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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  My favorite car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ffffurrrr - April 8 - 11:03 am

  This is probably the 5th car Ive owned over the years (I tend to keep them for 8 years or so), the 2nd Mazda, and my favorite. Its fun to drive, gets reasonably good mileage, and turns and parks easily. Ive not had any issues with it, my only gripe being that it came with high-performance tires that cost major dollars to replace. But since thats the only money besides regular maintenance that Ive had to shell out on it, I guess I cant complain too much. :)

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  Peppy Little Sucker! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By electrified - April 7 - 1:25 am

  We got this car brand new back in 2006. 6 years and less than 33,000 miles later (wasnt used often until the second half of ownership), this car is quite the joy! The 2.3L engine has plenty of get up and go w/ a perfectly sensitive throttle and brake pedal. Brakes bite really well, but seem to fade kind of quick with repeated use. 5AT works well, but dont expect it to be butter smooth. The ride is firm, but not enough to make lunch run back out. Ive gotten 26 city/34 hwy. Handling is this cars best trait! Turn-in is EXCELLENT, with plenty of steering feedback and response. But I dont like the "floaty" feeling when taking corners spiritedly and there is a bump/ridge mid-corner.

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  Probably Not Again - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Therapist - April 6 - 4:50 am

  Bought it in San Diego and I was all excited about its feel and six speed transmission along with the looks. It was a looker and felt nice and sporty. But I was quickly disappointed, and I am much happier with a Volvo 960 now.

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  Zoom-Zoom to Putt-Putt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - April 5 - 1:20 pm

  I got my Mazda 3 in March of 04, brand new, with only 4 miles on it. I shopped around for several months, and knowing I couldnt afford an Audi, I went with something as comparative and fun to drive. The first couple of years were great. It turned heads and drove like a cat. It had a few small annoying features, like no finger pace to open the trunk, poor cabin sound and a mediocre stereo. But then the transmission and clutch started having problems. It gave a little trouble at first, and then the third gear just went along with the warranty.

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  Great car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By MrNutty37 - April 5 - 10:53 am

  I purchased the car new in 1998, have driven it 115,000 miles, and had very few problems. Left front axle has cracked twice, and the coolant reservoir has been replaced twice. Other than that, almost nothing other than regular wear and tear. The 5 speed is very smooth, and the engine has great power, especially above 3000 rpm. Fuel economy has gone a little downhill recently, but it is a high mileage car. Overall very pleased, and cant wait for the MazdaSpeed 6 to come out next year. Would definitely buy another Mazda.

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  Disappointed with mileage and performance - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By maskita - April 2 - 2:06 pm

  Purchased used with 106K on the clock, now has 113K. We were attracted to the exterior styling and interior features of the 2004 Mazda Tribute. It gives a very stable and comfortable ride. I hate the poor air conditioning controls. When you select the A/C, you cannot select which vents (high or low) the air comes out of, unlike the Toyotas and Hondas that I am accustomed to. The V6 engine pulls fairly well at low speeds, but seems to have a difficult time maintaining 70 mph on some highway inclines. I expected better than 22 mpg from a modern Japanese vehicle of this size. Would not buy another one.

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  One week with new car - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Walter - March 25 - 3:53 pm

  I have only had the Mazda6 for one week. t he exceleration is just about what I expect from the 4 cylinder engine. The engine is smooth in daily driving. you do notice the engine on exceleration, but it is not taxing our too intruding. I like the red colored gauges at night. I like the radio controls on the steering wheel. The 5 speed automatic transmission is smooth, but I particularly like being able to shift it manually if I wanted. the wear seats are roomy. I have good room in the drivers seat. The drivers seat is easy to adjust for comfort. The wear seats are roomy anough, although I will be driving up front. Highway driving is a breeze.

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  Consider the mileage - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By kenny g - March 22 - 9:10 am

  Bought a Mazda 6 wagon new in late 2004. Love the car except for 2 fatal flaws. It gets HORRIBLE gas mileage. At best 16 mpg in town and 21 on the road. Therefore I never drive it around town which is most of my driving. The mileage compares to a Hummer! The other fatal flaw is a super wide turning radius making city parking a real chore. Its very hard to get into tight urban parking spots. Ive had 2 re-calls already in under 2 years while other Hondas/Toyotas Ive owned never had any recalls. The car drives great, handles well and easily fits 4 adults and gear for a long road trip, but the awful mileage really bothers me!

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  Hurricane Ike Stole My MPV - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Spike89 - March 21 - 4:23 am

  I used this van to haul a lot of equipment as well as two infants. The van suited us very well, as it had 40000 miles on it when I bought it. Around 65000 I started having issues with the engine light coming on and it missing, and replaced starter sensor, but they never were able to completely fix the problem. The value for the price of this van was excellent, and it was a very good deal considering other cars that I had reviewed. I especially liked the way that I could haul a lot of inventory. It was much easier to use then my Explorer or Surbuban. I recently bought a Town and Country at a much higher price and love that vehicle as its easier with auto doors and the tvs for the kids.

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  2007 Mazda5 - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Erik - March 20 - 9:30 pm

  We traded in a ford truck who was consuming 16 to the gallon with lesser hp and to cylinders more.Of course no comparison driving this minivan,drives like a mazda3 and the space of a truck! We did a trip around the US so drove 10,000 miles and the only problem occurred was the AC was striking for 30 min. Good we were in Montana and not already in Vegas. Out of the blue it worked again and this was the only problem so far. In the mountains would be nice to have more power, maybe not long Mazda get the new 2.5 fourstroke from ford, better on the mile and with the 5 shift trannie who you can lock more fun and lower RPM at 70 mph. Now 3200rpm still ok but with the new automatic will be better.