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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  06 MX-5 Grand Touring - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TFK - July 1 - 10:50 am

  Had my 06 MX-5 for about 2 weeks now. I have enjoyed the car thus far. Seems solid and is fun to drive.

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  Great SUV! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike in NJ - July 1 - 8:10 am

  In October 2000, read a glowing review of the Tribute in Edmunds. Test drive was impressive. Ordered an ES and had a 3-month wait for delivery (the early days). Its primarily my wifes car, but we both use it and have no qualms about our purchase. NO PROBLEMS at all. It is fun to drive and economical. We haul loads of supplies to and from our lake house in the Spring and Fall and have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of "stuff" it will hold. We highly recommend it to you.

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  Long Trips, Varied Conditions - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marc Rodgers - June 30 - 4:36 am

  Follow up to my 8/26/08 posting. Just took the car from MI on a trip to Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Back to MI, then over to Ontario and around Georgian Bay. Put on 4800 miles in 12 days through varied terrain. Got 31.6 mpg for the overall trip, car ran great, handled well and was very comfortable. Power is adequate 90% of the time. Cruised very well at the 75mph (maybe just a bit over)speed limit in WY and SD. The fully reclining & heated passenger seat is great for rest area naps. Bose stereo is very good. Strong crosswinds in SD (from Ike) could certainly be felt, but not too bad. Very good visibility.

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  Follow up review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kevivoe - June 29 - 6:10 pm

  1st tank was 23 MPG. Our 2nd tank was 26.6 MPG. Our third is looking like 25 MPG. I would have to say so far this car is not quite meeting expected 25/31 MPG but it still has some more miles to go before break in.

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  Good Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazdamigirl - June 29 - 4:35 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Mazda 6 I (automatic not manual) from a dealership with 40 K on it in 2009. Today I have put another 40 K on it and it runs well. Wheels do wear more on the front half, came fully loaded and has traction control and ABS. This is not handy when driving up steep, snow covered/mush hills in the winter. Other than that, found a crack in the windshield but has not leaked into car. Display for CD player is loosing pixels or dots so volume does not display fully sometimes. Other than that, good car, bad with gas due to V6 engine. Newer models have better mileage.

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  Mazda 626 1999 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Bullfrogjw - June 29 - 7:00 am

  Transmission went out at 155k, significant exhaust problems. Car was pretty reliable always started. o2 sensor needed to be changed once a year.

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  Best mid-size family sedan, + extra Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ZoomFan - June 29 - 3:00 am

  After totaling our Honda Pilot, we decided to go with a sedan. Vehicles we compared against were Fusion, Malibu, G8, used G35, and Accord. Out of the bunch, we kept coming back to the Mazda6. Heres why: Fun to drive factor: theres no question that this car will be putting smiles on our faces for years to come. Our 13 year old son even says it looks cool. On some back roads in Talledega Forest, this car begged to be driven fast...80+MPH is where this car feels best. Interior design and room: Only the Accord has more room, but the Mazda6 GT definitely has the best options...bluetooth, blind spot monitoring, top quality interior workmanship for this class, and an awesome audio system.

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  ZOOM ZOOM = FUN FUN! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By mkgyre - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2003 ES for a month now, do not buy anything until you drive a protege! I am 63 and 310 and I can actually move the drives seat FORWARD and still be comfortable! I refused to get anything but a manual so while the HP output could be better,the manual provided plenty of low-end and highway passing power. I have run my car hard both in the city and on the highway and only gone under 30mpg once. This cars handling is UNBELIEVEABLE! I took a 90 degree banked corner at about 40MPH and the car stuck to the road like a suicidal squirrel. My wife loved my car SO MUCH that we went back to the Mazda dealer and got her a Mazda 6!

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  If it was only rear wheel drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bryon K. Baer - June 29 - 2:00 am

  My wife love this car.A 6s loaded. She says she is always being asked, "what is it?" Its so beautiful and sleek. I find the car easy on the eyes with nice style. Performance is very good with the 5speed but a 6speed rear drive platform would leave the 3 series BMW in the dust. Seats are ok just alittle to wide and to hard for my back. Could use tighter suspension with less body roll. Bigger sway bars front and rear and a strut bar for the front would do the trick.

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  Love My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lovemy6 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Ultimate Sports Sedan