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 most reliable/most boring car ever. - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By J. Victor - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned and driven this car going into my 3rd Michigan winter, and aside from routine oil changes and brake maintanence, have had ZERO problems with this car. Its been a rock solid little go-kart. Its also totally boring. I might think higher of it with a splash of color (as mine is silver with grey interior), and it has no fun toys to speak of (typical PW/PL/cruise) but I can count on it to run and run well. Engine still has some zoomzoom even after 170K miles. Very impressed with this things longevity.

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  The best - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By max - January 11 - 2:00 am

  6000 mi update. I have this car for almost 7 month now, and I can’t get tired of it. Drives very well. Bluetooth is awesome. Just bought a roof rack and bike rack. Car looks even better. So far only one small issue, a loose rear stabilizer bar at 5000 mi, fixed quickly and without hassle. Previously own 07 Subaru impreza 2.5i and I can say that My Mazda 3 is much better car.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jim nowell - January 10 - 4:50 pm

  Plenty of zoom zoom and room for a 64" man. Gas mileage is about 17mpg in town or on highway. Must be my lead foot. Shifts smooth and has plenty of get up and go.

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  Great Car - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By reha - January 10 - 3:58 pm

  I bought my 2015 liquid silver Mazda 6 i grand touring with technology package the day before Christmas on December 23, 2014. I had to wait for it for over a month because they did not have it in stock and I wanted a brand spanking new Mazda which had not been test driven. So, as soon as the car arrived from Japan, I got a call from the dealer and I got my Baby! -:) Let me tell you: IT IS A FANTASTIC CAR!!! I got the top of the line model with all the bells and whistles. This car literally does everything (even the braking if you forget to hit the breaks!) except the driving part. I like all the safety feature and the cruise control with radar!

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  Better Than A Caravan - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Joel from IL - January 10 - 3:30 pm

  I test drove many makes of minivans. The Mazda was the most versatile for seating except for the Dodge. It has the easy folding rear seat. The standard captains seats also pull together for more room to access the back. What sold me, though, is the car- like handling. The engine and tranny are silky smooth, and theres more than enough acceleration. The fit and finish of the body and interior parts are phenomenal. Definitely better than any domestic make Ive ever owned. Im hoping to have many happy years of driving the MPV. At 37 yrs old, I still have some youth left in me. Oh, I must say there will be no more Chrysler products in my name.

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  New clutch at 20k miles - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By chris_1 - January 8 - 12:00 pm

  I first took my car in to the dealer when I noticed the clutch slipping after I shifted or when I accelerated at freeway speeds. Now, after 16 days, I finally have my 2011 Mazda 3 back with a completely new clutch assembly. Mazda paid 50%, not including the rental car. My final bill: $700 (not including the rental car cost for this time). They replaced not only the clutch disc, but the flywheel and associated bearings and parts. Apparently they consider replacing the clutch at 2 years / 20k miles to be "normal wear and tear" and not under warranty. In my opinion, the fact that it wore out so quickly, in itself, means it was defective.

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  review after 6 months - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - January 7 - 9:26 pm

  Still love it after 6 months. If you want a small suv with the combination of room and fuel economy, this puppy is it! No problems, Mazda dealer has been great on the minor issues. I recommend the Tribute.

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  No Brainer - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cal - January 7 - 4:36 am

  Hands down the best value on the market. Fun to drive, turns heads, and provides plenty of bang for the buck. One test drive and you wont leave the lot without it. Looks and feels great. Low points; loud turn signal. Thats it.

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  PR5 more for your Dollar - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By CTK - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I wanted the Mazda6, but the wife needed to replace her van. Primarily we wanted a vehicle the kids could fit in and would get good gas mileage. We didnt want to loose confort and quality, by going budget. This car gives you the options and quality of a more expensive car with the smaller size and economy of a much cheaper car. Hopefully this car will last as long as my 93 626, still kicking and reliable at 130k miles.

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  This car needs a soul - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By icantdrive55 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car for everyday driving, however it wont do much more than that. Whenever you need that extra oomph there is nothing there, and downshifting hardly does anything but make more noise. Overall it is a good car but it just seems to be lacking, maybe that ES would be better or even the new MazdaSpeed. I just wish it had some character to stand out from the rest of the everyday commuters.