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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  Longtime Mazda buyer disappointed - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By 2thebeach - January 9 - 3:13 am

  Have owned seven different Mazdas. All served me well except my 03 MPV ES. Problems are as follows. 41000 miles, recall for fan control module, PCV hose and fuel trim code correction. Also replaced a leaking crank seal. 42500 replaced #6 ignition coil and spark plug. 47500 replaced leaking oil pan gasket and coolant line leading to rear heat/ac. 84000 replaced coils #3 & #5 plus front sway bar links. Other problems during ownership include replacing over half of the exterior bulbs, considerable body rust around rear wheel wells and the paint finish flaking off of the alloy wheels! Sorry Mazda, I dont give second chances now that so many brands both foreign & domestic build quality cars.

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  My most dependable car ever - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Brian - January 8 - 7:23 pm

  A great little dependable commuter. Ive nothing but good things to say about the Protege. Mine has gone for 8 years and 220,000 miles. The only issues aside from routine maintenance were motor mounts, front wheel cv boots, and a front wheel bearing at approx. 150,000 miles. Considering my purchase price of 11k in 2000 new from the dealer this car cost me just $0.05 per mile. Looking forward to my next Mazda commuter.

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  Worst-Car Ever Purchased - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jofried - January 8 - 6:00 am

  Purchased this Mazda brand new. In 4 years, Ive had the radiator replaced, hoses replaced twice, A/C replaced, two recalls,TCM (transmission control module) replaced, spark plug wires replaced, brakes still squeal after replacements, and worst of all was when my throttle body blew at 60mph and shutdown my electrical system as well leaving me to coast with no power. Ive complained to Mazda USA HQ and they did nothing when I requested a free extended warranty. I am now in the market for a new car and will never purchase a Mazda in my entire lifetime.

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  robs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Robtc - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!! We love it. I am 64" and I fit just fine in this car. Pleanty of head room and leg room.

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  Mazda3 Sedan - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By vinlander - January 1 - 11:53 am

  I bought my Mazda3i sedan AT two months ago. It performs well, Im only sorry I didnt choose manual transmission as the engine is very lively and car itself is light, so MT may give you better feeling of the car. But the AT performs smooth, is very responsive and very comfortable to ride. Being 62" means many of the cars just wont give you enough space. Only question I may have is the fuel economy. I do 1/2 hwy & 1/2 city with one passenger and after 2500 miles, I got not more than 26 mpg. I thought it would be more savvy on gas consumption.

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  Brand New - Still Reviewing... - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By jumpforjan - December 31 - 4:55 pm

  Just bought this car last night. Ive always loved Mazdas (I had an 89 MX-6, which my mother still drives!). Traded in my Maxima for this slightly-less fancy car, but so far Im pretty pleased. Zippy, corners well, good pick up on the freeway, good sound system (although I do miss my Bose with Sirius XM). Dealership was awesome. Hopefully gas mileage will be better than my Maxima, and that I have it a long time.

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  My Wifes New Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hisdad - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Scenario: Our 14 year old son had outgrown the backseat of our 1997 Acura Integra GSR. We needed a mid- sized sedan. My wife prefers to drive a manual transmission and wanted a little zip. Possible Choices:Altima, Passat, 6s. (Accord and Camry did not offer a manual transmission w/V6) Outcome: Although, the 6 does not perform like the Acura, by any means, it suited our needs. Adequate acceleration, excellent handling and braking for a car in this size and price range, sporty appearance, and price (MSRP was $5000 less than comparably equipped Altima or Passat) were the factors in making our final decision. Epilogue: My wife chose to keep her 6s when I

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  Dull but very reliable - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Dependable - December 27 - 7:00 pm

  I had the car since it had 25K miles. Now four years later and at 104K miles it has hardly any problems. Extremely reliable car. As others said, new passengers always find the swinging air vent interesting.

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  Love my 6 more every day - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By abresci - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is great fun to drive, and it is a head-turner. Most people are stunned that I only paid $21,500 for such a nice-looking car. The sport package is definitely a recommended option (sport bumpers, skirts, suspension, and wheels), as is the luxury package (leather, power drivers seat, seat warmers)

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  Fun to Drive (true zoom-zoom) - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jjdawson - December 25 - 10:00 am

  [I hate driving in the crazy, stop and go, permanent-construction Denver metro traffic.] So, I opted for the automatic with sequential shift. Although I gave up quite a bit of manual-shift punch (I drove that one, too), the car is really fun to drive. I push this thing to its tire-screeching limits (no joke), but the car just begs for more. If it lasts five years the way I drive, Ill be seriously impressed with Mazda.