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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  A Balanced Sports Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Tom Reese - February 13 - 7:56 pm

  In sum, my RX8 represents great balance between style,performance, handling and fun. Great exhaust note, close ratio gear box. Stock Potenza tires are very noisy and wear quickly. Just installed Pirelli Wintersport 240 tires and they are quieter than the Potenzas. Lumbar support should be standard on all models. Do not use synthetic motor oil (Mazda should publish this in the manual). Use Mobil 1 synthetic in gearbox & differential and a K & N air filter - getting 24MPG Hwy, fully loaded - avg 70 MPH, using 93 octane fuel. No wind noise at the window, tight cabin - excellent build quality. 12K miles in 2 months without failure in any component. Velocity Red paint is flawless.

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  I love my Mazda3! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carrie - February 13 - 1:23 pm

  This is my first car ever, my grandparents bought it for me for my 16th birthday, and I absolutely love it! I have the i 4dr Sedan in silver with a manual transmission. I have had so much fun in this car that I never want to drive an automatic or anything other than a Mazda ever again! My brother, who is 61, has more legroom in my Mazda3 than he does in his Honda Civic, and the trunk is as big as my dads Toyota Camry. All of my friends are jealous of the interior that lights up in red, and the chic design of it. I havent had a single problem with my Mazda3 (other than stalling out when I was learning how to drive the stick). I named my car Dolce, and it really is very sweet!

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  Sophisticated and Spunky - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By rpleb35 - February 13 - 9:19 am

  Bought a used 08 CX7 about a month ago with only 25,000 miles on it. After looking at many crossovers, I never considered the CX7 because I didnt know they existed. After seeing this on the lot, I fell in love with it. This is my first ever foreign car and although I was torn about buying foreign, I couldnt be more happier with this vehicle. It has the power of any full size SUV out there. I am getting about 20 miles combined to the gallon. This isnt that great but I knew that going in. The car is well built and it is so much fun to drive. Although I bought primarily for my wife to drive, I find myself using it whenever I can. This is a vehicle that I will keep for a long long time.

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  2011 Mazda MAZDA3 i touring - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By galego - February 12 - 8:48 am

  I just got my new mazda and I have to say this is a really nice car. I am 18 year old male that is 5 10" and it has plenty of room. I was originally wanted the 2012 Ford Focus, but after they did not come down on their price I went with the mazda. I am not dissapointed at all with my purchase I got an excellent deal on the car. Now when i drive i drive it like a mazda not a commuter car and i average about 25 miles per gallon. Before i bought the mazda I was driving a 1997 f-150 so the gas miledge to me is much better improvement.

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  Pretty good little car for the money - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Jason - February 12 - 6:46 am

  I like it; could use a little more power, but it is fun to drive and has decent acceleration. I only get about 22-25 miles/gallon with the 2.0 litre inline four so fuel economy is suffering a bit with age. All in all it is a good car for the money if you can get around the non-sporty looks of the outside. I added a K&N air filter, a tornado air management system and superflo exhaust system to my car so it is slightly peppier than some of the stock 626s around.

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  Love it - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By TX - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Replaced O2 sensor 2 years ago (under warranty). Got new tires at 34000 miles. Oil changes every 3000 miles and that is it. Not bad at all for 63000 miles so far.

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  2001 MPV ES - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By a206439 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our Dog, I mean Dodge Caravan and got a used 2001 MPV ES. So far, so good. The only complaint is the engine performance...youre not going to win any drag races with this car, but then again, its a minivan!! Anyway, disappearing 3rd row seat is awesome, and the car handles much better than the caravan. Glad I made the change and I feel much more confident with this cars reliability.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Shend - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The concept of ZOOM ZOOM is really apart of this car. I lov it, it cool The sport car I can carried my Daughter in Thank for all the fun

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  Update to orig post of 3/19, added info - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Jim - February 10 - 6:26 am

  Update to my orig post. After nearly a year of ownership, I still love my CX7! Ive had it all over So.Cal from Yosemite to Mammoth to Big Bear. All my original impressions remain. The AWD works well in snow and rain and the combination of traction control and the excellent ABS brakes provide plenty of security on iffy roads. My only complaint is still that of fuel mileage. I am averaging 15.5mpg around town but on a long trip to Tahoe I managed 22mpg @ avg speed of 75mph. Very respectable. The turbo shines on mountain roads, lotsa scoot! It is important to note whether you have the AWD or FWD model, I suspect that has a lot to do with the large delta in mileage reported here.

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  2001 Mazda MX5 LS - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JD Gann - February 10 - 5:36 am

  One of the best, if not the best, cars I have ever owned. Bought in California and driven home to Texas and averaged over 30 MPG at an average speed of about 95 MPH. Most fun of any vehicle I ever drove and is more reliable than any I have owned which have included several sports cars. The only drawback to certain 2001 MX5s is a very slight clutch shudder when first driven on certain mornings. This is no real problem because it disappears after a couple of starts. I have tangled with BMW Z3s, among others, and blew them off in both high speed acceleration and cornering. If I didnt like this one so much I would buy another at the drop of a hat.