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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  On the fence - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By maeby101 - July 21 - 6:50 am

  Ive had this car for almost a year and 10.5k miles. There are many things I like about it, but I would trade it in if I could. I was coming from an 05 Outback, which had its share of problems over 100k miles, but I loved that car from the start. I cant say the same about the 5. I chose this car because of the ability to put an adult in the backseat with our two little kids. But we only need to do this on long trips, which is maybe twice a year. I miss having AWD (though the 5 was fine with winter tires in last years very mild winter). Something about it just feels cheap. After 10k miles, one of the sliding doors has begun to rattle at slow speeds. Thats just wrong.

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  Best car ever - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By tom chandler - July 20 - 10:16 pm

  Throughly satisfied with this vehicle. Have 4k miles and I have no problems so far. Very fast with the V6 and a nice throaty sound when the pedal is down...otherwise very quiet. Comfortable seating and powerful headlights. Only negative are the controls for the heater/ac are too complicated and should go back to manual dials rather than the digital readout. The 17" tires/rims are sharp. Get many compliments on the sporty style - looks like a sports car but has the 4 doors for convenience.

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  Good car for the price - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott - July 20 - 4:03 pm

  Traded into the 6 out of a Saturn Aura XE coming off lease. The Mazda6 is my favorite in class this year due to its styling, interior space and price. It drives very well. I like a sportier feel than the cushiness of the Camry, and I hate CVTs (Altima and Legacy). The 4cyl engine does better than I thought it would, but you definitely notice the step down if coming from a V6, like me. My black cloth interior is kind of a lint trap, it seems -- the velour really shows anything that sticks to it. Comfortable, though. I am noticing a handful of little touches that the Mazda does not have, compared to the base Saturn that I leased in 2007. For the price, though, I am happy with the car.

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  Mazda Tribute A Womens perfect car. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By school teacher - July 20 - 1:43 am

  I bought the ES V6 2wheel drive. I compared it to other mini SUVs and liked the ride, leather seats, power drivers seat and power to get on the freeway. Plenty of room for bringing home stuff from the nursery. I love sitting up high and seeing more of the road. Im barely 5 tall and need the optional step tubes. Its a great option, particularily for women.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By juice - July 19 - 7:50 pm

  This is a great SUV for everyone who is bored with the boxy, boring SUVs from Honda and Toyota. Its quick, has better handling than my Accord, and it turns heads everywhere I go. When I fill it up with gas, I have people staring and asking me what it is. All the style and refinement of a car that costs thousands more.

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  It is almost perfect BUT.... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Liam - July 19 - 5:46 pm

  I love this car, but would strongly recommend you get the manual transmission if you are after max fun. The automatic shift function is a joke. Off of the highway the 2.0L engine is almost just as fun and much better on gas, plus you can avoid those terrible 17" tires. 33K so far and nothing except basic maintainace and having to buy snow tires on steel rims and new street tires on the 17" rims.

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  09 Mazda 3 GT automatic - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wallnut - July 19 - 10:10 am

  Owned BMWs for 11-yrs; got tired of expensive fixes. The Mazda has creature comforts not typically found in this class. Leather, heated seats, remote starter, Bose upgraded stereo, 4-wheel disc brakes. Very fun to drive, way better looking than anything in its class (Honda Fit, Corolla, Civic). Fuel economy could be better, but a small price to pay with all the features and drivability. The interior fit and finish matches BMWs Ive owned. I researched cars for about a week solid before purchasing and nothing comes close to the bang for the buck. The one major complaint - the horn sounds like something from a clown car.

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  Tens all around - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christina - July 19 - 9:43 am

  The Mazda 3 is an excellent car! It gets terrific gas mileage, runs well, and with DOHC has great power. Its entirely reliable, and very roomy, yet with a compact, sleek look to it. Many people have asked me if my car is an Audi from looking at the exterior of it! I got a classy look, for a fraction of the price!

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  Best 6 passenger... period - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By TampaRon - July 18 - 5:50 am

  I love this car. It is by far the most under appreciated car on the road. Even though its been out for a while people look at it and dont know what it is. Its fun to drive, economical, practical and sporty enough to have fun in the mountains of NC which I visit often. The adjustable second row seats are great.

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  164,000 and going strong - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Deb - July 17 - 10:20 pm

  My protege has been very reliable. I have kept up with changing the oil every 3000 miles and change the other fluids as scheduled. When I first purchased the car, Id crank the engine and couldnt hear it running. Now many miles later, I can hear just a small purr. Ive had no transmission problems and no problems that have left me stranded. Im hoping this car will last til over 200k and then Im buying another Mazda.