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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  Fun Mom Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By kitty - May 20 - 5:40 am

  I have two kids, and dont want a minivan. This is a zippy fun auto, with enough space for my groceries. Really enjoy it so far!

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  Insurance is high - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3_mazdas - May 19 - 7:33 pm

  I own 3 Mazdas, all from 2012 (cx9, 6, and 3). I agree with all regarding this cars excellent performance, gas mileage and design. I have the Grand Touring i with Skyactiv and Tech Package and my wife and I love it for all the reasons above. One word of caution though. Insurance is quite high. The premium for my mazda3 is 50% higher than that of my brand new CX-9 which is worth $10k more than the mazda3. And my wife and I are considered the best drivers by Geico. So, if you think you save lots on gas mileage, think twice, after valueing insurance. THis is considered a sports car, unlike competitors such as Civic or corolla. If you like a fun and green car, then get the mazda3.

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  Love the car but the smell is making me sick! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By veruca - May 19 - 12:39 pm

  Just bought a 2014 GT AWD. The gas right now is holding steady for me at 22.8 and Ive mostly done city driving so I guess thats almost true to stated MPG. I cannot believe how smooth this car drives. I feel like all the stuff that came with it made it a pretty sound deal. I test drove a 2013 against the 2014 and you can instantly tell the difference in power for not much loss in MPG. My problem is the new car smell is making sick, even on short drives. Its still cold and Im forced to drive with all the windows done. Also, I am just hoping there are no radiation issues. Even though Hiroshima is far enough away, these cars are probably shipped with Nissans.

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  Two mths and happy - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Dsquare - May 18 - 7:03 pm

  Purchased my tribute in early June 08 and have been happy. Took car from Va to Fla and did well. A little cramped for the 4 of us + luggage, but still managed 26+ mpg with a/c on the whole way. Excellent auto considering the price point.

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  Fun car, but unfixable problems - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mike187 - May 18 - 7:00 pm

  This is by far the most fun vehicle I have owned. Looks cool and handles awesome. I bought new and planned on owning it a long time. I properly maintained this vehicle from day one. At around 20K my MP5 started having problems. Squeaks from the front and rear suspension over bumps. The rear noise was fixed, but after multiple visits the front was never fixed. During warm weather, the vehicle smells strongly of coolant. The radiator was replaced, but it still smells of coolant. The auto-transmission leaks -- multiple visits, multiple attempts to fix, still leaks on my floor! Worst of all, the car intermittently would die after pulling away from a stop. Looked at many times. Never fixed.

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  Mazda 6 i Sport Update--7 months later - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By evan21007 - May 17 - 7:24 am

  This is un updated review based on having this car now for 7 months and 3600 miles. The exterior styling is still an eye catcher and the seats are comfortable with the right amount of support. The engine has decent power but could be better from 0-20 mph w/o being somewhat aggressive with the gas pedal. The Yokohama tires have good grip combined with the 17" wheels. Steering and suspension are responsive to every input so you can have fun taking corners or enjoy a smooth ride in daily commuting. The interior is simply laid out with good ergonomics, high quality materials and switchgear throughout. Its not a flashy interior, which is a good thing. This is a drivers car!

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  Move over Mercedes - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Freddy - May 16 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car to replace a 320 Mercedes wagon. With 50% better gas mileage, more power, a better sound system, and an interior with real leather to boot, Ill never go back to Mercedes! Oh, did I say at half the price? I have read several reviews of this car, and they are off base when discussing the V6 powerplant. This thing rocks on the highway with the 6 speed automatic. Beware however that this car is hard to equip for towing, despite what my dealer promised me.

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  Speedy Mazda 6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lannette - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 4 1/2 mo. and had to have the front axel replaced and the front disc brakes replaced due to noises and defective product. Post Falls Mazda took care of me while fixing my car though. It ended up making me like my car more because I had to drive a Mazda protege5 and the Mazda 6i and they do not even compare to the engine/handling of my 6s! Im glad to have it back. zoom zoom!!

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  Not a lot of buck, but a lot of bang - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By brb588 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I totalled my previous car (02 Chevy Tracker) and was looking for a gently used car/SUV. I originally wanted a Honda CR-V, but it was way out of my price range. Thank God I looked at the 03 Protegé. It had about 11K miles, and I test drove it along side a brand new one, and they both drove excellently. The thick steering wheel and peppy engine were immediately noticable. Everything was nicely laid out, the seats were comfortable, and the car was rather attractive for its low price. I have had it for a month, and I simply love it. Forget a Civic, get a Protegé!

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  i love the mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By deerules - May 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is tight!