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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  Good Value - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By 10mazda3 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good value, Great styling and sporty, just hate the road noise, keep the radio up loud. very noisy on uneven pavement. Suspension on bumps is horrible. Would rather have bought German, vw or bmw, this car very light and tinny. Paint quality not great, chips easy. Had an 08 sedan, salesman told me it would be quieter? oh well, will have to live with it for a few years.Yes, there are many features that you will love. If they put in more insulation and better suspension they will have a superior product.

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  interesting - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By peter wilcox - October 24 - 11:23 am

  This must have been one of the first rx-8 produced! Ive had electrical problems, sunroof problems and hard starting concerns. All of course fixed, but the car has been tied up in the shop for at least 10 days!

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  Not Bad for the Price - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By baanderson - October 23 - 7:23 pm

  Just purchased the Mazda5. So far so good. I went from a Mercury Mountaineer fully loaded to a wagon/van. More out of the want to spend less on gas. Plus I needed the extra space. I love the third row seating! I love the fact that my kids ( still in booster/car seats) cant kick each other. I love that even though it is considered slightly minivan-ish, the car doesnt make me feel old.

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  Great crossover, needs better MPG - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ArkadiyS - October 22 - 10:30 pm

  We have reviewed and test driven many crossovers before settling on Mazda CX9. We were just walking away from our Toyota minivan, we were looking for a car-like comfort, but more performance and fun, and Mazda made our shortlist. Excellent features and price, well loaded, and a great ride sold us. After 6 months we very happy with the car, but the mileage needs major improvement! We are getting between 12-15 MPG based on gas type. Premium gets us about 2-3 MPG more. Great car overall!

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  not a problem yet - 1998 Mazda 626
  By laurel malave - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy this car, but I am just hitting the mileage point (after 55,000) where i may or may not have problems. For example, the weather stripping has come off the doors several times (and will not stay glued). Also, the doors are not latching shut as easily as they used to. I have to slam them hard to get them to shut. Otherwise, i have not had any significant repairs as of date, just normal maintenence. i love this car, but my family has outgrown it! Reccomended a excellent car for a family of four or less.

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  good reliable car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By dessert fysh - October 21 - 2:00 am

  105000 miles on it and still drives like new. When replacing the timing belt you must replace the tensioner as well because the spring that pulls on the tensioner carves a groove through it with the of the engine vibrations. Also most auto parts store do not have the correct tensioner for the ES model. I had to buy mine online and searched for the 2.0 liter 2000 model to get the correct tensioner. Go figure??

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  Great Car - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By lilred100 - October 20 - 10:54 pm

  I bought this car used with 120k, drove 2 years and 20k miles before car was totaled by insurance company. Did well in the accident, no injuries despite drivers side impact. Fun to drive, sporty, sharp rims, great stereo. Minor, inexpensive repairs: thermostat, motor mounts and a fuse. A/C compressor was starting to go out. Visor mirror and one vent cover came unglued otherwise interior looked almost new. Took on lots of highway trips for work and did great at high speeds, comfortable on long drives. Adjustable seats and steering wheel give a good custom fit for the driver. My mechanic said it was a great car, I would buy another mazda in a heartbeat. Got about 18/24 mpg.

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  2000 - millenia - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By cme - October 20 - 10:00 am

  2 years - 23k miles - and not one problem. great car!

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  Great car, IF it starts! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Kathy Cass - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had much distress over a repetitve problem that the service people cannot fix,sometimes my car wont start,leaving me stranded.They replaced the immobolizer.They cut and reprogramed new keys,a tech took it home,and couldnt get it started,had to be towed back to the dealer.Then they thought it was a wiring harness connection,took apart and reconnected, and were convinced it was fixed.I am so stressed and upset over this,I was to go on a trip this morning,but still need to get the car towed,and confront the dealer.This may be a lemon,but I have had trouble getting callbacks from the servicing dealer,Pugi.

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  Much promise, little delivery - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jon - October 18 - 10:40 pm

  Smooth engine, good handling and nice auto box ruined by worst ride of any car I have owned in 23 years of driving (avoid the 18 inch alloys and Pirelli P Zero tyres). Looks great outside, cheap materials inside. Loads of space and easy loading on the hatch. Lousy economy. Overall, disappointing, as on the surface much more interesting than competition.