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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  11,000 Mile Review - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By berad - July 27 - 8:14 am

  All in all this is a solid family hauler. I chose the Touring for the smaller rim size. Handling is very good for its class, but you will feel the bumps. We moved halfway across the country, so I had my wife two kids & two dogs in the car for 1800 miles / 28 hours of driving- the CX9 proved itself to a great car for the trip. I averaged about 24 MPG on that trip. In what I consider true suburban driving I would get about 18MPG. Now I live in a little town on the Jersey shore now and average about 14MGP in city style driving. Power is more than adequate for all but the true enthusiast and or speed demon.

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  After Three Years - Still the one! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By zzzooom1 - July 27 - 6:43 am

  After three years of ownership,the Mazda is still the outstanding car it was when I purchased it. It handles great, it continues to be the best looking car on the road, and it has been dependable in all conditions. At 40K, some minor annoyances were all repaired quickly and satisfactorily under warranty: the Bose subwoofer became "crackly", and the drivers seat bolster (leather) became "floppy". The car has begun to use a slight bit of oil (1/4th qt per 3K miles) but the gas mileage has improved since new. 24 mpg back and forth to work and 30 mpg on a recent interstate trip between Norfolk, VA and Charlottesville, VA and back. If I needed a new car, a Mazda 6 would again be my choice.

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  Couldnt be happier. - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By vectorwolf - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in July 2002 with 45,000 miles on the odomoeter. It now has nearly 70,000, and Ive yet to have any mechanical, or other, problems. Its as quick off the line as any V-6, turns heads wherever you go, and is far more roomy and comfortable than its exterior go-kart appearance lets on. Its terrific in bad weather as well. No leaks unless youre driving in horizontal rain. And, amazingly enough, with only a pair of snow tires on the rear wheels (any generic brand will do), youll be passing by other poor souls in SUVs in the dead of winter. Well worth the trouble of actually locating one for sale. Zoom, zoom. :-)

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  Only 2 days BUT - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Coruvs - July 27 - 2:00 am

  If your in the market for a small car . . . skip the NEONS and Fords . . . Check out the Mazda . . . WOW!

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  Not bad for a minivan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By khealy - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I dont really like minivans but I need to keep all of my toys out of the weather and away from thieves (skis, bikes, etc.). I was attracted to the MPV for its small size, adequate engine, 5-sp transmission and handling. I havet been disappointed with any of these features. The engine/trans work very well, even on high mountain passes. The handling is better than I have ever experienced in a minivan on twisty mtn roads. Its as fun as a minivan can get! Fuel economy is ranging from 20-23 mpg with most of my driving in suburbs and mountains. Much better than any of the SUVs I looked at.

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  Its great, dont hesitate - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Kevin in Seattle - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Have owned many cars and vans. Mazda might not be first brand to think of, but should be. Fold down seat (like Odyssey), styling, comfort (Im 6/3"), handling, RELIABILITY, not a single issue with any feature or accessory. I just added after market DVD player for kids. Fully loaded with all upgrades this is thousands less than competition. A great buy.

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  Buy a 5! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By maz - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I own the Protege 5 and love it. There are faster sport wagons, but the Mercedes styling and crisp handeling make the Protege a blast to drive. I feel it is the best bargin on the market. Get the 5 speed! If you dont drive a clutch, learn!

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  Finally something besides a Honda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By j&k - July 25 - 10:36 am

  We were looking at cars for a while and were considering the Camry, Accord, and Hyundai. We drove the Mazda 6 and were impressed finding it superior in most respects. Later our decision was between the Accord and the Mazda. We liked the style/design, the interior and the way it handled. It was a sporty car with a great look. We really LOVE this car! Thank you Mazda.

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  my new car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By shantelly - July 25 - 7:53 am

  it is a great driving experience and the style is nice and sleek. otherwise, the car is great except the fuel intake. i seem to have to fill my tank three through seven days. this car burns alot of gas.

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  One Day Old - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Suzanne - July 24 - 10:26 pm

  Just traded in my V6 Grand Am GT gas hog for a 2008 6I Sport Value Sedan. So far so good! Body styles are very similar. I like the sporty sedan style, but need ample backseat room for a carseat and passengers. I like the dash setup and there is still storage for my car clutter. My very favorite perk is the remote start, which works even from inside my office, =>100 ft away! Havent decided whether or not I really love the VERY quiet engine (the vvrroooommm of a V6 is a beautiful thing!); the pickup is pretty good for a V4. Most of my miles are highway, so Im looking forward to not having to visit the gas station so often. This isnt so much a fun car; Ill leave that to my Jeep Wrangler!