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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  Wish it still ran - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Brittany - June 2 - 12:43 am

  Bought this car for $2000, loved it. I drove it till this year when the third transmission went out. Ive put at least $3500 into the car just in fixing it. The front axle had to be replaced transmission is out would replace it again but cannot find one. Over all the car has 171,000mls. I got my money out of it, now its just setting around till someone buys it. Wonderful body, and love the sun roof. The car ran good, but also ran through a lot of money.

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  Mid Life Crisis Car - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By shumpie - May 31 - 2:23 am

  I always wanted a convertible. My Brother had owned a couple of these in the past. Doing research, I found buying used is no bargain, so I bought new. I love this car. Its fast enough, handles like a dream. The top stays down 90+% of the time, when its raining/ bad weather, I drive other car. Plan on keeping this for long time. This car is small and so am I, so its big enough, bigger people may have a problem here. The car is very very basic, although I got the convenience package;I recommend this. There are few things that I would like to have on this car, but the good so outnumber the bad...This is the cheapest convertible you can get, insurance is reasonableÂ… the most smiles per $/mile

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  1999 Mazda 626 V6 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Alicia Gutierrez - May 30 - 6:13 pm

  Good, solid car - no mechanical problems whatsoever - low mileage

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  Good for commuting - 2002 Mazda 626
  By commuterdriver - May 30 - 9:10 am

  I bought it when it was a year old and it has been a good commuter car. Nothing really bad about it. The horsepower is a little weak when going up big hills though. Last 10,000 miles or so, the engine has developed this buzz that has not gone away. Someday I will take it to the Mazda dealer to analyze.

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  Luv my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Thomask - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Was looking at either the PT Cruiser or the Mazda Tribute. After test-driving each, I fell in love with the Tribute. I like sitting up high and love the maneuverability of this small SUV. It is a great vehicle but has a little awkwardness in the placement of some key elements, such as gearshift and ignition switch. Even so, I would purchase another one in a minute!

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  Civic would have been better. - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By bleu4917 - May 26 - 3:10 am

  The car had a good solid feel in during the first 2 years, but after that things go down hill. The radio volume control doesnt work properly, hard to control volume. The auto memory doesnt work. Rust on most Mazdas of the same year (right side passenger door and trunk). Passenger mirror ripped off easily. Engine problems (RPM is not stable). Automatic door lock failed for one of the doors. Ac has a leak. ABS module has failed. Manual shift doesnt shift smoothly after 2 years.

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  Zoom zoom in a mid size SUV! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Ian Rapisura - May 24 - 2:49 am

  It is really a drivers car.It is easy to drive,its just like driving a small SUV.Head up display is great however ,as others have mentioned,it is difficult to see if you are wearing polarized sunglasses.I just wish it had surround view camera so it would be easier to park

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  Serious brake problems - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cubanpete - May 23 - 9:31 am

  Anyone considering a mazda 6 should wait until they resolve the following serious issue: My 2014 sport has been in and out of service for loud clunking noises in the rear brakes. So far neither the dealer nor the mazda techs who came out have been able to resolve it. Apparently it has something to do with the calipers. So far theyve replaced many of the parts in both rear brakes to no effect. Currently I am waiting while they manufacture larger brake pads to install to see if this solves the issue. I asked them to just replace my vehicle, as this has been dragging on for a long time, but they refuse, so Im stuck with it while they use me as a guinea pig for their tests.

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  Rotary is Not For Everyone - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By WR Jones - May 22 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car as a disabled adult that needed a car with room and access for my wheelchair, the rear doors are ideal for quick storage of the chair. There are few cars sold with two doors and access for those who use a wheelchair, combine that with an auto transmission made available, Mazda allows me to drive a great sports car. Slapping the stick over to manual and using the six speed paddle shifter is the closest you will get to driving a standard stick if you use hand controls, a simply amazing experience. The difference between auto shift and manually shifting is dramatic, the car jumps to life, surprising many who have taken a ride in the car, including myself!

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  Protege 5 was an Ok car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By zoolander - May 21 - 2:16 am

  Ive owned the car since new. The original Dunlop tires were worn out quickly and would have been expensive to replace had I not put new rims and all season tires on the car. Brakes, especially the back brakes have been a sore spot with me. The rear brakes have seized on several occasions and usually I need to replace rotors and brakes all around every year. That is far too frequent to be acceptable. The car has quite a bit of rust around the rear wheel wells and a spot on the hatch door. Paint has faded badly. Plastic parts, like the bumper, are of a different color than the paint due to aging and bleaching from the sun. Fuel economy isnt great.