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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  5 doors of fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By fishline9572 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car! Fast, fun, and comfortable. Handling on this car is great, not a great deal of body roll on hard cornering, in fact you dont hear the tires squeal! Great acceleration, no brake fade, the Bose audio system is "da bomb"! The hatch makes it easy for us to carry 2 sets of golf clubs and luggage. The styling of the car, screams fast! Cant wait until they increase the horsepower and have a 6-speed manual transmisson!

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  Awesome, almost perfect family vehicle!! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By wilsonclan - May 4 - 4:00 am

  Picked it up last week. Waited specifically for the 08 and the 3.7 engine, worth the wait for sure. Power really comes on strong now for passing. Perfect blend of utility and performance, blast to drive. Comfort has been excellent so far, no complaints from rear seat passengers, plenty of room all around. Most of the upscale features one would expect for the money. Fit and finish exceptional. More quiet than the Infiniti we just turned back in from lease. Where we live there havent been many running around on the roads yet, which doesnt bother me at all, who wants to see what youre driving on every corner. Adds a level of exclusivity!

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  More than your moneys worth - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - May 3 - 11:03 am

  From the time I received the email reply from my dealer to this review, 1 month after driving it home, Ive enjoyed every minute owning my Mazda3s! For well under $20,000 I bought a car that performs, looks and feels like a $25,000 luxury car! Its fast enough to satisfy my demanding driving style, its contruction is solid to the point that I feel isolated from the outside on 90% of all roads and the upgradability of the car easily matches that of any Honda! The driving environment is encapsulating while nowhere near suffocating and my 58" frame feels right at home in the drivers seat! The only thing I regret is not putting down the money sooner!

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  Mazda MPV truly does go ZOOM with style. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Have been shopping for a while when I started looking at the MPV. I drove one for a day and feel in love. I had been driving a 2002 Explorer. The MPV moves into traffic very quickly. The handling is very impressive. I was also very surprised at the fit and finish. It put my Explorer to shame. For a relatively speaking inexpensive vehicle it is a lot of car of the money....

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  Spend lots of time driving? Buy this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rom - May 1 - 10:13 pm

  I bought a 2004 Mazda 6i sport sedan after having rented its little brother (Mazda 3) last fall. The 3 was so much fun to drive, I thought a little extra leg room and 4 doors and this would be a sweet car. I did a lot of research and every review I read recommended purchasing the car. The reviews that meant the most were the ones by owners, not tech guys who drove the car one time. This is a great car. I drive 500 miles a week in my sales job and this is definitely a drivers car. Handles like my old BMW. Purrs like my cat. Sometimes I wonder if the engine is running while I am at a light. And after driving a Ford Explorer (gas guzzler) this car laughs at gas stations.

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  Camry Killer? - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 230SL - May 1 - 8:36 pm

  We were on our way to test drive a new Camry. Took a swing into the Mazda dealer because I knew the design had changed and wanted to check it out. After a test drive we kept our appointment w/ the Toyota dealer. This Mazda has it all over the Camry, I couldnt even get alloy wheels on the LE model (which really pi**ed me off). Short story, we went back to Mazda and got a good deal on a car (so far, 2 mos) that I think is nicer than the Camry (which is a very nice car).

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  Function and Reliability - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Martin - April 30 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 4th Mazda product,over 20 years without any problems. Mazda produces the most underrated autos on the market. The MPV is the TRUE 1st minivan to have 3rd row fold flat into floor seats. And it is still the only one that has 2nd row seat windows that roll down and the 2nd row captains chairs slide side ways.FACT:The MPV is still the quickest minivan on the market. ZOOM,ZOOM,ZOOM

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  Love this SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By seemmons - April 29 - 3:49 pm

  I love, love, love this car. My tribute currently has 89,000 mi. Its everything a small SUV should be. In the V6 with 4wd, its powerful quick. I spend 2hrs in mine daily, both highway and dirt roads, and its just as stable on the mud as it is on pavement. Im getting around 25mpg. On our first big snow, I hit 4WD, and drove this thing through the mud and 16" of snow up a hill without so much as slip. Its much more stable than I feel the Jeeps are, and when test driving, blew away even the Escape. Mine also has an enormous sunroof, stylish leather and idiot-proof 6 CD changer. There also isnt a dog, a ladder or power tool my hubby and I cant fit in it.

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  Quality Auto - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Ted W. Lee - April 28 - 3:46 pm

  In the ten yrs.that I have owned the car, with the exception of when the battery "died" it has never failed to start and has never stalled. Its always been parked outside(in Mich.) The only major negative problem has been the suspension the last couple of yrs. Going over the slightest bump results in a very noisy and "rattley" ride.It sounds and feels like the suspension system has completely failed.I have about 90000 miles on the car.The car still looks almost like new (because of a paint sealant applied each year.) Never a problem with wheel alignment(never had it done).

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  Happy so far - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Familyoffour - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an MPV. Great value/features for the price. We have an LX with the LX Plus package, traction control, side airbags, roof rack and power side doors. Love the look of it. Adequate power and very quiet inside. We like the overall size, although there could be a little more leg room in the 2nd row. The fact that the gearshift blocks the radio isnt good but is offset somewhat by the steering wheel controls. Parking brake shouldnt be on the floor, it blocks access to the rear. Full removeable center console would be nice. Transmission a little clunky switching from 1st to 2nd. We are very happy with it so far.