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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  Great Toy - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KDSPUCK - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Dont forget its intended purpose and youll love it! More trunk room than before - a real plus. A little more power would be nice, but, this issue can easily addressed aftermarket. LS trim and suspension (drive both before you buy) upgrades are worth the money if you want to save yourself some aftermarket work.

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  stranded w/ 2 kids - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By stranded w/ 2 kids - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Tribute for 3.5 months and it died on me. I had two kids in the car and it was 100 degrees outside. My youngest was only 2 months old! My dealer came to our rescue and got us out of the heat pretty quick. Turns out there was a power control module that had to be reprogrammed. We had a Mazda MX3 years ago and loved it but my confidence has been shaken this time.

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  Great little GoKart - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mike - July 24 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car as a summer toy and alternative commuter vehicle instead of my gas guzzling SUV. I had also considered the Pontiac Solstice, but found the level of fit, finish and refinement greater in the MX-5. Its obvious that improvements in the 19 years of production put the MX-5 as the front runner of affordable roadsters. It doesnt have the performance of a Porsche Boxster, or the panache of a BMW Z4, but at less than half the price, who cares! Popping the top down in 3 seconds for the drive home on a sunny day is priceless.

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  A good car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By NRI - July 23 - 4:16 pm

  I love this car for following reasons 1. Comfort. I love the interior comforts and the features that it has like Swing Vents 2. Driving. The acceleration was good. Pick up was not comparable to Chrysler V6 but not bad either. 3. I have driven this car over the NH mountains and never had issues. 4. Had to recharge the AC at about 97kmiles and timing belt replaced and after that the AC is fine without issues Regular oil changes , 90000 service, done. Recently had to replace the transmission hose as it had some problems.

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  Zoom-zoom! It really comes down to value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomnbyu - July 23 - 8:56 am

  Ive had my 6s for almost five years and 67000 mostly trouble free miles. I wont lie and say that I never had the car to the dealer for repairs. My warranty file is pretty thick. However, most of any of my original concerns with this car that were repaired under warranty never recurred. Being that I bought a first year car, I chalk that up to working out the bugs. This car has always been extremely fun to drive. Thats why I bought it. It will always bring a smile to your face when the corners begin to fill your windshield! Build quality is average. Reliability has been good. I will be passing this car down in eighteen months to my son who will be heading to college.

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  Better than average - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By extragno - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Good overall.

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  I must have bought the lemon - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By FFEJY - July 19 - 10:00 am

  It actually a Protege 5 For the price, its a great deal. However as of 30,00km Ive already had the flywheel and clutch replaced, the suspension sqeeks, tranny really clunks and the seat rails are seized. I think Mazda has the right idea but forgot a few details. Oh ya according to the dealer Im an idiot because there nothing wrong with my Protege 5

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  Really Amazing Overall - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By VO - July 17 - 11:42 am

  If you like a great responsive sporty SUV this is your car. Yes as other review said third row can be a little more roomier but if you dont use it very often the cargo space is great. It is very well designed inside and out, very quick to accelerate and handles as a sport sedan. All driving aids and safety features are great too. Highly recommended

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  Mixed Emotions - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jimsrod - July 17 - 3:00 am

  Performance, comfort and functionality are balanced nicely with the 6s. The interior/exterior are the most sporty and the price is very competitive for its class. Mazda service has been okay in trying to resolve issues. The dashboard makes an annoying noise as well as the sunroof "ticks or pops". I still need to take it to the dealer for the dashboard so I cant give a negative there but they cant pinpoint the sunroof noise. Brakes could be better but thats not just a Mazda problem, all manufacturers have brake issues. Throttle response was annoying but Mazda fixed it. 1st year of a new model but I got 0% financing so it was worth it. All cars have issues so overall Im happy.

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  my new car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jared - July 13 - 6:56 am

  I traded up my 93 Protege LX and purchased a 2003 Mazda6. I was sad to see my Protege go but I LOVE the 6. Mazda has come a long way in 10 years. I was very impressed all around. It drives great and is well equipped for the price! Its no BMW or anything but still in my opinion the best that Mazda offers.