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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  cuisinart motor, rice krispies interior - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By mtaylor - January 18 - 6:03 pm

  After only 10 months, Im ready to ditch this car. The engine is smooth enough but sounds like a blender. Transmission is beginning to hesitate between gears and is rough. The entire passenger side rattles (dash,under seat and on B-pillar). Impossible to find a comfy driving position (gauges too high for the wheel, lumbar support too hard, among other issues). Door handles are flimsy. Plastic trim on A- pillar is loose. HVAC fan rattles. Felt-like trim between dash and windshield is uneven. Bose system is mediocre. Very weak low beam headlights. Was sucked in by the looks, but have been let down by the quality. At least its mechanically reliable and gets good mpg.

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  LotsaMiles - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By tedg - January 18 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car since it was new 11 years ago - it replaced another just like it that died on us, and it now has 224,500 miles on it. Though we are looking for a new vehicle, we plan to keep this one as a second vehicle for use locally. I was amazed that you give mpg as 25 - 27; weve never gotten less than 32, usually more, up to 38! Perhaps part of that is my exclusive use of Mobil 1 oil; with the vagaries of gas pump shut-offs, regardless, I feel 34-35 mpg is what we have (and continue to get) for mileage. Driving its been a pleasure, though its showing signs of age - noisiness, mostly.

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  great value among all SUV in market - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By 4cyl 2006 tribute - January 18 - 10:00 am

  this is great SUV, for less than 19k , which i paid this suv is great for its class and performance, i drove 29k miles and still going great , did not spend any dime other than regular oil change sporty and sexy suv,can not beat its value and class and modest price tag

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  My trusty "Mazda 2" friend - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By lboylesusa - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Having owned 3 Mazdas I purchased the Mazda 2 HB Automatic just weeks ago for commuting highway and city. So far this vehicle matches in quality or exceeds my former Mazdas. The room is outstanding for this 6commuter...my legs will extend fully, ample head room. The seat exceeds its sister Fiesta, thicker, deeper, more supportive. The body is firm with 5 solid closing doors. Engine response is fast and nimble, with excellent suspension. Automatic is smooth shifting up or down. MY FUEL MILEAGE IS 37.8 MPG CITY/HIGHWAY... above the sticker rating!!! This is a ZOOM vehicle, priced well. Style, fit, finish is outstanding. It would be a mistake not to purchase this vehicle if undecided. lb

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  Love this car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By gman - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This by far has been the best drive I have ever had. Just got out of a 2009 Acura TSX, and could not wait to get out of it. Mazda 3s is by far a better ride, and $10k less. This car rocks and even with less power then the TSX, the handling compensates. I have only driven the car for two days, but already love it. I hear people complaining about road noise, I dont hear it, all I hear is the fine tone of the exhaust. In The TSX, I could hear the engine noise, by far worst then anything I hear with the Mazda 3. I will never look at any of the other competitors in this segment, dont see how they will be able to compete.... This might be the best car ever built for the money....

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  The Drivers Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cory - January 17 - 6:36 am

  I bought this car after owning a 1995 Mazda MX-6 as my first car. I wanted a bigger and more efficient car without giving up ride fun. The Mazda6 sure exceeded my expectations. I love being able to take curves on the interstate without dropping don to 45mph. The acceleration and braking are 1000 times better than my moms Accord. It fits three others comfortably. I recently drove a friend to Atlanta and he was amazed about how much leg room he had. Hes 65" by the way... I have driven Hondas and Toyotas and they are fine for those who just need to get from A to B, but if you are one of those who enjoy the ride a Mazda is for you!

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  Buyer beware... - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By MR. ED - January 15 - 4:06 pm

  A couple of things interested buyers should know. The bridgestone tires wrapped around the 18 in alloy rims are horrible in snow! Get winter tires or a 2nd car. MPG is another problem. The 05 RX-8 had a couple recalls already. The 2 back seats in the car are for children! Not for adults, unless your under 52 you will not be comfortable. At low cruzin speeds the cabin noise is over whelming. But the fact is the RX-8 is still a pretty fun car to drive. If you dont mind the shortcomings.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By SandyF - January 15 - 9:40 am

  The CX-9 is a wonderful departure from my long-standing SUV days. Smart styling,crisp handling, and all the bells and whistles that I could wish for. The AWD GT model is responsive, quiet, and refined. This crossover is a head-turner wherever I go. The cargo space is cavernous, especially if you have golf equipment rather than kids. After test-driving numerous crossover vehicles, I knew that the CX-9 stood head and shoulders above the competition after about 5 minutes on the highway.

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  Get one while you still can - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mkaresh - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Great looking and very fun to drive. The engine is powerful enough to be fun with the manual but not so powerful that its easy to get into trouble. Steering and handling are outstanding. The interior looks much nicer with leather. Its roomy for such a small car--I currently have three child seats in the back. Engine a bit rough and noise levels are relatively high at highway speeds. Ride can be busy, but better than my test drive led me to expect. Overall, an amazing car considering how much I paid ($13,343 with ABS, leather, and sunroof).

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  MP5 more than I expected - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jesse Unger - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is solid. ROCK SOLId. It has so many amenities that other japanese manufacturers can seem to peroduce. th eoptions are wide- ranging and the stiff suspension is awsome.