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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  Mazda CX-7 specs - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CaptainKitchen - October 30 - 12:53 pm

  Its a cool car, but there are a few features missing that I wish would be in the car. Tiny thing, but the tiny things make all the difference. First off, theres no ash tray, no light for the mirror in the visor, no MP3 hookup, no light in the glove compartment, the doors dont automatically lock after starting the car and driving. Again, small things, but things that add up. It drives really well and you can adjust the driver seat to sit high feeling like an SUV or low feeling more like a sports car. The rear camera is awesome as is the keyless entry and keyless ignition.

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  I like it but ready for something else - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By atomic13 - October 28 - 8:00 pm

  Bought the 6 in a pinch when our other car died. I wanted an 06 Civic but was too expensive. I put off testing the 6 but when I finally did (5 cars later), I was pleasantly surprised. Great acceleration, very roomy, comfy interior, huge trunk, "zoom zoom" and excellent handling. Only had it for a year and a half, normal maintenance. Had an issue with a dirty throttle body (seems to be common) which was easy to clean myself instead of paying dealership. Last week, my drivers window stopped working so Im trying to figure that out. Otherwise, have been happy with my "on-the-fly" purchase, since it wasnt what I wanted originally. Good family car, and sporty-looking

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  Get The Automatic!!!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By iceplusplus - October 28 - 12:36 am

  I have always liked to drive a stick and so I opted for the 6 speed manual. It is a mistake on this car. The gearing is such that the car revs at 3000 RPM or higher on the highway at 65-70 MPH. I drove an automatic when on a trip recently, and it only revs at 2000-2500 RPM at highway speeds. This gearing is probably why the automatic gets better mileage. The automatic shifts fast and smooth and is no slouch either. If I had it to do again, automatic all the way. The four isnt bad. But the six kicks tail. If you can get the six for a good deal, jump on it. You wont regret it even with the lower gas mileage. Option wise, it is almost in a class with a Lexus

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  Great car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By RaysFan2008 - October 27 - 2:20 pm

  I love my 6! This is the first time Ive purchased a Mazda and its been great. I get about 24 MPG. in the city and about 30 MPG. on the highway so its pretty decent and its got a really big tank.

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  Economy Car wants to be a sport car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By BOBK - October 25 - 10:00 am

  2002 ES Automatic. Sharp look and style for interior/exterior. Road handling is great. Sleek and clean look in and out makes car look more expensive. Torque good enough to zip out of most turns. Feels like a sport car except for acceleration which is no worse than other cars I tested in this range. The engine makes a sturdy, raspy type sound when I get on it and gives a sport car feel. Dont expect sport care performance. Sport-shift mode is uselss because it does not respond immediately and feels no different than switching gears on an auto. Great car for the money. If it had 200 horses it could be a blast but thats a little much to ask at this price.

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  Not a 6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Wayne Ferguson - October 23 - 6:56 am

  Purchased a Mazda 6 11/04. Not a thing gone wrong to date. Tribute had lock problems from factory, engine failure (plugs and computer) at 9K. You can see the Ford connection in this truck. Also no where near the advertised fuel mileage. First and last Mazda SUV.

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  Excellent for urban and highway driving - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Howard - October 22 - 10:30 am

  I have been driving this car for over three years and I am very satisified. It is easy to maneuver and park in city traffic and has an amazingly short turning radius. It is very comfortable for four people traveling long distances. With the manual transmission it gets about 21-22 mpg in the city and 28-30 on the highway. Contrary to some other reports, this car does not seem underpowered to me. It goes through mountains just fine with four passengers, luggage and a bike rack on top. This may be due in part to the manual transmission. However, off-the-line performance is noticeably worse with six in the car. Its not a drag racer, but I have never had any trouble keeping up with traffic.

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  Absolute blast - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By krayzieray - October 17 - 8:32 pm

  I had my Mazda 2 for 6 months now and just love driving it anywhere I can, even with 2 child seats in the back there is ample seating room (as long as theres just kids) back seat is only good for 2 adults at most. The lay out is simple and straight forward which I find appealing over the overly done subcompact cars, though I did install a 8" navi/Bluetooth/DVD screen for around $350 which just makes the car look a little more upmarket, the seats are supportive and comfy but a little to soft for me, and with just enough cargo space. Overall I highly recommend the Mazda 2 for anyone looking for affordable, reliable, and a fun all around car, as long as you get the manual. ZOOM ZOOM

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  Slowly Decaying Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anti-Zoom-Zoom - October 17 - 2:43 pm

  Where do I begin.... Well at first I loved the car. I bought it with 5500 mile on it, now I have 18550. In this 10 months I have been to the dealership numerous times for maintenance. The headlights kept burning out, I had problems with my catalytic converter, air mass flow sensor, and now the transmission is bogging. If you want to change your cd player you have to buy a $300 dash kit because Mazda designed it that way. Also Mazda is one of the few companies that has no iPod integration kits. Also theyre resale value is horrible. All in all I feel I was misrepresented when I bought this car. "Soul of a Sportscar"... Hah...more like "Soul of a Hoopty". This was my first and last Mazda ever.

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  really fun to drive - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By shooz - October 16 - 1:40 pm

  First new car Ive ever owned, now 8k miles. I live in LA and its terrific to get around town with some style, nimble on the freeways (although it has large blind-spots), and way too much fun in the canyons. Fine in rain but lousy in snow. Engines quirky but really fun once you get used to it. Doesnt feel underpowered, but I know Mazda changed the gear ratios in 2009, I dont drive below 2800 RPM when in traffic, and Id never consider this car as an automatic. Precise gearing/steering + sport suspension means your girlfriend probably cant do her make-up while riding shotgun. As designed it drinks oil, about 1 quart every 1k miles, no biggie. Im 6 and have just enough headroom.