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:

• 

  Great Car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ike - March 3 - 11:36 am

  I also purchased the convenience package, Bose/moonroof package as well as the spoiler. Hands down the best sedan on the market. Great options. Comfortable ride. Love the bluetooth, push button start, keyless entry, hid headlamps, Bose, blind spot monitor system, fuel economy and style. Very roomy, auxiliary input, satellite radio. Drove the Altima, Accord, legacy, and Camry, by far the Mazda6 handles the best. Very attractive styling and exterior design. Very attractive interior design with excellent fit and finish. Electroluminescent lighting is a nice touch as well. Acceleration very respectable for a 4 cyl sedan. The trunk is massive. Lets just say its the first sedan I actually wanted to buy

• 

  2014 Mazda Manual Hard Top - 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fgbill - February 28 - 3:02 pm

  Fun to drive! Had to re-learn shift points for a 6-speed. Havent had the top down yet (rain and snow are not conducive). Interior climate control works well. Seats are fairly comfortable. Needed to fiddle with height, depth, and back angle to comfortable. I went for a Mazda 3 hatchback to this and it is definitely a step up in the fun category!

• 

  Excellent Mid-grade Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By flysandy72 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  My 626 has been an excellent car. I found this model with a comfortable leather interior that feels much more expensive. My 4 cylinder could use a bit more power so go for the V6 if you can (later years only offer leather with V6). Only other complaints are road noise and turn radius, two issues I can live with for the price.

• 

  2003 mpv - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By norm - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Seems much better though smaller than my Fords Windstar... Mazda shows quality with this car

• 

  Nice Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jamaica Joe - February 27 - 1:10 am

  I bought this car to replace a 1997 Mitsibishi Eclipse. It is a nice car, I bought it for the looks based on the price. Its pearl white and the paint looks really good. Its a manual and it is pretty fun to drive. Not all that comfortable as I am 62" and its awkward because of the lack of tilt/telescoping action. The car has 16200 miles on it with no problems.

• 

  Great Decision - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aeroman - February 24 - 11:33 pm

  I have had my 6 for 9 months (~9000 miles). Love the exterior and the performance. I am a little disappointed in the fuel economy. I guess I miss my turbo Saab mileage. I have to have the brake rotors replaced as they are already warped even though I am VERY easy on my brakes. The car also seems to have a "niggly" vibration as the engine revs pass through 2500 RPM. Overall the car is a great value, handles well, loads of power, love the engine growl. My original choice was going to be either a BMW 3 series or an Infinity G35 sedan. The Mazda 6 convinced me I didnt need to spend the extra cash to get what I wanted. Great job Mazda.

• 

  Lovin It - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Shahoo - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Have always had Honda Accords (5 to be exact) and decided I didnt want to be like my grandparents who always bought the same car, so I started looking at other vehicles. This cars style is like no other 4-door sedan. It loured me in immediately. Was a bit leary of a Mazda because of the Ford ownership issue, but decided to give it a try. I have a black on black sports package and have loved it since the day I bought it! Ive had absolutely no problems with the vehicle and get great gas mileage. It is a bit noiser than the Accord, but its more sportier, too. Its not your mothers car. I love it!

• 

  Sport Mode Auto Trans - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Greg Watt - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The Protege ES is a beautifully balanced car, with controls that make it a lot of fun to drive. The sleeper option is the SportMode AT on the ES model and the Protege5, which does not kill the personality of the car. While not as quick off the line as the 5-speed, the rest of the car allows it to be driven quickly, with 2nd or 3rd gears only a tap away. THE SPORTMODE IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE FOR FAMILIES FACING THE SHIFT/NO SHIFT DILEMA.

• 

  Stalling problem almost killed me... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By DMD - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was quite happy with my Tribute until this week. It stalled 2x. Once at 50mph on a 4 lane hwy in the PM rush hour. Lost all power/brakes & steering. A car-carrier truck (fully loaded w/cars) would have killed me but I was able to muscle the Tribute off the road. Stalled again next day in rush hour going around a curve at 25MPH. Had to muscle it off road into someones yard to avoid causing an accident. It is at the dealership now. Very scary - very dangerous - someone will be killed if this stalling problem is not fixed. I cannot believe there has been no recall. Is Mazda waiting for a lawsuit?

• 

  This car saved my life - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By chahn89 - February 21 - 9:40 am

  I bought this car used, 2009 mazda 6, i bought it 2010 with 38,000 miles, throughout the time it needed simple changtes like breaks n tires n oil but nothin g to big, in 2011 i was hit from the front and both sides and iw as able to walk away from it alive, when everyone including police and paramedics said they had no idea how that happened. GREAT CAR! go mazdaaaaaa :)