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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  2006 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By markanash - June 7 - 4:19 pm

  Great little car now with 138K on it. Nice features including the Bose sound, LED lights, adjustable headlights, great styling, etc.

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  Mediocre Mazda - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By meh. - June 7 - 1:13 am

  My Mazda was a college gift from my parents bought in great condition. I learned stick in this car and it was very smooth. The gas mileage was also great, and being a college commuter who drives 60miles a day to and from school, the gas was quite cheap. Got in one accident with a deer that completely demolished the car costing around three grand to fix (fix enough to pass inspection that is). The a/c has broken, check engine light is very flighty, had many pipe clogs, brakes failed... all within six months of purchase.

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  nice car so far - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By topcatken - June 5 - 10:34 pm

  I bought this a few months ago with 53,000 miles on it. Except for a vacuum hose which was expensive, it is serving us well. The vehicle is easy to handle because it is smaller but easy to adjust for different uses. Rear seat folds down into floor or you can flip it back for tailgating. Has a/c vents front and rear, seats 7 and is easy getting in and out. Have driven it back and forth across west Texas twice now and did what I asked it to do.

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  Reviewing the Protege - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MackDadam - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive it, looks great and feels great. Interior looks quality made, no cheap plastic here. But it lacks power, needs more than 130 hp but it still gets me places. If having to choose between reliability and speed I would choose reliability and that is why I chose the protege. Never gives me a problem (knock on wood...hope not) and people are attracted to it, saying they did not know mazda made a car like that. Overall, great car, needs boost though.

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  What you sees what you get more or less - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dctoronto - June 4 - 8:13 am

  Okay forget the zoom, zoom. This is a small mini van for families who primarily take short trips around town carrying 2 kids and a lot of stuff or 3-4 kids with bare essentials. If that is what you want, then the Mazda5 will not disappoint you. Fuel economy ought to be better but is respectable, fit, finish etc. is also satisfactory, as is driving experience and comfort (note Im a large person too). Reliability has been fine except for the brakes which need an expensive servicing that, so far, the dealer claims is not covered by the warranty. Please note, Im writing from Canada, U.S. customers might have different experience with warranty service.

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  How fast am I driving? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Waldemar - May 31 - 8:43 pm

  The Mazda3 is fun to drive and gets good mileage. I bought it fully loaded with automatic, ABS, and side air bags. I like the cars handling, feel for the road, and the manual mode on the automatic transmission. On the other hand, a nearly fatal flaw is that the speedometer and other gauges are so far recessed into the instrument panel and unlit that theyre extremely difficult and tiresome to read on sunny days within 3 hours of sunrise/set or driving in and out of shade. I have to stare at the instrument panel for a second or two to let my eyes adjust to the darkness before I know how fast Im going. The gauges are fine on cloudy days and fantastic at night.

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  pros & cons - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By etanretla - May 31 - 11:03 am

  a fully loaded alternative to a minivan, for half the price, but equally practical!

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  wouldnt buy again - 2000 Mazda 626
  By 626 driver - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 626 3 years ago and it has been a reliable car. The only mechanical problem was last summer when the air conditioner failed. The biggest problem with the car is the road noise. It comes from underneath (we live on a dirt road) and the windows and doors let in too much noise. Ive also noticed that the 626 doesnt seem to hold its value and Im a little worried about trading it off next year.

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  I love my VAn - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By LAinee - May 31 - 10:00 am

  its been great. i have never had any issues with this car and the kids love it!

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  One reliable car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By aaron - May 27 - 2:43 pm

  First off this car will not beat too many vehicles on the road. It will get you where you want to go but speed is not what my car is about. I cant speak for the V6 models but my 4 banger is definitely missing the VROOM VROOM. But I havent had 1 problem with the car yet so its reliability for me is outstanding and gets a 10 thus far. Car has no thrills and is nothing impressive. It just does the job its meant to do and does it well. I think it would be a good car to give to a high school kid or a family. But I wouldnt want to go hit the town in it.