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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  Good Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By grayghost - June 10 - 11:43 am

  I bought this vehicle used (34K miles). Within one week of purchase, I made a 2000 mile trip with no problems. The only maintenance performed have been oil-filter changes and a front end alignment. The room inside the car is better than my previous vehicle, a 2000 Mercury Sable.

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  Not bad after almost 3 years and 36 k. - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By markus81 - June 9 - 6:16 pm

  I have had the car for almost 3 years now. Only had to replace rear shocks under warranty. Doing oil changes and tire rotations every 5 k. Everything runs like new. Still on the original brakes. There is some slight vibration but not noticeable at lower speeds when braking. Also, the tires last only about 25 k. The new tires are wearing slightly already due to aggressive rear camber, which gives the car a sporty ride. This in turn causes a slight steering wheel shake at times. All in all, this is the best and cheapest to maintain car I ever owned. The sliding doors are awesome.

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  The economy car that looks like a Zoomer - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By psennett - June 9 - 2:00 am

  What can I say. With Mazda giving away financing and our great experiences with Mazda, the 6i was a no-brainer. We got one loaded with everything except a cassette deck, and knocked about 2.5 off the sticker. It looks like a million bucks, but thats just me. Driving is taut and nimble, shifting is smooth (although mine is not, having had about four automatics in a row.) I read elsewhere about the transformation of the 4 cylinder at 3,500 RPM, and its true. Below that, its a nice looking grocery hauler getting near 40 mpg. Above that, and you feel some pull and muscle. Not a lot, but some.

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  2003 leftovers - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By krnjester - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car! I got one of the last ones at the dealership for real cheap.

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  A Van That Feels Like a Car - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By marc9595 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought an MPV in 2001. In 2002, we were in an accident and the van was totaled. Nobody was hurt. Because of its safety record and our pleasurable driving experience with the MPV, we replace the totaled MPV w/ a 2002 MPV. We have almost 30,000 miles on the van and have had no difficulties with it at all. Gas mileage has ranged from 18 around town to as high as 29 on the highway. The MPV is a bit smaller than most vans, but I would recommend it if you have a smaller family. It probably wouldnt be as useful to us if we had for teenagers for example.

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  LOVE MY SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By SUE LOEWE - June 9 - 2:00 am

  AFTER RESEACHERING SUVS ON EDMUNDS DECIDED TO TEST DRIVE THE TRIBUTE. LUCKLY THE DEALERSHIP AND SALESMAN WERE THE BEST WE HAVE EVER DEALT WITH. LOVED THE VEHICLE & THE DEAL. THEY GOT ME THE COLORS AND PACKAGES I WANTED.I ADDED ES (LEXUS)EMBLEMS,CHROME TIP TAIL PIPE,PINSTRIPE,MUD GUARDS,MOONROOF WIND DEFLECTOR & REAR BUMPER STEP PLATE. THE SUV IS CLASSIC WHITE AND REALLY LOOKS SHARP.

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  Mazda 3 S, the way to go!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By casey23 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I actually just bought it off showroom floor 1 week ago, and love it. Its basically a mazda under a Lexus IS300s skin. ITs got everything and everything you can think off... of course, within reason. Very sporty, it looks excellent.

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  02 Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By kw1964 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car gets attention. Drive one and people will not only notice it, but also offer many compliments on your fine taste. This is a beautiful car. Mazdas attention to detail inside and out, and the overall fit and finish are impeccable. Even the base model is loaded with high quality leather, power sunroof, and a luxury car paint job.

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  Just good fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bryan - June 4 - 10:00 pm

  Bought my 04 6S 5-speed in January 06 with only 5500 miles on it; Ive put 11K on it since then and have had no major problems. V6 has plenty of power, you just have to let it rev to get to it. Suspension is by far best in class for handling, almost as good as a BMW. Almost. Ride is fine on highways, but rough over city pavement, but thats not what it was built for so who cares. Comfy interior, fantastic seats, but climate control has mind of its own and is usually too cold. 3rd gear grouches when you rush your 2-3 shift, other than that gearbox is fine, shifts are relatively quick but clutch is pretty heavy for a family sedan. Mileage is crappy, I get 20 MPG (highway commute).

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  Why I love my Mazda Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - June 4 - 8:00 am

  If you have never owned a Mazda Miata you might wonder why Miata owners are so loyal to Mazda, and so passionate about their cars. However, if you are lucky enough to own one, you already know: the Miata is happiness on wheels. In 28 years of driving, Ive never owned a car that makes such an impression on people. Even strangers come up to ask me about the car. Ive lost count of how many times Ive heard, "Nice car!" but I can remember three occasions when people actually wanted to take a picture of the car. I can assure you that none of those things ever happened to me when I drove a Toyota Corolla. There is no better example of trouble free fun than a Mazda Miata.