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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  Awsome Mazda6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - January 12 - 5:00 pm

  I have now owned the Mazda6 for almost a year now and I have 11,200 miles on it. I still love to drive the Mazda6 to work every day. My Mazda6 is averaging 22 city/29 highway in gas mileage. I am very pleased with the gas mileage for all the power. I have not had any problems with the car. It has performed very well. The Mazda has a lot of quality that I enjoy. The 5 star crash test rating gives me a peace of mind. The blind spot monitor system is awesome. Love the rain sensing windshield wipers. What can I say; I love everything the Mazda6 offers.

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  Great Rise - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By craig - January 12 - 8:56 am

  I had to sell my Jeep due to the gas prices but wanted something that had utility but with better MPG and could sit a 6-2" person comfortably. The Protege5 was the one. The car is solid as a rock, handles VERY well, is well designed (except the door locks), plush inside and good on gas. Im averaging 29 mpg with the optional sport shift transmission. I recommend this car highly. The engine is very revvy and a bit on the noisy side. The stiff suspension provides a nice amount of road noise. Braking is also very good, the steering very responsive and the steering wheel itself is very comfortable. The door lock system is the only poor design issue I see in this car.

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  Money Well Spent - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By b.fox - January 12 - 5:30 am

  Would I buy this car again - you betcha! Out performs the Protege ( which was my first Mazda purchase), excellent acceleration, everything on the dash is convenient, plenty of room.

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  Mazda Cars Rock - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Raymond - January 11 - 5:56 pm

  I love this car. I cant say enough nice things about the car. I love it so much I just purchased the Mazda 3 also. These cars rock. I think that says it all.

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  Driving isnt boring anymore - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ValiantSailor - January 11 - 3:33 pm

  Ever own a car so fun that you looked for excuses to go driving, or taking the long way home? Thats the Miata, or MX-5 as its now called. This car is so responsive it seems the driver can control it with thoughts alone. Light...predictable...responsive...FUN! All this and 30MPG, too!

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  Mazda gets it right.!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rick - January 11 - 2:03 pm

  Well, all I can say is WOW!! I traded in a 2006 RX8 Shinka, and besides the obvious loss of power, I dont regret it a bit. If you put the car up against its competition you have to come up with the Mazda 6. Hands down. I havent had the car but a couple weeks, and everyone at work is like nice car, what is it? Now they know. Whats not to love? Thank you Mazda. Keep doing what your doing. People are watching. This is one happy customer. ZOOM-ZOOM!!

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  I love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By walker328 - January 10 - 10:11 pm

  I purchased this in September 2014, with about 96k miles on it. It has a few scrapes and a cracked rear bumper so I got it at a decent price. Evidently the one previous owner took excellent care of it (all scheduled maintenance performed), and it has run fine until this very rainy morning. Flashing engine light, weak acceleration, burning smell and chuggy movement led me straight to the repair shop. 3 out of 6 ignition coils and the spark plugs were just about spent causing it to misfire. Not a cheap repair due the intake manifold needing to be removed which is a pretty big deal. Plugs were due to be replaced anyway. All else looks good and now its good to go for many more miles.

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  BELLS 2007 GRAND TOURING PHT MANUAL M - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By WILLIAM V. BELL - January 10 - 7:16 pm

  I have only had this car for a little over a month. I have driven approximately 900 miles. 11,000 annual miles is a projection. I have ordered a SAT satellite radio and a CDC in-dash 6 disc CD/MP3 changer, but it has not been installed yet.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By alexv - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive racked up 2600 miles so far, and my Mazda 6s automatic hasnt disappointed me yet. Performance, particularly road feel, is on par with its german counterparts (A4, 325). The auto transmission is flawless and rarely lets me know its shifting except under hard throttle. Gas mileage has been about 20mpg around town, 25+ on the highway. Best of all, its the only 6s in my town so I still get lots of looks wherever I drive it.

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  I love my Millenia! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Micheele - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Millenia one year ago and still loving it! Got a fantastic deal on it, only regret is that I did not upgrade to the "S". My husband wanted a Maxima, but I had spotted the Millenia a couple of years ago and had my eye on it. Finally decided to get it when we heard it was being discontinued. Expect to keep it for many years. We always get compliments on what a sharp-looking car it is, and people are always amazed at the incredible interior once they step inside.