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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  Best Bang for the Buck! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By nyminutes - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, well made car with vroom , thats less than $15k. Get the 5 speed, very smooth. The handling on this car is excellent, better than many sports sedans selling for 25k+! The fit finish/reliability is better than any JapanMexOhiocan from Honda, Nissan or Toyota. Lets face it, how many older 1s of those do u see out there lately??? You still see many older Proteges though, still made in Hiroshima by workers whos average tenure with the company is 21 years! The only downside to the car is resale value, but if u want a great car, that u can beat on trouble-free for 100k+ miles, this is the car.

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  Best C-Segment car with potential to be even better - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By lahrs37 - April 28 - 11:54 pm

  This car is really fun to dive and it is also nice to look at. After making a compromise with my wife to get a four door hatchback, I assumed that driving excitement would have to be banished. Not so! This car is a blast to toss around in the corners. The seats hold you very well in place and manual transmission is one of the best I have sampled. With all of that said I do wish that some of the money spent on technology whiz-bang was diverted to more sturdy interior materials. The stalks coming off the steering wheel feel like they might break if hit too hard and the silver plastic door handles remind you every time you exit the car that this is no BMW.

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  Good, Not Amazing - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By miniMomma - April 28 - 1:00 pm

  I am really enjoying our new Mazda5, but I am not overly amazed. It is a very small mini van. Our small, umbrella stroller doesnt even fit! I know we will out grow this soon, but it is fun for now.

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  A Very Reliable Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nathan - April 24 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased this car used with about 50,000 miles on it. After 2 years and 25,000 more miles, I had absolutely no issues with this car. I couldnt have asked for more for the money that I spent. Leather seats, in-dash CD changer, sunroof... even the stereo system was good. To top it off I averaged around 30 MPG with mixed driving (I thought it would do better but couldnt complain). Unfortunately, I was just rear-ended and the car was totaled. I am seriously considering buying another Mazda as I was very happy with this car.

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  Surprisingly Disappointed - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Amy - April 23 - 10:20 pm

  Purchased my MPV 12/02 after my 2nd child was born for easier entry & exit than my Jeep Cherokee, and more passenger room. After much research on minivans, I decided I wanted (but could not afford) a Honda Odyssey. The MPV ran a close 2nd. The first year of owning it was good. Things went down hill after that. The Dunlop tires that came on it were bald after less than 28K miles. Its been in for mechanical repairs & recalls more than any other vehicle Ive ever owned (Chevy, Ford, Jeep). Its in now for another $400-500 repair after I just replaced the tires. After 3 years of ownership, Im sad to say, it has not been as reliable as I thought it would. Style & comfort good. Reliability, not good.

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  Lots of Fun, All Around Good Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 23 - 1:30 am

  I have owned this car 6 months and so far no problems. Good looking car that is fun to drive. Engine is fairly powerful and can easily merge onto highways as well as provide good passing power. My only complaint is the lack of a 6th gear. At 70 mph, the engine is at 3,300 RPMs. I have never owned a car that did that and it can be loud if you go even faster. Maybe with the automatic it is not as bad or loud? Anyway, overall good car. Also, has great storage capacity with the hatchback!

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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Tom G - April 19 - 12:53 pm

  We bought this vehicle new and have had an overall positive experience with it. It handles very well and although it is a smaller van, it has met the space needs of our family quite well (3 kids, mom and dad). Reliability has been above average but not great... no major problems. Weve taken it camping on some very rough roads over the years and it has come through unscathed.

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe W. - April 16 - 6:06 pm

  I like quirky cars, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Its not an annoying car, just different. The 3.0L V6 is not as strong as you would think down low, but the car asks you to drive it in a higher rev range. Driving the car higher in the rev range doesnt screw up the fuel economy very much. Gotta love the huge hatch opening. My only gripe is the weird front seats the have too much thigh support for us manual drivers. Yeah, and the shifter itself is slightly clunky, but it performs flawlessly.

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By yamura - April 13 - 10:03 pm

  We bought this car new, but at a discount probably because its a stick and had been sitting on the dealers lot for 6 months. In over 40 years of driving I would rate it as one of my favorite cars, combining fun to drive, decent economy (City avg 22+ mpg, Hwy 26-27 mpg), looks and reliability. The V6 has a distinct midrange, but will pull smoothly from 1500 in top gear. Ergonomically its superb with controls laid out well and the pedals arranged for easy heel & toeing.

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  First time Mazda purchase - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bruce - April 12 - 6:13 pm

  Traded a 98 Lexus sedan with 170,000 miles for the new s grand touring. Looked at Camray and Accord but thought the Mazda offered better value for the money. Interior is refined with no gimmicks to clutter the appearance, although materials are plastic, appearance is disguised well. Love the red / blue night lighting. Power is superb and delivered effortlessly via the 6 speed automatic.The auto-stick is also fun for a change now and then. Ride is sporty, not plush. Navigation works very well although the menu operating system is a bit quirky compared to other units. Sound system is a 10+. Only complaint with 10k miles is the paint seems a bit fragile, with numerous front bumper chips.