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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  Keeps getting better and better - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ZoomZoom - April 8 - 9:06 am

  I drove an 09 on a whim, didnt think Id buy as I loved my 07 Grand Touring PRHT. I was wrong. As soon as I took the test drive I could tell the seemingly minor changes had made a great car even, well, greater. Red line is up to 7200, so less hitting the rev limiter when winding it out. Engine and tranny just seem stronger and smoother, although the published numbers are basically unchanged. 6M shifts seem even tighter and shorter if thats possible. Must have been exhaust tweaks because it sounds even better. Interior also seems roomier, the door cup holder has been redesigned and no longer protrudes into your leg. Love that! Traded my 07 on the spot and drove the 09 home.

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  Update on December Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By clif02 - April 7 - 9:20 pm

  Weve had our Mazda6 since December now and have close to 9000 miles on it. I wrote in my initial review we loved the car and hoped it would be as reliable as all of our other Mazdas have been. Switched oil to Mobil 1 synthetic at the first change. We average 22.4 around town and 28.3 on the road. The car is as good as our 04 as it is rock solid, totally reliable but it is more comfortable than our 04 Mazda6. It is a great car and we love it. The V-6 has more than enough power and I find the fuel economy pretty fair. All in all we are very pleased with the car and look forward to driving it for years to come.

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  What did I buy? - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaFan02 - April 6 - 5:53 am

  I bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago and it has already been in the service dept. 4 times. Dead battery, electrical problems, transmission failed. I would stick to the 2008 model as it seems like there are some severe issues with the 09s.

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  Great car - great value! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By InfoMan - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I recently decided to replace my VW Golf TDI with Protege5. Allthough the diesel mileage was nice, I needed something more exciting but still affordable. Protege5 seams to be the right choice. Reliability should be excellent, it has all the equipment I was looking for, it is a lot of fun to drive and I got used to this car in one afternoon. handling and braking is excellent, better than almost any car in this class. Build quality is very good and price was surprisingly low for what youre getting. I added auto trans, ABS and side air bags to the basic configuration and paid 15K includung all taxes and fees!

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  Fun Car at Excellent Price - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mikepowie - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2003 MP5 a few weeks ago. Wanted to drive it a few weeks before writing a review. Mines a fully loaded (leather, ABS, moon roof, roof rack, polished wheels, etc) manual. End of the year rebates allowed me to get it out the door for $15,250. I had driven a (very) old Mazda 323, so the is a huge step up. Test drove it based on looks, but bought it for the performance and interior styling. Having driven some other new cars, I cant say theres one nearly as nice, or performs as well, for the price.

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  My B3000 - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Johnha - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been quite good to me. Comfortable and quiet, the 3.0 Liter V6 seems bulletproof. Everything still works as new after 2+ years and 34000 miles. I like this truck.

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  not your moms van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mommy2 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased our MPV two days ago. One reason why we chose this vehicle is because of all the other reviews. We are very pleased with it. It is a really nice looking van. (not grandmaish). The only drawback is that the stereo controls are behind the gearshift when in drive. The price is unbelievable when compared to the Sienna or Odyssey.

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  The sports car fantasy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By 18 Again - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Remember the cars we dreamed of owning when we were kids, the 65 Vette, the 67 XKE, well this baby is destined to be in this class of great cars. The styling of this car is stunning. People have come up to me to see the car close up and you can see it in thier eyes, Id love to own one of these. Thats the mark of a great sports car. When I get behind the wheel of this car, I feel like an 18 year old kid again.

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  like my CX-9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By bucksull - April 5 - 12:46 am

  Handles great ....firm and sure..... Yet not overly stiff. I think Mazda got it right with the CX-9 performance. Test drive of the CX-9 is a must when investigating your options. This is exactly what I was looking for, an AWD crossover that drives well. Took it to the mountains on ski trip …. Handles the snow very well including some side roads that were pretty steep. The 3rd row seat comes in handy and has decent amount of room. I am happy with this purchase.

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  Best choice of 3-row CUV in the market - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ceric - April 3 - 4:40 pm

  Cons: so-so fuel economy (16-17 mixed driving with AWD), few customizing accessories Pros: everything else