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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  Fantastic car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda6 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It drives and handles beautifully. I opted for the automatic, and I love that it allows you to shift manually if you want. The turning circle is a little wider than some others, but it definitely is the most fun car to drive and hugs the roads like it was on rails.

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  More fun than Camry Accord etc. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MickeyMazda6 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Try all of the others before trying the Mazda 6. You will be very surprised how this car compares to the others. It is just the right combination of looks, performance, safety and price. The new Camry and Accord are such BORING designs. They are good cars, but lets get some pizazz in the exterior and exterior of them. The Mazda 6 is as good as both of those, but with GREAT LOOKS inside and out!

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  Will miss it! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Lin - April 30 - 12:26 am

  They dont make them anymore. Best car I have had and Ive been buying new cars since 1973.

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  Fun to drive, good on gas - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By sunnyvegas - April 29 - 10:00 pm

  Fun to drive. Good on gas mileage. Not quite what it says for combo driving. Get average 30 with mostly hwy. Took a long trip with no heat/little AC and got 40/41. (Using the heat/seat warmers will lower the MPG quite a bit if the "average this drive" mpgs is accurate) Paid quite a bit more for Navigation (which I didnt really want) and heated seats & they still cant fix the tech package even after update. Majority of time I cant use the touchscreen. And although seats still heat, they are not working like they were at first. I purchased it in Dec, and so far no problems engine wise. So if this car is reliable long-term, I will still be happy.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By salty1211 - April 29 - 10:30 am

  I bought my 1999 Mazda back in May , It has 207,000 Plus miles all I have done to it is Oil Change and Lub . I like all the extra features which are to many to disribe . After owning a Ford -150 4 X 4 I enjoy the Gas Milage I get on The Mazda .

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  Runs like Crap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PureCarnage - April 29 - 7:23 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I tell everyone I meet who admire its looks- all show, no go. It has been in the shop so many times I cant count. The last straw being the dealership waiting for the warranty to expire and then telling me I need a new engine. Something I told them for 2 years prior. No power, even as new. Bad tranny to engine hook-up, makes a horrible noise if you stomp on it. Rattles coming from everywhere. I see numerous defects that are common for all owners and no recalls for them. You have to complain for service. Never buy a Mazda again.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Toni - April 29 - 4:33 am

  I have only had my baby for 3 months now, but I am having so much fun driving it. I miss my Hondas better gas mileage (especially now), but its worth it to have such pleasure driving a car. I hope it proves to be as reliable as my two previous (new) Hondas (thus my 7 rating on that because I dont know yet). Thanks for making it not only so much fun, but affordable as well.

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  Great car for the money - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By cbwb - April 28 - 10:36 pm

  Weve owned this car for 13 months and have put 30,000 miles on it with no mechanical problems or breakdowns. We bought this car because it was larger, better equipped, and lower in price than a Ford Edge. Great performance, comfortable, decent MPG. The only annoying thing is the keyless entry/ignition system. The remotes occasionally will not work. The local dealer replaced the remote batteries one time, but says there is no problem. Still have the problem every couple weeks. Love the car, but the dealer service department is condescending and blows off any mentions of a problem. Dont know if that is a Mazda thing or just this dealer.

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  You get what you pay for - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By JeffInNC - April 28 - 4:20 am

  Yes, you get a lot for your money here. In my case Mazda was taking $4K off sticker to move a few of these and I was able to get the dealer to reduce his cut as well. But theres a price. After about 9K miles my front rotors are warped. Lately the car has started to stall immediately after being started in the morning. The interior rattles and buzzing speaker enclosures were annoying from day 1 and seem to be getting worse. Matter of fact, I put it in the shop this afternoon and got a Dodge Neon as a loaner. The Neon has a smoother ride and it doesnt rattle. Thats pretty sad! I was planning on this car purchase being a long-term keeper but I dont think thats going to happen.

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  Mazda 6 is a fun and good looking ride! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michael - April 27 - 10:00 pm

  My Mazda 6 has a hatchback but looks like a sports sedan and has a spoiler, moon roof and many other great features. I love the way it looks and how much fun it is to drive. I love the red interior lighting on the dash. Besides looking good it is much easier on the eyes on road trips.