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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  It Just Feels Right - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Richard lawrence - November 3 - 7:56 am

  Before Mazda went zoom-zoom, their slogan was "it just feels right." And that is exactly the way I feel about the Mazda5. Ordinarily you like a car that is well defined and has a specific purpose like the two seat sports car or the traditional minivan. However, the Mazda5 is one of those cars that is difficult to categorize. Is it a minivan or is it a wagon? Sure, it has sliding doors and three rows of seats like a minivan, but it is also compact and sporty like many of todays wagons. It even comes with a manual transmission. Imagine, the versatility of a minivan in a very unminivan like appearance. Thats what makes the Mazda5 feel so right.

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  Fisrt car i buy, and im very happy with it!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By alepodj - November 3 - 7:13 am

  Coming from an airplane size and noise gift car(1999 Chevrolet Malibu) this is an amazing car,,, i have no comparison with other same type vehicles, but i have no reason to think about changing so far,,, Drawbacks: back seats space, and driver seat when used as a recliner kills your back Cool Stuff: all the features, bluetooth, cruise, sunroof, etc(bluetooth lady is awesome and very funny, somewhat anoying too hehehe) the looks i love it, i putted a 18" rims is beautiful what can i say,,,is worth it,,, sure it is

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  Worth The Wait - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By dudeimthirsty - November 3 - 1:26 am

  Handsome. Fun. Tech. 3 words that sum up my new 3. I have had it for a week and the new car emotion hasnt subsided. The car simply looks good. It looks good at all angles. I have a snowflake pearl paint that looks good in the sun and somehow doesnt hide the nice lines of the fender across the body. I am your average commuter that doesnt necessarily have the luxury of a twisty commute but it is quite fun to steer the car. It gives me a good feel of the road. The infotainment center is awesome. Its pretty quick to pair your phone through BT or USB. There isnt a lag time at all when connecting. The commander control has a good feel. I find myself using it than steering controls.

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  Durability - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By kjmilow - November 2 - 10:20 am

  Durability & Fun to drive. I have driven Mazda for over 20 years, GLCs, ( go like crazy ), 626s and now a Mazda 6 my last new car. They have all gone over 200,000 with minimum care & maintenance. Im taking better care of this one since it is supposed to last until I die and I am only 62. A healthy 62 I might add.

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  So far so good. - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By cbuff - November 2 - 10:00 am

  First time Millenia owner. Purchased for my wife over an Accord and she loves it. We get many looks when driving and many great comments on the car. Great rebates and cash backs on the deal, couldnt pass up.

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  It really is fun to drive! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By pigdog - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Test drove MPV with 200hp. Decided I could live with this very nice van. They are not kidding, it is the anti- mini van . Mazda has a nice web site that allows a detailed search of dealer inventories - even for those dealers who dont show much detail on their individual web sites. This is a nice versatile van. Firm, sporty ride, quick acceleration. Feels like a good euro sedan compared to the boat like ride of many other vans. Quality after two months is superb. Received many positive comments about midnight metallic blue color. Standard sound system is very good.

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  Best 2001-2002 buy in Sedans - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Mike-from-Morden - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Protege LX 4 speed, automatic (2.0L) one year ago. Since that time, I have not regreted purchasing this car. Its interior and exterior design is considerably better (overall) than the Corolla or Civic (I have friends who own both). It handles well in poor conditions (snow, rain, etc.). Tight suspension, average fuel economy, sporty design, quiet ride, and a great buy. Competitive financing and warrenty. The LX model with the sport package is cheeper than many other cars with similar features.

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  Beyond My Expectations - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joel L. - November 1 - 1:30 am

  A true sports car with great looks, remarkable agility, extraordinary overall performance, and plain good ol fun is what I was looking for, and the MX5 provides these features in full measure, and at a price that couldnt be beat! I bought the car when I was 60, and feel as if Im 18 every time I pull out of the garage. Ive just looked at the 2006 models. The MX5 tradition lives on in this "upgunned" model. You can bet another new MX5 is out there in the future. Well done, Mazda!

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  The best sports car ever made! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cara Mia - October 31 - 10:40 am

  I have owned a 96 Miata M-Edition for 6 years. I LOVE THIS CAR! With 64,000 miles it has never had a single mechanical issue. It gets great mileage, about 30 MPG average. It is amazingly quick with responsive handling and is absolute FUN! I have driven MGs, Triumphs, and even BMW Z-3s, and this car out drives them all. I also think the $$$ value rating is way too low - but then that may be why they are so popular... you get a car that is worth way more then you pay for it.

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  Our first Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Young family - October 31 - 12:16 am

  This car is gorgeous on the outside with the exception of the cheap plastic grille in front. The interior is well equipped but it is completely trimmed in plastic. Can definitely see where corners were cut to save money, like only having a map pocket on the back of the drivers seat. We love how easy the rear seats fold down. The stereo is strong for a stock system. Most importantly, this vehicle really gets up and goes. And as far as turbo lag goes, it is minimal at best. Any more power off the line and those expensive standard 18" tires would be smoked. One big negative, and probably only because we moved from an Acura TL into this vehicle, is the harsh and loud suspension.