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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  Great car - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By s.marie - September 5 - 1:06 pm

  Ive had my 2010 Mazda CX-7 AWD Touring for about two weeks now and I adore it. I test drove just about every crossover/SUV and just kept coming back to this one due to the sleek styling and the fun handling. Nothing else in this price range compares to it. I love this car!

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  Get This Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve L - September 5 - 7:50 am

  Do yourself a favor and buy this car. Looked at the Corolla,Sentra, Elantra, Civic, etc. and this car is by far the best car on the market for the price. Got mine for $17,500. I rented one before I bought it and had so much fun driving it, I went and bought one. Well made and lots of fun to drive!

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  The best bang for your buck! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By LarryS - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Protege5 since 1-9-04, and love it. I originally went to the Mazda dealer to test drive a Mazda 3 5 door, to replace my 03 Ranger that was stolen. After test driving the Mazda 3, I decided to try the only P5 they had left that was a manual tranny. I feel in love with it and purchsed it right away. I currently have 14,900 miles on it in less than 4 months with no problems what so ever.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By wjm - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I drive this vehicle about 1,000 miles each week. For the money there is no better quality, comfortable car on the road.

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  new car good looking and fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cindy Garruba - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago and really have enjoyed it so far. It is fun to drive and a lot of people have been asking me about it in parking lots and around town. Even my teenage daughters friends like the way it looks.

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  my Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jeremy j - September 3 - 11:53 pm

  I love my Mazda 6 and would recommend it to anyone. I test drove lots of other cars including an accord, an Altima and a Maxima and although some offered more power, they do not handle nearly as well as my 6. Overall, I love to drive it and am very happy with my purchase even 2 1/2 years later.

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  Great Used Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Kubus_gt - September 3 - 10:36 am

  If you are looking for a good used car, P5 should be on the list if you can find one with low miles. I bought mine a year ago moving up, yes up, from Explorer. P5 was on my short list of cars as one of few small Wagons. The first day, I took it down twisty, country road and finally remember what I was missing out on. P5 is well designed inside, seats are comfy, all the switches, knobs and gauges are in the right places, and has the right gadgets too. Engine with 130HP is not too peppy but manages to get by, especially when kept above 3K rpms. It is very reliable engine. I have the autostick tranny which was ‘03s addition over ’02 model. Smooth shifts when not under power in auto mode.

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  Still Turning Heads - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Ed Darnell - September 3 - 9:33 am

  Purchased new, still turning heads when cleaned and polished after eight years! Trouble free (knock on wood).

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  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Marci - September 3 - 1:10 am

  I have owned my Tribute since January. I test drove a Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (all produced by Ford) and the Tribute was the best of the three. Better warranty, less expensive with a nicer interior and exterior. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Great value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Davud - September 2 - 11:03 pm

  I love almost everything about my car. Quality, handling, are excellent. Never had a problem with it in 13,000 miles so far. I took out the 6 disc changer in favor of a pioneer nav HDD system.