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 CAR NOT WORTH HAVING - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By larrydh01 - November 28 - 3:49 pm

  I own this car, a 2013 Club edition, and wish I didnt. This car is terrible, has no power what so ever. Going up a hill, this car screams and whines with the gas pedal depressed to the floor, like it is just struggling with all its might to climb a little hill. Driving at 65 miles an hour on the interstate is about the best it gets. Passing another car is a chore. The seats are very uncomfortable, and there is no room for anything in this car. I knew it was going to be short on space, but I did not realize how the cramped space was going to impact my life in such a negative way. Forget a trip, no room for baggage! And LOUD! I cant hardly think while driving this noisy vehicle!

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  THE Sport Sedan - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By archway - November 28 - 3:10 pm

  Strangers often ask if its a Jaguar! I love driving this car. Performs like a luxury car on the highway, but my favorite place to drive is a curvy country road. It knows how to hug a corner.

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  good car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By peter6 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  very reliabile. never let me down. I just love this car. I am thinking to buy another one several years later.

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  Exceptionally fun and reliable to drive - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By nichols2 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  The Protege 5 is fun and reliable with lots of "get up and go." I bought mine with the roof racks which I use to cart around two 16-ft Kayaks. Even with the Kayaks on top (which act like two huge sails), the gas mileage is great. The fold-down seats provide extra cargo space when camping or hauling materials for my many home remodeling projects. Additionally the Protege 5 comes equipped with a great sound system.

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  2005 Grand Touring Automatic - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By kifs - November 26 - 2:23 pm

  I sort of inherited this car with 2800 miles on it from a former Ford exec and I have the automatic with paddle shifters. The car is a hoot to drive fast and the only trouble I have had was a trim issue in the interior and the spring in the filler door. My car runs great, gets 16-18 mpg in town and 20 mpg on the road, with about 1000 mi per quart of oil. Its tight as a drum but only has 16000 miles since this is my second car and I only drive it from Apr-Nov. My dealer experience was underwhelming on the engine recall - what a bunch of clods - but so far just maintenance and cleaning. I keep waiting for the problems, but I really like the car.

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  Zoom-Zoom!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Zoom!!! - November 26 - 12:00 am

  This is a great car! I drove about 200 miles to get mine due to the options I wanted and it drove absolutely great on the way back. I think everything on the vehicle is well put together for 18K, it is a lot nicer in my option than the Lexus. Sure the Lexus has more power, but overall in my mind it wasnt work the extra 14K. Some of the pros are the 5sp, the suspension and handling, and the overall look of the vehicle. I also read the reviews talking about lack of power; well mine gets up and goes without a problem, and for the people who complain about the power, PUSH THE GAS PEDAL! :)

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  Wow! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Boston - November 25 - 1:10 pm

  This car sets the value bar at a new level. Think Honda value with Acura performance. Drove an SUV since 1998, and have not looked back at all. This car excels at everything. Handling, acceleration, slick 5-speed, amazing build quality. You could easily change the Mazda logo to BMW, Acura or Lexus and people would believe. First tank of gas delivered 29.6 mpg in mixed! Strongly recommended.

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By skull_crossbones - November 25 - 11:46 am

  12 visits to the shop in 16 months. What more can I say. Basically it has been in for warranty work about every 5 weeks. I contacted Mazdas customer service and 5 weeks later I get a call telling me that they are sorry about all the problems with the car. So, now I am stuck with a totally unreliable car that is horribly upside down because the resale on the cars is awful. Now this is all to a customer who has purchased 4 new Mazdas in the past 6 years. I just wonder how they treat someone that wasnt that good of a customer. My message to MAZDA, "I am done with you and will never grace your doors again". Thank you for showing me such loyalty. Mine was proven but now gone!

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Daniel - November 24 - 11:16 pm

  I love this car. I compared the car to many others, but for the money, you get more in a CX-7 than the competition. The car has a beautiful design and gives great performance.

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  Sad To See Go... - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By tanner - November 24 - 8:23 am

  i had a 03 protege dx for about 5 years...would still have it but someone rear ended me and totaled it. pros- good gas mileage..great head on look...reliable cons- poor seal on windows lets water it...not alot to it so highway and windy driving can create some excitement...lots of whistling and humming noises come from the engine at around 60k miles.... put around 50k on this...not major repairs...replaced brake pads once...tires once...changed the oil...never stranded or failed on me...some minor issues but a solid car for the category.