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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  A Sad Day - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike C - November 6 - 4:00 pm

  This is my 3rd review here for this car and my last. I just traded it in last week with 184,000 miles. I couldnt have asked any more of this gem. Here is my list of maintenance and repairs over the last 4 years: 47 oil changes, 2 sets of spark plugs, 4 air filters, 2 sets of rubber, 1 radiator flush, 1 transmission flush, 1 set of brake pads, 2 head lights bulbs and 1 battery. All but the transmission flush was done myself. Unexpected repairs: Zero

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  initial report on new 2014 CX-5 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By tamoshanter55 - November 6 - 9:01 am

  ok...ill have to admit that im already a little biased with brand loyalty - have had a 1990 protege with 270k before selling it, and still have 2000 626 with 307k going strong. replaced my 2008 nissan rogue after its engine blew out and came back to mazda. bought it last week. so far, 600 miles, very satisfied. seats a little snug for me (am 511" and 260), but stil comfortable. adjusting to tom-tom after having garmin for 5 years - slower than my garmin; BOSE sound is very good - i like the ipod connection and pandora. acceleration a bit sensitive - downshifts quickly, but 10x better than rogues CVT. quiet and smooth. will give update later

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  Worth a look - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By hdatomzd - November 5 - 12:10 am

  Bought the Mazda6s Touring in Dec and it has been a decent vehicle. The V6 engine performs well, yet like others have said; not as refined. My 07 V6 accord was a touch more refined. It makes some odd noises at idle as well. The car is plenty quick, but you will pay the price in gas mileage. In mixed driving, I will avg. 16- 18mpg, which is not acceptable. My Accord would at least get 21, but wasnt as fun to drive. While the car is bigger, it does not always feel that way inside. The trunk is big but the height inside the trunk seems short. The base audio setup sounds terrible. No clarity or depth whatsoever, plan on a upgrade. Lastly, the 18inch tires are very loud and sensitive.

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  I wish I could buy this car again new. - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Bornaleo819 - November 4 - 8:36 am

  My brother passed this car on to me in 2005 after my car was totaled in an accident & he wanted to get a new BMW. He has regretted that decision ever since. I still have it today in 2010 & he has gone through about 3-4 cars still trying to find the right one. This car is reliable, does really well with gas, has good power acceleration to it, is comfortable and besides normal wear & tear with tires, the only thing that happened was a leak with the radiator & in the air intake hose there was a hole. I replaced both parts & runs like brand freaking new. Unfortunately, I have a small daughter so this car can feel tight sometimes but this is a car you will not regret getting. Shes a beaut.

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  Just got a GT ! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By supersnipe - November 4 - 7:57 am

  We were having issues finding CX-5s in South Florida but found a good assortment at Ocean Mazda in Doral, FL. First of all, let me start of by saying that ive been looking into buying a car for the past year 2 years but never pulled the trigger. Ive test driven the new RAV4, CR-V, and a few other used vehicles. They werent enough checks in the box for all of them meaning there was always some sort of compromise. Well, I bought a white Grand Touring with leather, bose audio system and moonroof for 27K on May 5th. This is the complete package. Great looks, great interior, great features, great driving feel, and great MPG. Power is average compared to my 4.0L Tacoma but no complaints.

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  Mazda Rocks - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda 6 - November 3 - 9:36 pm

  This car is awesome. Fun to drive and ride in. Its fast and has a good amount of room.

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  2006 Mazda 5 Sport - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By 06SportDrvr - November 2 - 12:23 pm

  I believe this is a great vehicle for young families. The third row seats are essentially jump seats for kids. You can cram people back there for very short drives only. Very easy to drive, but be warned the seats are very firm (Mazda explains this as being "sport seats" - decide for yourself). The drivers seat now has multiple squeaks within the seat, starting to drive me crazy. I get 24-25 miles per gallon, with a mix of city/highway driving which I think is poor for a 2.3L 4 cylinder with an automatic transmission. Perhaps a bigger engine or 5 speed automatic transmission would help. Shame on Mazda for not properly advertising this vehicle - could probably double sales.

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  MAZDA CX7 RIP OFF - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By yopauly - November 2 - 8:09 am

  Purchased brand new by my wife (46 years old). 50 thousand miles. list of repairs ;3 batteries not covered, four sets of tires first set lasted 8000 miles, 2 different wheel bearings first one covered second one was 460.00, sub freezing weather will not disengage from park. Now the big one, labor day weekend motor blew on busy 2 lane country road my wife and son were almost killed trying to steer to the side of the road. Timing chain broke damaging the head 3200 dollars for repair. MAZDA NOT COVERING. They built a TURD and are not standing behind their product. Anyone wishing to start a class action law suit please include us

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  Best vehicle Ive ever bought - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By hector - November 2 - 2:00 am

  So far this car has been an A+ performer. Looks, good performance, and the cornering ability of a tuned up sports car makes this truly a fun car to drive, could use a bit more power up front which I plan to add with the Turbo kit. Excellent purchase.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever bought - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Hector - November 2 - 2:00 am

  So far this car has been an A+ performer. Looks, good performance, and the cornering ability of a tuned up sports car makes this truly a fun car to drive, could use a bit more power up front which I plan to add with the Turbo kit. Excellent purchase.