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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  This MP3 is serious about having fun. - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By 01hzmp3 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Had suspension bushing squeaking noise few months after I purchased this MP3 model. Dealership fixed/replaced both front/rear bushings under warranty. Seems like no problem, but I will have to make sure of that come this winter since this noise only occurs under cool temperature. GREAT handling, I love to drive this car even if I have no reason to go anywhere. The stereo system is a BLAST to listen to, it doesnt thump hardcore bass... it thumps just enough to get you all pumped up for hours on end. Turns a lot of heads on the road. Like a Miata, this car is just a pleasure to drive around in.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Way to go Mazda - December 8 - 12:53 am

  The Mazda MPV is an excellent value. All the latest features like power doors, dvd player, power sunroof and seats are all optional but the LX with the sports package is loaded! Great features such as fold away third row seat, captains chairs, rear air and heat, tinted windows, roof rack and a wonderful stereo system.

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  Great car so far - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nmone84 - December 5 - 10:23 pm

  Acquired used 2 years ago with 28k miles & it has been very reliable thus far. Only issues Ive had are dead pixels on the LCD display (Mazda replaced unit free under warranty) & lately the throttle has been irregular on cold start which lasts until its warmed up. Performance slightly above average, as is gas mileage (in 90% city traffic). As for the iPod integration complaints, it IS possible (mine works great) - its just not easy. You need an adapter (which isnt cheap, about $200), & you need to solder a jumper on the L716 location of the HU because Mazda never made the CD changer port active in the stereo.

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  good car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By peter6 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  very reliabile. never let me down. I just love this car. I am thinking to buy another one several years later.

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  2005 Grand Touring Automatic - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By kifs - November 26 - 2:23 pm

  I sort of inherited this car with 2800 miles on it from a former Ford exec and I have the automatic with paddle shifters. The car is a hoot to drive fast and the only trouble I have had was a trim issue in the interior and the spring in the filler door. My car runs great, gets 16-18 mpg in town and 20 mpg on the road, with about 1000 mi per quart of oil. Its tight as a drum but only has 16000 miles since this is my second car and I only drive it from Apr-Nov. My dealer experience was underwhelming on the engine recall - what a bunch of clods - but so far just maintenance and cleaning. I keep waiting for the problems, but I really like the car.

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By skull_crossbones - November 25 - 11:46 am

  12 visits to the shop in 16 months. What more can I say. Basically it has been in for warranty work about every 5 weeks. I contacted Mazdas customer service and 5 weeks later I get a call telling me that they are sorry about all the problems with the car. So, now I am stuck with a totally unreliable car that is horribly upside down because the resale on the cars is awful. Now this is all to a customer who has purchased 4 new Mazdas in the past 6 years. I just wonder how they treat someone that wasnt that good of a customer. My message to MAZDA, "I am done with you and will never grace your doors again". Thank you for showing me such loyalty. Mine was proven but now gone!

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  Sad To See Go... - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By tanner - November 24 - 8:23 am

  i had a 03 protege dx for about 5 years...would still have it but someone rear ended me and totaled it. pros- good gas mileage..great head on look...reliable cons- poor seal on windows lets water it...not alot to it so highway and windy driving can create some excitement...lots of whistling and humming noises come from the engine at around 60k miles.... put around 50k on this...not major repairs...replaced brake pads once...tires once...changed the oil...never stranded or failed on me...some minor issues but a solid car for the category.

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  Re-evaluation - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By jc - November 21 - 7:16 am

  I read a lot of reviews about this vehicle from different websites and after some test drives, we bought this vehicle. I like the features but I totally dislike the stiff leather seats and the stiff ride. The road noise, harshness and vibration are pronounced. We used to have an 05 Toyota Sienna and this is not even a mile close to the comfort of it. This vehicle does have its strengths too but riding comfort is not one of them. I tried the other trims later, the sport and the touring with fabric seats, for comparison and they ride way better than the GT with leather, but still not even close though to the Sienna that I used to have. If I could just turn back the clock...

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  New Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kenny - November 20 - 4:10 pm

  There is a huge blind spot when backing up, the cockpit is rather tight; the large wheels make getting in and out more difficult than I realized at first. It is fun to drive, but the cabin space is more limited than I realized at first. The fuel gauge is hard to see and I have almost run out of gas twice. The ride is very smooth and it accelerates quickly. The tires are set very wide and I have hit a curb several times already.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tylor Cartter - November 20 - 2:06 am

  I bought this as a used car. It is a 2005 Mazda 6 hatchback and have had it for about a month. No problems at all and runs great. The fuel economy has been great! I love it... It got into an accident but was repaired impeccably! The only thing that needed replacing was a caliper boot which the dealership replaced. I would definitely get this again!