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 Value Sport Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By gareman - October 13 - 12:16 pm

  Ive owned some amazing cars, mostly BMWs, but I was starting my own business and a family. The 6 sport wagon provided sport sedan handling in an affordable, reliable package. It had some minor problems while still under warranty, such as needing two new stereo head units, but has since been reliable. It drives wonderfully and I love the 5 speed manual. The turning radius is awful. Low RPM acceleration is pretty bad; there wasnt a need to gear it like a 4- cylinder. Its a fun highway cruiser and obviously does very well on corners. The quality of your tires will make a huge difference with this car. Sadly, there are no more sport wagons being produced by Mazda in the US.

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  Cant stop looking at it or driving it... wow... stunning automobile. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cecmazda6 - October 12 - 4:00 pm

  Wow how many superlatives are there in the English dictionary? Ive had some pretty nice midsized cars in recent years - 11 Optima EX, 12 Sonata 2.0 Turbo limited (nice turbo power) & even an 09 Mazda6 Touring (which like a great indie film excellent but under publicized), but great as these all were in their own respects, none evoked the level of pure joy my meteor gray 2014 6 touring w/tech package has! Looks are subjective but I literally cant stop looking at it & snapping photos haha! Ride remarkably smooth despite 19" rims & tight suspension. Cabin dead silent at idle road noise not that bad. Great acceleration close to Sonata turbo despite 90 less hp. Fantastic car!!!

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  I Love my car!!!!!!!!! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RDLundy - October 9 - 7:43 am

  Her name is Whitney and she is beauty! I have loved her from the first time I saw her! She is fun to drive and just my size! For years my sisters (All drive large cars) have questioned my decision not to buy another cars. 1. Theres no need! Whitney provides everything I want in a car. 2. Gas is too damn high! I get 27 miles to the gallon! 3. When we all get together, my car is left at home. Only two seats so not good for carpools or designated driving! 4. NO CAR PAYMENT FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS! Need I say more?

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  Great handling, subpar build quality - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jason P - October 8 - 9:26 am

  I was very excited to get my 2003 6i automatic. I opted for the 4cyl. because I felt that it would save me on gas and intial purchase price. I have been upset at the gas mileage however never getting better than 24.5 hwy and 23 city. The design team did an awesome job with this car and the handling is great for the price range. Interior build quality is terribly cheap and unexpected on certain things. At 4,000 miles shift gate metal "look" trim has nicked and scratched. Worse the cloth front seats are already fraying and the drivers side has started a small tear on the drivers bottom cushion just from getting in and out. I have not contacted the dealer about this but intend to.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By dyna - October 6 - 5:50 pm

  Actually, this probably isnt a bad little car. The problem may be that Im comparing it to my previous car, a Saab 9-3, which cost the SAME amount of money to lease as the Mazda! I guess I didnt appreciate its turbo engine and excellent gas mileage while I had it. Im certainly feeling like Im getting less for the same price. The Mazdas a "cute" car, but not overly impressive for the price. Its slow on the uptake, but rides nicely once it gets going. The seats are comfy and it definitely is a fun car to drive. The dash, however, looks like what it is, cheap plastic. Frankly, Im having "leasers remorse". Unfortunately I have another 3 years in this car.

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  Quality controls could be better - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tom gio - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My car was delivered to me with a leaking windshield,anotherleak which soaked the carpet,a damaged headliner and the front end out of line.The dealer did all repairs to my satisfaction.Unfortunately,Mazda customer service didnt think this was anything to be concerned about.

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  Worried about gas mileage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By hotrodbabe - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Im getting much lower mileage than I expected: 16.3 mpgal for the first 3 fillups, including one nice long road trip. I even ran out of gas after only 257 miles on a full tank of gas! That never should have happened. This is way below the advertised gas mileage. First there was the problem with the horsepower lower on the production cars than on the pre-production models; now lower gas mileage. Im starting to wonder about this engine!

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  super fun car for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Randoff - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. Its a bargain for all that you get with this car. Who can beat the cost (31,100) and still provide you with speed and innnovativeness. I love the red/black interior color combo. I dont like the quality of the material for the inside though. The dashbord looks "dirty" even when its clean. I considered the 350Z and the G35 Coupe. Both were a few thousand dollars out of my price range. My recommendation, get the RX-8 M/T. Peace!

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  Still Going Strong - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Shooter20 - October 4 - 10:00 pm

  Weve owned this van since it was new 8 years ago and its still going strong. Its at 110K miles and while its now been demoted to my "work" vehicle and replaced by an 07 Honda Odyssey, its still earning its keep. Its more nimble than the Honda, just not big enough any more for the two much larger teenagers. Great van for a young family or couples that need a multi-purpose vehicle.

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  Good crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mazdaowner - October 4 - 10:00 am

  We looked at Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX & Mazda CX-9 when it seemed that our next car should be a family car. Loved my Acura 3.2 TL Sedan but Acura MDX was priced out. Highlander and CX-9 were the finalists and CX-9 won in aesthetics and functionality. Based on reviews, we didnt get the Navigation & wanted to avoid the 20" wheels of the Grand Touring, so got a Touring. Leather is OK. Would like better in-dash NAV since the Garmin 1350T we bought is nowhere close to the Acura NAV we had 10 years ago! Our dealership seems to have a deal with ADS(?) who will install a better NAV (Kentwood) with warranty. $1600/$1900. Yet to try. Paid $30,200.00 with 60 month no interest.