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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  Glare on Steering Column due to Mazda insignia - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By kingbee0602 - February 23 - 4:01 am

  Love the new CX-9, except with the large windshield, I keep getting glare bouncing from the almost mirror-like center plastic/chrome implanted insignia in the middle of the steering wheel. It is very disconcerting and can be very distracting. Guess I will have to cover it with electrical tape or something to eliminate the glare from the sun.

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  Great car for the money! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By steph315 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car and love it! Ive read past reviews where one of the main complaints is the lack of horsepower but this car is zippy enough for me! I used my credit unions fleet dealer and my buying experience was wonderful and haggle free and I paid $16343 which included the sport auto transmission and abs brakes w/side airbags! The car is fun, fun to drive and looks great! Zoom zoom!

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  Great ride until you open the windows - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Joe Cool - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The Protege rides smooth and has plenty of low-end power so you dont have to downshift for every little hill. But there is a horrible problem when you open the rear windows. The window makes a fluttered whistling sound, and if both rear windows are opened there is a very loud thumping wind noise that nearly hurts your ears.

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  Awesome MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By J. Bednarz - February 19 - 1:43 pm

  I have only had my MX-5 for about a week, but can honestly say I have never had a car that I enjoyed driving more. I have had a lot of compliments on my Copper Red car and, in my opinion, is the best-looking affordable sports car on the road. Its got a lot of pep and corners nicely. I certainly got my moneys worth and more! Love my car!

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  My Tribute Rocks!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Meri24 - February 19 - 1:30 am

  Best SUV in its class for the money. Comfortable ride, smooth like a car. Awesome in 12 inches of snow.

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  A surprise in the SUV/Crossover market - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mazzzzda - February 18 - 8:36 pm

  The Mazda Cx9 is a great SUV with plenty of room in the cabin, the large amount of leg room in the middle row amazed my family. The ride is smooth and quiet but like a German car it keeps you in full control with the awareness on what kind of terrain you are in. It seems as Mazda copied other car companies (in a good way) The Navigation is like Acura, the seats like Lexus, the controls like GM, and the overall ride like a BMW. The SUV is simple to use with good controls that even an older generation can get used to. The down side is that the lights in the third and second row are single ones in the middle, it would have been nice to been personal ones. Other than that its a great buy.

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  Best Bang for the Buck. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By damian - February 18 - 8:06 am

  Outstanding suspension for hard roads,it feels sturdy and well balanced at high speeds. Fast off the blocks, stops on a dime. Combined 25 MPG = pwr & economy. Interior build is a superb finish, includes many options. Passenger glove compartment is easily 18 inches deep. Center arm rest sits above a 2 deck compartment with an MP3 and an extra electric outlet. This same center compartment continues toward the center where a door opens for 2 cup holders. Telescopic steering wheel aids for precise seating comfort. Sporty European exterior accented with front/rear stylish lights which standout for looks. Mirror like paint job is perfect. Trunk space is big and not overbearing to the cars look.

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  Has its weaknesses but still great! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Hornet - February 18 - 7:43 am

  This car is a case of being more than meets the eye. If youre looking at 0-60 and the 1/4 mile, this isnt the fastest car in its price range, which seems to be what most people look at first in a performance car. However, nothing really stops better and only a few can actually handle better within this price range. Mazda did an amazing job blending comfort with handling, nothing compares when mixing these two things. I promise it is comfortable having the experience of actually driving from VA to CA in my RX-8. If you consider this car if possible test drive it on a windy road to see the beauty of it!

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  Picked the Mazda 3 over the Volvo S40 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ekcooper - February 17 - 6:20 pm

  It was time to trade my 2007 Mazda 3 & I was looking at the Volvo S40. The Volvo design was appealing & the size was similar to my 07 Mazda 3. I test drove the 2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring and the Volvo S40. No comparison! Although I really liked the idea of owning a Volvo (safety & status), it really could not compete w/ the fun-to- drive feel of the Mazda. The sticker price for the LOADED (everything including navi & push-button start) Mazda was $25,900 while the Volvo (with some amenities but nowhere near the options) was $32,000. For the feel of the two, there was just no way to justify a $6,000 difference. And, the 2010 Mazda feels much better than its 2007 predecessor. I love this car!

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  First time Mazda owner - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Lily - February 17 - 4:20 am

  This car is extremely responsive and accelerates beautifully. I do miss having the ambient temperature option that I had on my Oldsmobile.