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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  Its a mini minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Soccer Mom - June 9 - 2:00 am

  A "family" vehicle, I wanted a sportier mom vehicle but something also economical and practical for a family of three. A smaller version of a van. The sliding doors are easy to use for small kids. This is a great kid friendly vehicle. The table between the seats and storage in the seats is great but wish they were a little bigger. There is not enough room for car seats HUGE complaint for me! A stroller will take up the whole back with little room for anything else. The road noise is a bit loud and for a Mazda its not as smooth a ride as I hoped. I do feel safe driving this vehicle. It can be a lot of fun on curvy roads (zoom, zoom, zoom comes to mind.

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  Good car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lisal - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my little car. Great fuel mileage and has never given me a bit of trouble. My only complaint is the suspension package. Sporty handling, but what the dealer fails to tell you is about the tire wear. The Mazda mechanic didnt even know this...The wheels have a negative camber, meaning they tilt inward at the top for better gripping and handling. This also causes uneven tire wear. I was fortunate that my tires lasted 40k miles but the far inside tread was completely bald. I hope I can get than many miles out of this second set. Buyer should be made aware.

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  Not as Good as an Accord - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By cmara1 - June 7 - 3:12 am

  After purchasing a 6 with around 30,000 miles on it, I am a bit disappointed. My main gripe is with engine. Its noticeably slower than my 4-Cylinder Accord (which isnt a rocket-ship to begin with). The lack power is to a point where I wont pass someone because I am afraid I wont have enough room. The transmission is clunky and doesnt shift when you want it to. Unlike an Accord, the engine sounds like a coffee grinder -- rough and unrefined. When accelerating the engine seems very taxed. However, the handling is very good and the 6 can be thrown around with hardly any body roll. The stereo is one of the worst I have heard in a modern car.

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  Nice Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By sagitaur - June 1 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car used with 3800 miles on it, so it was pretty much like new. Had never really looked at them, but got a great deal on an 05 Sport Hatch. The car handles great and is pretty comfortable for my daily commute. The looks are unbeatable in this segment, having a much more sporty demeanor than the Camcords. The interior is nicely done as well, with all major conveniences and safety gear. Although a little reluctant at first, the versatility of the hatch cant be beat and its difficult to differentiate between the hatch and the sedan versions. This car would be a great choice for those looking for a sporty car with a little room and versatility.

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  NICE car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Daywatts - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It hugs the road, manuvers well and brakes are excellent. I narrowly missed someone who pulled out in front of me. The brakes did their job without any extra handling necessary. It has a large turning radius but I wonder if it is built this way to have better overall manuverability. I dont like the gas mileage. The manufactor claims the car gets 26-32 mpg yet I can only squeeze out 25 mpg when driving conservately. I usually get the top rated gas mileage for each car Ive driven. Mazda is directly to blame for this yet the government has freed companies up to lower gas mileage and the companies are now able to fudge its numbers.

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  Exemplary vehicle - Mazda sets the standard again. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By govind_nair - June 1 - 7:07 am

  Its hard to come by a crossover SUV which gives exceptional mileage combined with excellent sports-car like driving dynamics and styling all at a competitively great price. Its just a practical and fun to drive car with a brand new Skyactiv engine & 6-speed transmission along with impressive interior space & wheelbase. The tactile steering feedback is excellent. I really like the blind spot monitoring feature. The interior is simple and elegant with high quality materials. The GT Technology package is not necessary in my opinion. Even though it only has 155HP power, you can feel what the Mazda engineers have tried to achieve in this vehicle with the SkyActive engine and suite of technologies

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  Bang For Your Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff&Melissa - May 31 - 11:30 pm

  If youre like me and want to have some fun while driving but dont want to pay top dollar to get it, than the Mazda 6 Sport V6 is for you. I test drove every car in its class and some cars above it (much more expensive) and the Mazda outperformed dollar for dollar every time. Ive had mine for a month now and I still have to take a look at it each time I get in or out and think to myself "what a beautiful car"

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  Fun to drive but mileage suffers - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheAsianRacer - May 30 - 9:30 pm

  Previous to this, I had a Mazda Protege5 and that was fun and I had gotten great gas mileage regardless of how I drove it. Recently I got a Mazda 3s and it is fun to drive but my protege was more fun. The biggest issue I have with it is yes, we get more performance but your gas mileage suffers greatly depending on how you drive. My style of driving has been the same and yet Im getting just barely 22 mpg around town and if Im lucky Ill get 28 on the highway. The car is a blast to drive but the 16in rims and tires make the car feel less responsive but otherwise its a great car.

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  Very good value; fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By LouMonika - May 30 - 1:16 am

  We looked at Acadia, RDX, FX35, Rav4, and others. The fully loaded CX-7 was cheapest of the lot, and fuel economy not appreciably lower. Handles as well as my mothers fully loaded RX-350 for 20k less. Leather seats and interior fit and finish and exterior styling are all exceptionally good. A real wow factor on the nav system ergonomics and fold down. Bose stereo is more than adequate. Sunroof a bit small and dont like the "mousehair" ceiling material but they had to cut something I suppose. Was concerned about turbo 4 cyl reliability in out years and we drive cars forever so bought the 10 year extended factory warranty. A great car & joy to drive.

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  First Mazda - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By samdd - May 29 - 10:36 am

  I owned the 2014 Mazda 6 Touring for about 1 month. Love the exterior styling (grey) with the bright Sand interior. Smooth shifting automatic even if the car is too eager to up shift. Wish there was a sport mode to keep rev higher but you can switch to manual mode. The seat is a bit on the firm side. There is a little more noise than your typical Honda or Toyota. The 19" standard wheel looks great and help with the handling. I owned a V6 Maxima before so I do missed the extra horse powers. Love the MPG, getting around 30-31 mpg on heavy foot.