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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  Totally Impressed - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike Crowley - August 4 - 2:00 am

  The best shifting and well made compact car Ive ever owned. If you are looking for a compact car dont waste your time looking at the Matrix or Honda SI. take this car for a test drive and if you dont like it your nuts.

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  The New Benchmark - M3s - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By DuneII - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I compared the Mazda 3s to the Civic, Matrix, Vibe, and a used Saab. The price is very competitive. The options are not bad either. Handling is amazing. Interior is unique. As all the ads say, the M-3s sets a new standard. Im so glad I waited and didnt buy the Civic or Matrix. Milage is 26 miles/gal. Features that luxury cars have as options are standard or available: Transmission with a semi- manual auto mode. Huge disc brakes with Brake Assist (a copy of the Mercedess version). Side, head, front air bags with driver postion sensor. Integrated interior where everying comes together.

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  Been Waiting For This... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kennyrod - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the M3 the moment I saw it. Picked it up yesterday and am having a wonderful time so far. Its got zip and style. I think the mileage could be a bit better, but it aint that bad. I also think the music system could be better too.

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  Really great car for the money! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rochester Todd - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mazda at the end of May 2003... and Ive loved it ever since. I use to have a 2001 Pontiac GTP... which had awesome horsepower, but the cheasy looks of the new one turned me off. The 6 has a more classy, but still sporty look... better size, great trunk space, decent acceleration for a 4 banger... but on the highway it rides super, and around highway RPMs it has ample power for passing.

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  1999 Protege ES - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By mazdany - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Has good low end pick up. Very responsive engine. Engine is not as peaky as a 99 Civic and has more gusto than a 99 Corolla. Transmission is easy to use and shifts smoothly. Handling and acceleration are excellent for this type of car. Interior feels airy, comfortable and avoids the cramped "econobox" feeling. Back seat is even roomy for adults. The trunk is spacious. You dont feel like you "settled" for this car.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By joelopez - August 3 - 7:50 am

  I have driven many cars in my 17 years as a licensed driver and I have to say that the Mazda6 is by far the best car I have driven. The handling on this car is equivalent to my nephews BMW. As soon as I reach my destination, I look forward to getting back into the car. Never had that feeling about other cars (BMW, Mustang, Maxima, Altima, Corolla, Firebird, Cougar, etc.) .

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  Technology incompetent - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By bb_gun - August 3 - 5:10 am

  The SUV is very comfortable, quiet, stylish and spacious. Its fun to ride even on long trips. Love the look & feel. CONS: Fuel economy - it doesnt give the listed fuel economy; couple of mpg less. Bluetooth - if I had my phone on before starting the SUV, it will transfer the phone call, but will cut in & out. USB/iPAD - always starts in the first song - doesnt go back to the song that you were listening to before. Hate the GPS.

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  Excellent choice - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By brock69 - August 3 - 2:43 am

  This has been an excellent van for my family. Bought new in 2002 and now has 150,000+ miles and counting. Wife now drives about 400 miles a week average and weve put very little money into it. Ours is the ES so it came with Sunroof, power doors & leather. Weve used this vehicle for numerous trips across Country and in all types of weather with no issues. The only problems we continually have with it are a cd is jammed in the radio, water sloshes in the door wells which requires the drain to be cleaned, and the shocks squeak when its cold. Weve replaced the oil pan gasket and a few ignition coils but thats been it.

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  Fast and Furious - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - August 2 - 3:26 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars, including Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette. I test drove Toyota Camry and Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai Sonata and Azera, and Mazda 6, Speed6, and CX7 ( 2006s & 2007s). I got this car new for $7,000.00 under list. Nice handling, comfortable ride for four people, good looking, good sized trunk, first tank of gas returned 19.5 mpg in mostly city driving, and fun to drive. Quality build and materials inside and out. No problems so far. I love this car.

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  Please dont buy - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Cobie - August 2 - 2:23 am

  I got this car as a gift, though it has been reliable I DO NOT recommend anyone buying it. I wouldnt have bought this car for myself.