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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  Fun to drive sports sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By miltownguy - July 26 - 6:13 pm

  Solid car that is fun to drive, decent V6 overall although its just the duratec V6 from Ford, has great power from 3k and above but definitely needs more low end torque below 3k..gas mileage is subpar, when im driving it nice i can get up to 27mpg, but 24-25 is more common..awesome to drive on curvy roads, the stiff frame enables you to hug the road and you can fly through corners..5 speed is also very slick and a lot of fun to drive..bought this car w/ 18k and havent had to replace anything yet through 67k besides regular maintenance (F & R pads once, F & R rotors resurfaced once & then replaced, tires once)..heated seats and leather are also nice

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  Loads of fun, but... - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barb - July 22 - 5:56 am

  I have had my Mazda6 Sport Value Edition hatchback for just over a year and have 25,000 miles on it. This is a fun car with lots of pep. It looks very cool and looks like its driving even when it is parked. But the seats are not comfortable for me, the blinds spots are too large to be safe and the turning radius is horrendous. Not to mention the Michelin stock tires are terrible in the snow. Im old enough to have driven rear-wheel drive cars in Minnesota winters so its not that Im a new driver. I think the TCS and ABS are probably good, but the tires are awful. Again, really cool car and fun to drive, but too many negatives to want to keep this car very long. Horrible resale!

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  most fun to drive - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By puritanal - July 21 - 2:00 am

  my first miata was a 1991, and drove it for 118,000 miles and sold 11 years later for $4500 so my new 2001 LS with all the power opstions, I may keep this one a bit longer.

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  not recomended - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By grrrrrrr - July 18 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the car two years ago, was great the first year, because I was 19 and all the looks it got. Now im 21 and I am getting very tired of it stalling in 80+ degree weather, and taking over a minute to start the car in the cold (under 30 or so degrees). It is a great looking car, but the pros dont outweigh the cons by any means. I have yet to get over 22 mpg (and have only got that once). I average around 18 or 19 mpg. I bought this car because its the only 4 door sports car, but I am very regretful of my decision. It has lost more than half its value in 2 years. I have no control in the winter and dread waking up and seeing it snowing.

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  Overall a Great SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bb29 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle with many options at a good price.

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  Amazing car.... - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By tjausti - July 15 - 5:17 pm

  This car is amazing.... It is like no other car I have owned. It is fun, sporty, sexy and fast. It may not be the fastest in a straight line but if you are concerned about that you have missed the point of this car. I live in east TN where there are twisty roads everywhere. This car is as close as you are going to get to perfect handling for the money. my only concern is gas mileage. mazda really needs to spend some time on this. I understand this engine is in a high state of tune and it is a sports car but averaging 18mpg is pretty sad when you drive mostly highway. Before buying this car please read the FAQs page on RX8club dot com. there are many things that are unique to this car.

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  nice car overall - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By daphkn - July 11 - 12:16 pm

  I have owned this vehicle now just short of 3 years and it has 27k miles. Overall it is a fine car. Peppy,responsive, and fun to drive. My wife wanted the automatic so that is what we got. The manumatic is a bit lame when it comes to shifting but it still provides some fun factor. Mileage has been pretty good, right around the ratings. All in all it meets my expectations. The negatives that have come to light are the following. The oem tires are awful for wear and handling on wet pavement. These will need to be replaced soon at $550 to $800 for the lot. I was disappointed to read in the manual that snow chains could not be used on models with alloy wheels. Vehicle is not good in snow.

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  Fun little car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By rodl - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a car with the 2.0 liter engine and a five speed. This car is a great little car. I have 97 626 with 200,000 miles and not one nickle in repairs other than tires, brakes and timing belts. Still have the same clutch. And still going strong!

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  1st week review - 4 of 5 stars - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By abra - July 7 - 11:20 pm

  Just bought a new Sport-VE auto a week ago. Loaded with all Value Edition features including 17" alloys. 150 miles on it so far, so just breaking in the engine. Excellent handling and throttle response - this is a drivers car on a budget. Quiet engine at idle, though growly when pressed hard. Superb 5-speed auto with manual shift gate. Cabin a little shorter than the competition, but makes up for it in width. Open greenhouse, very airy. Highly raked profile - with alloys & side sills, it makes most midsizes look boring. Overall best value in 4 door midsizes. Paid <$16K after $2K rebates, plus taxes. Much better value than Korean & US midsizes. $5K+ cheaper than equivalent Accord/Camry.

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  Great used buy - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By bjones440 - July 7 - 8:46 am

  I purchased an 02 ES model used late in 03. This seemed like the best used buy if you are not too concerned with interior space, because it is smaller than most. Has the most bang for the buck for a highly rated import with power sliding doors. Drives and handles superb for a minivan. Seats seem a little narrow, but I got used to them. Unfortunately the ignition coil went out twice on different cylinders while under warranty, so the dealer replaced the coils and plugs on all 6 cylinders. That was in March 04, no other problems. Stock tires seem to wear quickly, as I noticed on most other used MPVs. I just replaced mine at 58k with Michelin Hydroedge. Very limited choice on this size tire.