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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  I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By amiss28 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my new mazda 6. It is so fun to drive. Mazda realy has gone the exrea mile with this one.

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  Love the Zoom-Zoom. - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By AWmustang - March 11 - 4:33 am

  Takes corners like a sports car. Swallows stuff like a wagon. Accelerates like a sports sedan. Looks like nothing else on the road. If these are your priorities youll love it.

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  Awesome little car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By acroy - March 10 - 9:23 pm

  We have 7 yrs and 105k. We like how it looks, drives, and handles. It’s been very reliable, very practical. It is sporty and involving. 5 spd drivetrain is responsive, a bit noisy but not bad. Mileage is 28 mpg mixed. Ride is firm and responsive. 195 width tires are not common but 205 are easy to find. Reliability is outstanding. I redid the brakes at 40k and nothing since. Interior fits like a glove, Mazda knows sport ergonomics. Supportive seats etc. Build quality is great. No loose trim, leaks, suspension wearing out, etc. It rides and feels solid. Overall: for the money you can get more mpg, more space, more cush. But you will not get more combined fun & practicality.

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  A fun mid-size sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alex H. - March 10 - 7:10 pm

  Ive had my 6 i Sport with AT for about a month now and so far it has been a very enjoyable car to drive. I like the design (both exterior and interior), which offers a sporty look. The sport package adds a lot of nice standard features. The Bose audio system is great, although the CD changer shouldve been MP3 compatible as a standard feature. I find that the AT tends to be a bit slow to downshift sometimes, but maybe its just my style of driving. Overall it performs well and smooth. The interior is quiet and well laid out. Im getting about 27mpg so far in mixed driving, but expect that to improve a bit.

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  Im still alive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By osusanna8 - March 10 - 12:10 pm

  Purchased 7/06, someone hit me turning left in front of me 1 week ago. The complete front end was totaled. Luckily I made it out alive, and felt very lucky. I think this car saved my life. It wasnt a head on collision, but it was close enough that the air bags shouldve deployed (I thought). Maybe the severity of the crash controls them? One more thing. Going from a Camry to this car, I feel like Im always having to fill up my tank, so its hard for me to tell if Im really getting good gas mileage. Adding the numbers at each fill up, I got about 3 miles under what manufacturer reports in city and 2 miles under on the hwy. Overall, I enjoyed it.

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  Good, but not as good as I had hoped for - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By philly6000 - March 10 - 5:07 am

  New S Grand Touring purchased. Ive put on 1750 miles. Plusses: - Nice looking, comfortable interior (almond). - Zoom Zoom (see below) - keyless doors, hatch, and start button - Adaptive Headlights - parts of the Infotainment Minuses: - Fuel efficiency *far below* whats advertised: Ive averaged only 28.5mpg when driving conservatively (with hardly any air conditioning). - Text Msg woes (see below) - Hijacking phones audio woes (see below) Road feel on uneven freeway: picks up bumpiness Road/tire noise: a bit loud on certain roads Water hides in cracks after car washes, and comes out after driving away from car wash; creates water spots I have to remove myself.

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  Lots of Bang for the Bucks - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By r wood - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is both practical and fun to drive. Ive read other reviews stating the vehicle is underpowered, I disagree. The handling is terrific, and it turns on a dime. Storage is very good with the seats folded down. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for good gas mileage, cargo capacity, and enjoys driving a good handling car/van.

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  Great car - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By kydanco - March 9 - 11:17 pm

  We bought our 2015 CX 5 in August . We traded in our 2014 CX 5 cause I wanted a grand touring model. We love the car and it is a hoot to drive. Mileage is spot on and the Pandora woks great. don"t really use the nav system. Cant say enough good things about it. A little trip to the E Bay store for some crome items for the outside and it is a head turner. I named it our Mazda-Rotti. Looks like a mini Lexus

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  Great Car / Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By nycmoose - March 9 - 7:10 pm

  Handles like a sports car, especially on twisty country roads, FUN to drive and as comfortable as a big highway cruiser on long trips. My opinion: you dont need the V6; the 4 is sufficient and when you need to punch it it really takes off. Mileage from 23 to 29 mixed highway/city and with and without a/c. 4,700 miles and so far not a squeak, rattle or problem. Perfect size vehicle, plenty of room yet agile; cant beat the versatility of the hatch. Excellent driving position; very comfortable seats. Very quiet. Transmission nice and smooth. On the downside: bad rear over the shoulder blind spot; side mirrors dont retract (very bad for living in NYC); turning radius is annoying but not horrible.

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  Very reliable - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff - March 9 - 2:46 pm

  Excellent and good looking vehicle, no major problem as of today. Good handling, braking is average in winter conditions and the windshield seems to be a problem (had to be changed twice - cracked by small rocks impacts). You should consider buying a rear step protector because the paint can be easily scratched when loading or unloading from the cargo bay. Too bad that Mazda want to replace it with a cross-whatever vehicle (Mazda 7).