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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  Nice Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jamaica Joe - February 27 - 1:10 am

  I bought this car to replace a 1997 Mitsibishi Eclipse. It is a nice car, I bought it for the looks based on the price. Its pearl white and the paint looks really good. Its a manual and it is pretty fun to drive. Not all that comfortable as I am 62" and its awkward because of the lack of tilt/telescoping action. The car has 16200 miles on it with no problems.

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  Recommended - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Roman - February 26 - 10:50 am

  Pleasure to own. Versatile, high clearance, performs well in stop-n-go and light on its wheels on the highway. Reliable (Japanese design). Good looks. Comfortable with the power seat (big deal for me since my wife is 52" and has trouble with drivers seat ergonomics). Side airbags. Lots of room.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By rondolio - February 25 - 12:33 am

  The vehicle has always been a great car for me. I have only had one warranty issue which was resolved easily with the dealership (broken knob for A/C). Anyway this car compares with the Honda Accord without the big price tag.

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  Great Decision - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aeroman - February 24 - 11:33 pm

  I have had my 6 for 9 months (~9000 miles). Love the exterior and the performance. I am a little disappointed in the fuel economy. I guess I miss my turbo Saab mileage. I have to have the brake rotors replaced as they are already warped even though I am VERY easy on my brakes. The car also seems to have a "niggly" vibration as the engine revs pass through 2500 RPM. Overall the car is a great value, handles well, loads of power, love the engine growl. My original choice was going to be either a BMW 3 series or an Infinity G35 sedan. The Mazda 6 convinced me I didnt need to spend the extra cash to get what I wanted. Great job Mazda.

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  No more Mazda for me - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By dbar - February 24 - 2:53 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 as my first car, and off I went to college. It has been 6 years now and I totally regret buying this car. I have had to change almost 3 alternators in this car along 4 batteries. Had to replace the engine at 75,000 miles and that was the final straw, definitely looking for a new vehicle now and it wont be Mazda.

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  better than most - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By s. kujawa - February 24 - 1:20 am

  transmission is wonderful. handling is quite good, altho could be a little firmer. seats are comfortable. hvac could use a little refinement.

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  Zoom Zoom into luxury - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Jason - February 24 - 12:26 am

  luxury,luxury,luxury super quiet cabin amazing technology great performance and mpg love this suv ...

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  Very happy with my car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JONWELDON59 - February 22 - 1:36 pm

  I have had my car for one month an am very pleased and impressed with the performance and comfort. I almost purchased another Honda Civic, but am glad I went with the Mazda 3.

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  Lovin It - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Shahoo - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Have always had Honda Accords (5 to be exact) and decided I didnt want to be like my grandparents who always bought the same car, so I started looking at other vehicles. This cars style is like no other 4-door sedan. It loured me in immediately. Was a bit leary of a Mazda because of the Ford ownership issue, but decided to give it a try. I have a black on black sports package and have loved it since the day I bought it! Ive had absolutely no problems with the vehicle and get great gas mileage. It is a bit noiser than the Accord, but its more sportier, too. Its not your mothers car. I love it!

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  Great car overall - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By joep9536 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 99 and have had little troubles since then. The car now has 95,000 miles on it and drives like new. I have never got as good of gas mpg as i would have hoped for this little car, but its ok. The catalytic converter went out at around 70k, the power door locks and the cd player also both went out at arount the same time. I was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty to 100k, so I paid for none of the repairs. Its a nice little car to run around town in. On the highway its not as comfortabel as i would have liked.