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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  the mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kellyw - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have really done my homework on all the cars in this market and price range and by far the Mazda 3 out classes them all. For over all value and options, the choice is clear its the 3.

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  1 Awesome Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 1HotMama - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Mazda 6s because I am a new Mom and still wanted a sporty looking car im only 23 so i didnt want a car that would make me feel old being a Mom and all and ever since i have had my car I want to drive everywhere I go. I have even recommended purchasing my car to a few friends who are looking to purchase new cars. In fact, my older sister just purchased the exact same car and she loves it because you feel so young and alive when you drive it. I woul;d trade my car for the world.

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  Reliable and Worth the Cost - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John K - April 27 - 9:36 pm

  This has been an excellent and fun car to own.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazdanomore - April 26 - 3:50 pm

  Did Mazda six stand for 6 miles to a gallon less than advertised? Used to own Plymouth Breeze that got on average 5 miles to gallon better. Ive had it in the shop 3 times now for a rattle coming out of the dash when AC/defrost is on. Dealership still doesnt know what it is, and even tried to bill me for a $130 on the first look because they said it was leaves jammed up in the cabin air filter. Probably will look at a different make and will sell this off before I pay out my lease. Other than looking good, car seems a little less than average. For 10,000 miles, I wouldnt have expected to be in the shop 4 times to fix things.

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  PROTEGE5 user from OTTAWA CANADA - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bernie K - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car for over 6 months now and have not regretted it since. The car has excellent power and acceleration for a car in its class, although it does need high revs before power kicks in. The standard conveniences are superb, but A/C seems a little weak on really hot days. The handling is tight and feedback through the wheel is ample, even in winter climate.

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  An excellent weekend car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BrianSoCA - April 26 - 8:53 am

  Had been wanting one for quite a while. Got a GT model with all the bells and whistles and 6 sp. manual. Wasnt sure if Id enjoy a stick again but glad I bought it. Solid build quality and corners as if its on rails. Nice exhaust note. Small size makes it easy to keep clean. Chassis and engine combination is very balanced: Not so much power to get you into "trouble"; brakes are excellent.

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  great Mazda 3! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3 hatchback - April 26 - 4:20 am

  My Mazda 3 has been my favorite car I have ever owned. It is sporty, practical, and great fun to drive. I have had many luxury sedans, and two other small midsize cars. I like my Mazda 3 best. I have the hatchback body style.

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  09 sky vs 09 phrt mx5 - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Redprhtlady - April 26 - 4:06 am

  Bought my first convertible in aug of 08 which was a Saturn sky, hated it! Now I have a 09 phrt mx5, love it! I have a trunk and I can put the top up & down in 12 seconds. The skys top was very hard to get down if you are a woman. The sky is a sharp looking car, but in my opinion my miata is the bomb! Sky rated a 5. Mx5 rated 10+ with me!

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  Fun Fun with the Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob C - April 25 - 11:36 pm

  Me and the wife have an older 6 (2003 6i Sport) that is getting a little long in the tooth. She was looking at a Lexus IS but I persuaded her to look at this new 6. We do not regret this purchase! It is powerful, comfortable, roomy, and is a looker inside and out. We bought a fully loaded performance white 6s with moonroof, Bose, satellite radio and navi, and is worth every penny. It is a blast to drive, smooth and effortless power delivery out of the 6 cyl and 6 speed auto. The seats are firm but comfortable, the sound system can rattle the doors off if you like, and the trunk is huge. This is supposed to be my wifes car, but I find myself hogging the drivers seat, ha!

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  Nice Care Overall - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By John - April 25 - 10:16 pm

  Had this car 2 weeks. 4 cyl is adequate at 170 hp but no thrill ride. I do mostly hwy driving. So far mpg is 27. Solid feeling car. I bought this over other sedans because of the exterior styling. Seems to stand out in a crowd. As mentioned in another review you can hear the gas in the tank. Overall Im very pleased. One note- Im 61" and the steering wheel height cuts off the top of the gauges unless you have the seat on the ground. This is annoying.