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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  SILVER BULLETT - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ZOOM ZOOM - April 25 - 7:53 pm

  Wonderful family sports sedan ! Regularly have positive comments & inquiries made at the gas pump, etc. by interested strangers...Once underway, the 4-cylinder gets up and goes at speeds above 50 mph ++. Nothing like it ! The automatic/manual shift transmission is a great idea for an all around exciting driving experience in all manner of traffic and driving conditions I feel.

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  Not a winter vehicle!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Zepppo - April 24 - 7:23 pm

  WE bought the Mazda 5 as it offers 6 seats without the bulk of a real mini-van. The design of the vehicle is good, but it feels a little "flimsy" compared to our Honda CRV. Gas mileage is good (again, compared to a minivan) and its a pretty peppy ride. The biggest problem is driving on snow and ice, however (I live in AB,Canada). To compensate for the lack of oomph Mazda designed the manual gearbox with very "short" gears. First gear has so much torque that you can barely start moving without the wheels spinning! We bought Michelin X-Ice2 tires which helped a bit, but its still not fun driving this vehicle on snow and ice. For a winter environment this is definitely not the right choice

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  Fun to Drive for so little - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By ozman406 - April 24 - 5:36 am

  I got a great deal on this car at end of year. I wanted every option available. I log lots of highway miles due to commute. This car is a hoot to drive. I put better tires on it and it handles beautifully. I perform all scheduled maintenance on time and have had no issue except for the ABS brakes. The last time I had them replaced about 10k miles ago, the dealer didnt even do a test drive. I started to drive off the lot and the noise and grabbing was unbearable. Lost another day without it until they fixed the issue.

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  B2300 extended cab - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By mwhipple - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for the gas mileage,got what I expected. Not much on power, drives and rides smooth. Not had any mechanical problems so far.

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  A lot of car for little cash. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dozhdbog - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration and a tight suspension make this car fun to drive.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Peter122 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  excellent car. everything about it

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  Great for the kids - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By dcbruin - April 23 - 2:10 am

  Bought this car for my new drivers and I have been very happy. So far, its been reliable and served them well. Great extras and good handling make it a fun car to drive. Lots of room for stuff too. The stiff suspension takes some getting use to. Its not a cushy ride at all. For going back and forth to school its great !

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  "I Love My MADZA TRIBUTE!" - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Madza Tribute - April 23 - 1:16 am

  The day I gave this black SUV a trial run I had to buy it. It was the first one sold in Contra Costa County. Every where I went people asked me what kind of SUV it was ... I still get compliments on it. It has been the true "ZOOM ZOOM" that they advertised. It pulls my Sea-Doo with no effort. The 4-wheel drive is easy to use and works great up in the snow. The ONLY thing that was negative is that they put the shift control on the steering wheel instead of on the floor; sometimes when you change the volume on the radio you accidentally hit the steering shifter. I think they have remedied this on newer models. I love this SUV!

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  After 17,900 Miles ... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Virgin1 - April 20 - 9:23 pm

  I still love this car. Yes, it has a few flaws but at less than $20K its a deal. As stated before me the car/tires leaves something to be desired in rain and even more so in snow and ice. Yokohamas may have been a better choice than the Goodyears. Get the ABS package! Its a lil pricey but includes side and curtain air bags. Also, get the 6-CD changer even if you dont think you want it (as I did). I plan to install a 22mm rear anti-sway bar to reduce understeer. In spite of what others have said here, I have raced cars and any factory front driver understeers too much. I think 25-32 MPG is excellent for a car like this one ... any car really, and on regular 87 octane fuel too.

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  2010 MazdaA6 Grand Touring - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bill - April 19 - 6:40 am

  Just bought the car over the weekend. We looked at about a dozen in this category and went with the Mazda. So far we really like all the options, BlueTooth, Nav, Sirius etc.