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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  Mazda makes great cars and the Mazda 6 is no exception - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevenrose - May 25 - 8:52 am

  The Mazda 6 is a great car. The exterior styling is very eye catching and the 19" wheels are beautiful. I purchased the Grand Touring because I wanted heated seats, however I had to get Nav, which I did not really need. The fit and finish is excellent and the handling is top-notch. Acceleration is decent and power is strong is you really hit the petal. The Engine is tuned for fuel economy so torque feels weaker at low speeds. Ride is firm, but I think it is actually comfortable. Agile and fun to drive are two words that describe the driving experience. The inside feels comfortable and upscale. I think this is a near perfect blend of economy and performance.

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  Fun to drive Premium SUV - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Raam - May 24 - 7:43 pm

  I test drove CRV-EXL(Turbo), Ford Titanium (2.0L Ecoboost) , Jeep Chrokee (V6) and Mazda GT(Skyactiv). I liked engine response of Ford escape and Fun and premium feel of Mazda. Finally chose CX-5 over Escape. CX-5 Performance is adequate,It matches 0-45 against my traded in V6 Altima. Out of these four cars CRV was the boring one. My only problem with Mazda is its driver memory positions does not set side mirrors. Navigation and blind spot alert is integrated with HUD and it is awesome. I love the turning headlights. Overall very satisfied.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Vonda - May 24 - 5:53 pm

  My spouse showed up with this last week after our Exploder was on the way out. I was skeptical of a 4 cylinder being able to handle my driving. I absolutely love it. It handles tight and sporty, yet stable. It gets great gas mileage - I even got 28 last week on the highway. I wanted more seating, but this is exactly what I really needed for day to day driving with a family of four.

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  delicious vanilla, no toppings - 1998 Mazda 626
  By dozier - May 24 - 6:56 am

  Great economical mid-size. Would reccomend it to anyone looking for a reliable car of this type. Was a little puzzled why the outer C-V boots failed at 60k miles. It has been my experience this usually happens after 100 k miles.

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  Zoom-Zoom? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By shailesh - May 24 - 3:10 am

  Bought this vehicle brand new from the dealership. The sales rep was extremely knowledgable about this vehicle. I added a remote starter, all weather mats, Lojack and rear cargo mat. The cargo cover cannot be installed due to remote closing gate. Mazda has done a superb job of putting this vehicle together, extensive list of accessories and safety features are standard in this particular model.The car is riding very well (only 200 miles so far!), sound system is unbelievable. The steering response for a crossover suv is excellent. The engine noise and the cabin noise is barely noticeable. Acceleration with the 273 hp engine is more then adequate. So far no complaints.

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  A Happy New Mazda Owner - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By esslewis - May 23 - 9:09 pm

  I was looking very hard for a few months at the 2013 RAV4 and the Honda CRV. Something got my attention, though, with the Mazda CX-5, and I ended up buying the 2014 Grand Touring version, and I love the choice I made. Others have mentioned a higher than usual amount of road noise, but I don’t notice it, and you have to compromise something (in this case, heavier and thicker materials) to get such good gas mileage. All in all, it feels good to think that you got more car than you thought you could for the money spent, with features you didn’t think you could get, and that it’s such a strong performer in the safety and reliability department. One very happy Mazda owner here, so far.

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  Not that Great - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By protege666 - May 23 - 3:46 am

  I just paid off my Protege and I am sooo ready for a different car. I bought it for the four door and fuel economy aspect. Those two things arent disappointing...pretty much everything else was...teh electronics were always if-y and the drivers seat kills your back...theseat belts in the back have all but ceased to function. Its just NOT THAT GREAT of a car.

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  2006 Mazda MAZDA5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Five Speed - May 22 - 1:23 pm

  Its been a little over two years and 32000 miles. My biggest downsides have been the factory Toyo A18 tires, which are noisy and, allow too much wheelspin when wet. Also, it requires a "running start" up steep unpaved hills in North Carolina but its OK on the flat grounds of Florida, although wheelspin, when wet, is easy with stick shift models. The weight distribution is 56/44 with auto and 55/45 with manual. You wouldnt want a trailer with this little front bias.

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  Mazda between Us and Japan - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Boston4family - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a good solid van, with several "need to improve" desing features. A little attention to this product and some marketing could sell alot more of them.

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By sjlemin - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Very roomy, great looking. Handles well on highway and in the city. Great vehicle for the money. This SUV drives more like a car. Smooth riding. Woule reccommend to anyone.