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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  the 6 is a great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By KD - February 2 - 5:13 am

  Well, I currently own a b-3000 truck and had owned a 3 in the early 90s and owned a 626 in the late 80s..lets just say, the 6 was top on my list. I read all the reviews here and didnt even bother wasting my time with accord, camry or legacy(which is what I really wanted).I ended up getting the convenience and moonroof package...great car to drive and have fun everytime..I am no speed demon but I think the car has enough power for around the town and highway..I may be biased here, but definitely do not have one regret buying the 6..and not too mention that the salesman wasnt trying to strongarm the deal...

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  NO good - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mbauer - February 1 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased a Mazda3 Jan. 2004 to commute to school and work. I am very displeased with it. The worst problem is that, in automatic, when the vehicle shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, at around 2500 RPM, there is a great jolt. The car jerks a lot, sometimes more than others. I called the dealership and they told me that it was the "nature of the beast." They had gotten similar complaints, but there was nothing they could do about it. The car is also loud (belts and fans) and noisy inside while driving. I want to get rid of it.

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  Road Noise and Tire Replacement - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By S. J. - February 1 - 6:20 am

  I have a 3.0L 6-cyl. automatic that I bought new in Oct. 2006. It has performed well and has required no warranty work to date. I had to replace the tires at 23,783 due to very loud road noise that continued to get louder over time. It was the poor quality Continental Tires that were factory installed. Once I replaced the tires, no more road noise. I wish that I had replaced the tires long ago.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jim S - February 1 - 3:30 am

  Ive had my MX-5 for a week now and am thrilled! Ive been an Honda/Acura owner for 20+ years so my standards are high. Very quick/fast, great gas mileage, easy open/close top. Wish it had a space for change, cup holder on driver side hits knee. Ride is a little stiff but it is a sports car not luxury sedan. Great road grip, steering response. Small trunk will still fit my golf bag (less driver).

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  fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Myslandi - January 31 - 11:30 am

  This little four banger really takes everything you can give it and wants more. I was going to buy a V6 but, the four was just as much fun and really flies up the hills and never talks back. used to have a dodge stratus ES V6 and this is way more fun to drive.

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  Timeless Elegance - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By thereitis - January 31 - 11:03 am

  Exudes the timeless elegance of a British roadster unlike any convertible on the market. It says "look at me" in such a mature, polite manner. Responsive yet surprisingly comfortable, the MX-5 drives/handles as well or better than European automobiles (expertly crafted in Japan).

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  Poor mans Jetta - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Joshua Ranger - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We lost our 1998.5 VW Jetta last year when we were rearended (insurance totaled the car). With very little money and no desire to release again we again looked to the Protege (my 2nd choice when I got the Jetta). I call my car a poor mans Jetta because it has much (but not all) of the "fun to drive" as our VW. It is by all accounts a do-fer (itll do-fer now) and I will say its much more comfortable in long drives than the VW and a much better value (I do not miss the trips to the fancy VW service centers).

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  Love my CX-7! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By fdixon7182 - January 30 - 12:36 pm

  Aesthetically this car is absolutely beautiful. This is what the Porsche Cayenne should look like. Acceleration is fantastic. Initial mileage 20.2 mpg (and that is not all highway!). Base stereo sound is just so so, compared to the standard of excellence we have become used to. It is a phenomenal car for the money. No, the base model doesnt have all the bells and whistles of a Lexus, etc., but it still feels luxurious!

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  Wow!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anthony - January 29 - 8:03 am

  There is no better car than a Mazda3 in this class. I look forward to driving mine every day. Its great on gas, has a great audio system, and definite curb appeal. I recommend this car to anyone whos searching for quality, economy, safety and fun. Youre doing yourself a disservice if you dont at least drive one of these before making a purchase.

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  Granny tranny - 2001 Mazda 626
  By sucker - January 29 - 3:30 am

  Needed rebuilt tranny at 65k. Needed another rebuild 20k later. Trunk leak created by factory defect - leaked water into spare tire well which would soak insulation and cause mildew. Starting to rust around rear tire well. 8k in maintenance and repair costs since I bought it used with 38k mi.