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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  Fantastic family car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Leo - July 10 - 7:00 pm

  What a fantastic car! Like many others I was in the market for a sporty sedan. Sporty to please me, sedan to please the wife. I had decided not to seriously look into the RX8 because of what I had read about acceleration performance. I wandered over to the Mazda dealership to kill some time and decided to just go for a spin. I was hooked, bought the car that day. The handling is incredible, yet the ride remains very very very comfortable. The navigation system is pretty good, but already outdated. The rotary engine makes beautiful music and I still cant help staring at the car every time I park it and walk away. Never been in a car thats gotten me as many looks, I love it!

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  Excellent!! Top of the lot - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By reddy - July 10 - 10:16 am

  This car wins the competition amongst camry, accord, etc. The new 2009 mazda doesnt lose out on what youd expect from a traditional sedan (lots of space, loads of features...blows away the competition, fuel mileage, etc). Add to this the fun factor of driving this car, it blows all other cars in this segment out the water. Its the best buy for the money in this segment. Im really enjoying driving my car.

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  My first Mazda - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By reillyj6 - July 10 - 3:21 am

  I purchased my 2012 Mazda iTouring a little over 2 months ago after selling my Acura tsx and I could not be happier. I am just about to his my 5,000 mile mark and so far it has been great!! I also am 63" and there is plenty of room for me in the drivers seat, but no one can sit behind me in the back. The car has plenty of "get-up-and-go" for getting on the highway. I have a family member who has a cx-9 that loves it and I test drove the three and I was set! One of my favorite cars Ive had!! Also, the SkyActiv technology came out the week after i bought the car so I do not have it, but I average 35 mpg anyways.

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  CX-5 Grand Touring-(27,500 miles) Fun car but underpowered - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mnvpierson - July 9 - 6:31 pm

  I think I was the 2nd person to buy in MN because I was waiting for the cx-5 or the escape whichever came first. Bought the car in Feb of 2012 and have really enjoyed the car and now have 27,500 miles on the car. It is fun to drive. The tires are 19 in and were replaced at 23k and are expensive because they are not a popular size. The only problem is it is underpowered with the 2.0 especially pulling out into traffic or having the car loaded with 5 people, almost unsafe. Would not buy this again but would consider the 2014 which has the bigger engine. I get 32 mpg on the highway and 20 or 21 mpg in the city which is a stop light ever mile or so. For a suv we were happy with the mpg.

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  All around nice & sporty sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Blackjack72 - July 9 - 7:20 am

  Ive had this car for almost six months and I love it. I like the design inside and out. The base model has plenty of standard features and a good size trunk. Ive wanted a Mazda 6 for a couple of years now and Im glad I got a good deal on the 2006 version.

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  Best car out there - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Andy B - July 9 - 2:00 am

  After looking at and test driving Hondas, Toyotas, and Saturns, I would have been stupid not to get my Protege. Not only does it handle very well, its comfortable, can move like any 6 cylinder in its class (mine is only 4), and has a great factory installed audio system. Its design is sleek both inside and out. I average 35-40 miles to the gallon.

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  Really Diggin it! My 3 Rocks! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3Driver - July 9 - 1:30 am

  Ok, 1st, bad stuff ... power steering is noisy, tires appear to wear quickly, doesnt get the gas mileage claimed, (28.5 hwy on recent trip), the a/c doesnt get super cold (tint the glass, fixed!), the seat material gives off tangles as it wears. But as far as everything else, I love it! I had a Pathfinder that got 14mpg, even at 28mpg is saving me tons of cash. Its peppy, handles great, looks good, quiet enough interior and with a new stereo, its got good tunes too. The first owner had upgraded a few things, like 16" wheels and spoiler. The seat belt noise will drive you crazy though. Overall, I love it. May put a sunroof in, maybe aftermarket speed parts. All in all, its great!

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  Best in class - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By wanorris - July 8 - 1:30 pm

  All cars in this class involve tradeoffs, but if you want an affordable, reliable drivers car, the Protege ES is unbeatable. Its got the best handling in the class, its the roomiest in its class, its as reliable as a Corolla, and its peppier than the Corolla or Civic. The Sentra SE has more under the hood, but it wont handle as well, and it will likely be in the shop some. Ive had this car for 2 years now, and I still absolutely love to drive it. Bottom line, this is an extremely practical car thats a lot of fun to drive. One final note: compared with the ES, the 2000 DX and LX have a smaller, underpowered engine. The ES is the one to own.

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  vroom is for real - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By george mouzakis - July 7 - 5:50 pm

  Have just had a month. No problems. The tranny lets me take turns being a teenager and a sedate 60 year old. Air and heat could be a little more powerful, and fuel economy is zilch -- but you know this when you buy it. Everything else is awesome - my gut gives out long before the car does in cloverleafs. Just hearing the solid sound and the way the door closes reassures you of the quality. And driving at night with the red/blue dash lights allows me to believe Im captaining the space shuttle. Go for it if you can!

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  Good but not great - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John G - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I really liked this car at first. It has the larger engine and is fun to drive. It has developed a small air leak noise on the right side. Sometimes it feels like the tires are pulling right or left at 25 mph. After only 10000 miles the front tires are worn badly and almost need to be replaced. Its not easy to find tires for the 17" wheels, and when you do theyre very expensive! The console makes the drivers leg room cramped. Be very careful when you park facin a crub because the front is very low and is easily damaged. I would not buy another one until I know these and other problems have been corrected