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:

• 

  Tribute Will Tow - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Illinibravada - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Researched and test drove alot of midsize SUVs. Really am pleased with the Tribute. (Wife drives Highlander) Mileage 22 combo city/highway. I also use it to tow my 18 ft bass boat. Vehicle has tow package. I get 18-20 mpg when towing the boat. As my 5 year old says it has alot of zoom zoom dad.

• 

  Mini SUV ?? - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fastback - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Best new car yet (my 5th). Initial quality excellent, and absolutely no problems to date. Drives like on rails, stops on a dime, and just feels great at all times.

• 

  Wonderful Car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda Buyer - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mazda now for a year and willing to recommend it to anyone looking for a great car. It is very fun to drive and I love the design. I did plenty of research and its all true. I have suggested it to several friends and two of them have already purchased theirs and they are too loving them.

• 

  Great Car, avoid the GPS - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By charles83 - September 10 - 11:59 pm

  We have had the vehicle for about 3 months, and are very satisfied. Gas milage is consistenly about 19 miles per gallon. We compared most of the 5 and 7 passenger SUVs and Crossovers. The Mazda was great on price and features. We liked the Nissans, but they did not have the seating or the storage areas. My biggest concern is the Ford motor and transmission, but it will be a couple of years before I can know if this was a problem. There are not many Mazda dealers near us, so we will be using Ford for most service and repairs.

• 

  fantastic choice - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By bridgetshaw - September 9 - 2:32 pm

  I bought this car on a whim. I was at a Mazda dealership with a friend to get their car washed, looked around the lot, and ended up buying this wonderful car after four hours and two test drives. I had a 2000 Toyota Camry before this one and I loved my Camry so very much. I wanted a new one, but with Toyotas recalls I wasnt sure. After I test drove this car and realized what a good deal it was for the mpg and price and everything I was set. Im a delivery driver so this car gets its use in, Im already over 2000 miles having bought it the end of June. It is very fun to drive, great space in the car for being so tiny, roomy trunk, and it is pretty quick for such a small engine.

• 

  Melting Tail Lights - If youre out of warranty - Youre Out of Luck - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By gregsmazda6 - September 9 - 1:56 am

  I bought a used 2010 Mazda 6 with about 44,000 miles on it. By about 48,000 miles, I noticed the tail light lenses were melting. It has stock bulbs. Dealership never saw this before (of course) but was willing to charge $350 for new tail lights. I tried going the route of "Tail Lights shouldnt melt in a year". I say they happen only after 3/36,000 warranties. Several iterations up the Mazda Corporate ladder - proved fruitless. Out-of-Warranty, Out-of-Luck. Only when I went to the NHTSA, I found (service bulletin) SB-10033969-2790), 2009/10 "Mazda 6 might experience heat deformation of the lens in warm climates" - Why isnt Mazda Selling - ARE MELTING TAIL LIGHTS ACCEPTABLE to CUSTOMERS???

• 

  Reliable all the way - 2002 Mazda 626
  By mazdamontrealer - September 8 - 10:03 am

  This car was highly recommended by a consumer publication in Canada provided it did not come with the automatic transmission. My car is a 2002 with the 4 – cylinder and manual transmission. The engine is definitely underpowered but if you don’t mind shifting down and revving a bit, you can use the ample torque at about 3000 rpm to supply a fun driving experience. The car currently has 200,000 km (120,000 mi) on it. I keep it very well maintained, even changing the shocks and springs which give it a better ride than when new. This also helped preserve the suspension components, which take a pounding on the winter-ravaged streets in Montreal.

• 

  Good Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By cs2ba - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my protege in April of 2001 with 30,000 now it has 78,000 miles. I have racked the miles up fast but I have to say the car has ran great. I only had one problem with the car at about 45,000 and that is a seal when out on the trans. and all the fluid leaked out. I have also changed the oil every 3,000. It was fixed by mazda and the car is running great. I would have to say that I would buy another Mazda.

• 

  My Valintines Day Lover (its red) - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By BobbyHarrington - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Although The Cd Player is already broke it is still all in all a good car. It stops fast and I havent rolled it yet. I have gone pretty fast around some of those turns.

• 

  Protege - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By taconyboy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This car had a list price of $18,500. It is NOT worth the money. It actually has drum brakes on the rear-at the ES trim level, for 18 grand! I had to get the ES to get the 1.8L engine,it is the only reason I bought the ES.