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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  Bittersweet - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By holybull - April 3 - 10:59 am

  I wasnt totally in love with the looks of this car but I do like hatches so I test drove it and fell for it right away. It fit me like a glove. A tailored glove. Handling is the best that could be expected from a front-wheel-drive compact. Engine has 175 HP and plenty of torque. The cosmetics are a different story. Windows rattling after not too long of owning it. Cylinder key lock in steering column replaced twice. And now, as if that werent enough, Ive been told I have a cracked piston ring and the thing is SLURPING oil. Not good for a car with only 51000 miles. Never again do I buy a Mazda. first and last. Im spending more and getting a mini next.

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  Tons better than my 2008 Honda Accord - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MNA2002 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 08 Accord in March 2008. It was plagued with fault brakes and other electrical problems. So, buh-bye Accord. I know Mazda owners and test drove the 09 6. I had parked by Accord next to a 6 at the dealers. The 6 made the Accord look like a dowdy Buick. The 6 has had zero problems. The interior is 10 times better than the Accord. The power seat is fantastic for my long legs. On the highway I get 30 mpg -- the Accord got 33, so its a little less. I like a reliable car, and I do believe that I have found it. Ive read some unfortunate things about the current Accords. The 6 might not hold its resale value as much as the Accord, but I wont have the car repairs that Accord needs.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By djkest - April 3 - 10:00 am

  We got this car to replace our Corolla with something safer. Its been a great car for us so far. The engine, while not super powerful, is very smooth and loves to rev. Between the engine and the close-ratio 6-speed you can always find the power band. I was never lacking in power up to 11,000 feet on mountain passes, a feat my corolla stumbled on. The handling is wonderful, very composed and confident on twisty roads, but the ride is very smooth as well. It looks great, and the interior and trunk are enormous. The factory stereo is probably above average, the seats are grippy without being constrictive.Too early to notice any repair issues, engine seems to be getting stronger as it breaks in

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  I like it - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By t777jb - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Its been a great car and the list of features is fantastic for the money. I put some Continental Tires ($800) on it which have improved the wet handling tremendously - anxious to try it in the snow. I was afraid of it in those conditions with the original tires. The ride quality on the Continentals is much better than the original tires. My paint has way too many chips like others. Im satisfied with 27 mpg avg for this level of power. Manual is very smooth. Pedals are a little close together though and I have a size 10 shoe. Needs heated mirrors. I think I will have to get a BMW 3 series next to find something I would consider an upgrade in handling and luxury.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jj.9109 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I had bought my car in Aug 2010. I recently had a 2008 Coblat. I love it but it didnt have enough room. When I bought the mazda I was excited with all the things it was built with. What made me fall more in love with this car is its safety features, I was driving to work going 50mph, when out of no where this guy did a u-turn in front of me on a 4 lane highway. The seatbelts sucked me in and the airbags deployed. It didnt do much damage to the car which I was totally shocked with hitting the guy so hard. If you are looking for a car with good built in features and great safety features this is the car for you.

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  This car has issues - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Dre - April 2 - 11:16 pm

  Nothing good has come out of this car. Ever since I bought it, it has been giving me problems. Over the recent summer, I put in over a grand on the car, and now its having issues again; drive axles, brakes dont last long at all, around 7 or 8 months before having to replace rotors, shoes, pads, and drums. Its ridiculous. And Ive had to replace the main belt about 3 or 4 times, because it keeps breaking, because what makes the belt move was loose when we bought it.

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  Awesome Little Wagon - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By sjrsangl - April 2 - 10:06 pm

  I absolutely love this car!! On a scale of 1-10 I give it a 100 in fun to drive and exterior design. I think this car has great lines and unprecedented style.

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  Closest to a Mini 5 door Wagon ! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By n2kalo - April 2 - 11:10 am

  I traded in my beloved 03 Mini Cooper. Loved that car, but utility demands forced to sell. But not disappointed so far, M3s is more versatile and has more pickup than my CVT Mini. I also note that the more "bang for buck" features were appealing. This is my second Mazda experience; my first was a 88 RX-7 convertible and it had no problems.. The only gripe so far is that the car doesnt have autolocks and the MPGs could be better. Also obviously the handling is not quite up to the Mini, more lean in corners than the Mini. But I find that the Mazda 3S is much more compliant and comfy on the poor roads in Hawaii. Sporty with a good cross of features and added utility just makes sense.

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  A great small family car to own and driv - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - April 2 - 5:13 am

  I own a 2006 and a 2008 Mazda5s. The purchase experience process for the 08 was much better and easier due to the fact that the dealer was friendlier, less pushy, knew more about the car and knew how to drive manual. It also helped that I knew exactly what I was looking for and that it was available.

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  Great Car for the $$ - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 1 - 2:20 am

  Black on black with the convenience package and rear spoiler. Looks are fantastic and its one of the best looking cars out there. Handles very well around corners. Very little cabin noise. Controls are perfectly placed. Push-button start takes time to get used to if youre used to having a key in your hand as you exit the car. 2.5L has some zip to it and gets up to speed quickly. Leather trim does look cheap and seats are a bit hard. Interior lights look fantastic! Bluetooth works well and very easy to set-up, however have been told that it has some static on the other end.