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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  Snappy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Martin - April 5 - 5:43 pm

  I bought the car because the 17mph I was getting was crazy at $3.50 a gal. I looked at Honda and Nissan, but the performance sold me, as well as the 4 yr., 50k warranty. It still surprises me everytime I put my foot into it. The car rockets to the 6500 redline, and there is a huge torque leap at about 3500. You have to watch your speed though because the car gives alot and can surprise you with its agility and handling. I do a 90-mile round trip about 6 times a month, and Im used to getting about 29 mpg, lead foot and all. Inside it has the feel of a small BMW and all the bells and whistles too. This is one fun "economy" car! Zoom, zoom.

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  Zoom-Zoom to Putt-Putt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - April 5 - 1:20 pm

  I got my Mazda 3 in March of 04, brand new, with only 4 miles on it. I shopped around for several months, and knowing I couldnt afford an Audi, I went with something as comparative and fun to drive. The first couple of years were great. It turned heads and drove like a cat. It had a few small annoying features, like no finger pace to open the trunk, poor cabin sound and a mediocre stereo. But then the transmission and clutch started having problems. It gave a little trouble at first, and then the third gear just went along with the warranty.

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  Great car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By MrNutty37 - April 5 - 10:53 am

  I purchased the car new in 1998, have driven it 115,000 miles, and had very few problems. Left front axle has cracked twice, and the coolant reservoir has been replaced twice. Other than that, almost nothing other than regular wear and tear. The 5 speed is very smooth, and the engine has great power, especially above 3000 rpm. Fuel economy has gone a little downhill recently, but it is a high mileage car. Overall very pleased, and cant wait for the MazdaSpeed 6 to come out next year. Would definitely buy another Mazda.

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  Just bought - Love it!! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By sweetride4 - April 4 - 3:12 pm

  Bought for family of four. Shopped a lot! Once we decided we were okay with less seating capacity and overall size v. the Ford Explorer, Traverse, etc., the search continued for similar SUV feel on smaller scale, including lower price. Looked at Edge, really liked drive, but had to go with used and not so great gas mileage. So, on to the Equinox and Escape.. the Chevy just felt cramped.. even though good looking it just wasnt doing it for me on interior. The advertised prices led us to CX-5 v Escape.. The CX5 just felt right on interior roomy space, comfort and ease/simplicity of dash.Yet had enuf cool features to feel modern and plush. Awesome gas mileage too!! That alone should sell!

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  2008 Mazda 3 S Touring 5dr 2.3L Manual - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jfahl - April 4 - 3:03 pm

  I traded my beloved 04 Toyota 4Runner SR (V8 4WD) for the Mazda 3 and really though I would miss it. Its only been a short-time but so far the 3 has been so much fun to drive that I havent missed the big SUV. With 31 Cu Ft of cargo space (seats folded down) I should be able to transport my kids back and forth to college with ease. So far I have been saving ($4.20 per gallon) $36 per week on fuel.

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  Best wagon on the market - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By zop - April 4 - 11:50 am

  This car handles like a luxury sedan. Slice through corners and accelerates like a champ. I bought this car for my wife, but it is so much fun to drive that we battle for the keys. Great family car for those who dont like minivans and like to ride in style.

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  Not a Ranger - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By newo - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck. I know its basically a Ranger but with Mazdas new 4 year warranty I went with the B-Series. The fabulous 5 speed auto makes the most of the small 6 cylinder and I dont see one every light like a Ranger.

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  THE BEST CAR EVER!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By beckslacks - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Every time I ride in someone elses car, it makes me appreciate the incredibly comfortable seats of the Protege5. My car runs perfectly, drives smoothly, takes turns like a champ and is just really fun to drive. I have the standard, which shifts like a pro, although Ive heard that the automatic is a little doggedly. I love my little red Mazda, it totally rules. And my gas milage it wonderful, I work a half hour from work I only refill it an average of once per week.

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  car review - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Alfredo148 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  excellent small car for the value offered.

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  Miata MX-5 GT with PRHT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tony - April 3 - 10:36 am

  I only have a little over 100 miles on the car but so far I can tell you this is a true sports car. The handling is right in tune with a car of this type. Power and torque is there when you need it even with the auto transmission and paddle shifters. The ride quality is what you would expect from any good sports car. Firm! I had a 3 Series BMW before the MX-5 and it will give the BMW a run for its money in every way for about $9 grand less.