comfortable, it is an excellent highway cruiser, but nimble enough in city traffic. Gas mileage is acceptable for a 210 hp car. Everyone I have spoken to who owns the Millenia is very positive about it.

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  dwwmazda - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By dadono1 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car with 28k miles - excellent condition in July 2002. A/C blower motor has died, fuel gauge shows full while low fuel warning light is on and transmission cannot make up its mind how to and what gear to shift to in stop and go driving.

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  Fun RX-8 with room for my little girl - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jenna - April 8 - 9:00 pm

  I love this car. I wanted a fun car that loves to drive as much as I do and I found it! I have one daughter who has plenty of room in the back with her own storage. She is thrilled about that. It handles beautifully especially once it kicks in. It was a little hard to get used to the feel of the rotary engine. it felt different to me. I love the small rear doors, which lends to easy access without the confines of a four door sedan. The only thing I would change in the center console which extends form the front all the way to the back, making exiting form the back difficult if not impossible if you open the opposite door. Overall- a definite 9.9! :)

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  My favorite car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ffffurrrr - April 8 - 11:03 am

  This is probably the 5th car Ive owned over the years (I tend to keep them for 8 years or so), the 2nd Mazda, and my favorite. Its fun to drive, gets reasonably good mileage, and turns and parks easily. Ive not had any issues with it, my only gripe being that it came with high-performance tires that cost major dollars to replace. But since thats the only money besides regular maintenance that Ive had to shell out on it, I guess I cant complain too much. :)

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  Mazda 3 Hatch after 500 miles - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By banthony - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for something to replace my boring 98 Corolla sedan, but with the 30+ mpg. Test drove both of the new Corollas with the 130 and 180 hp engines. Both of these cars sucked compaired to the old car. Looked at the Matrix and Elantra GT, but never drove either of these (cold only find them in automatics). Matrix looked small (Geo-Mertro like) from the outside, and the trunk was small on the inside. Then I sumbled onto the Mazda 3 Hatch. Wow, this is what I was looking for! A car with style, good performance, smooooth engine, smooth clutch, smooth shifting. The Mazda 3 has farily comfortable seats, and arm rests that you can accually use. This car can be fun to drive.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nolan - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Simply amazing. I went from a Miata, to the three, and I was worried about losing the feel of driving, but it didnt happen. The car handles great, has a very direct feel on the road, and has enough torque available from as little as 3000 RPM to the redline to pass cars in 5th, with comfort. I would highly recommend this vehicle to just about anybody. And the Quality is also amazing.

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  RX-8 a new breed of greatness - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jon - April 7 - 7:20 pm

  I have been a sports car lover for some time.I looked at purchasing a 350z, but after I put both these cars to the test the RX-8 blew it out of the water.This car handles like a dream and after 4000 RPMs on the Tachometer feels like you are in a dream as well. The low end torque is nothing to brag about, but you are only in these low RPMs for a very short time. Anything above 4,000 rpms you are flying. There is nothing on the road that I cant compete with (or at least I feel like that) All in all this is a great sports car, that has been doubled as usefull. That in its own right cant be beaten.

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  Peppy Little Sucker! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By electrified - April 7 - 1:25 am

  We got this car brand new back in 2006. 6 years and less than 33,000 miles later (wasnt used often until the second half of ownership), this car is quite the joy! The 2.3L engine has plenty of get up and go w/ a perfectly sensitive throttle and brake pedal. Brakes bite really well, but seem to fade kind of quick with repeated use. 5AT works well, but dont expect it to be butter smooth. The ride is firm, but not enough to make lunch run back out. Ive gotten 26 city/34 hwy. Handling is this cars best trait! Turn-in is EXCELLENT, with plenty of steering feedback and response. But I dont like the "floaty" feeling when taking corners spiritedly and there is a bump/ridge mid-corner.

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  Probably Not Again - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Therapist - April 6 - 4:50 am

  Bought it in San Diego and I was all excited about its feel and six speed transmission along with the looks. It was a looker and felt nice and sporty. But I was quickly disappointed, and I am much happier with a Volvo 960 now.