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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  3 months in... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cblais19 - October 22 - 11:36 pm

  My wife fell in love with the darker blue Mazda 3 sedan, and my attempts to convince her to get a Civic came to no avail. We purchased the 2.5l sedan with the moonroof/Bose package. While this is most certainly a very fun to drive car, I found it lacking in areas especially when I did back to back test drives with it and a Civic EX. Seats are too narrow, the flares on either side that are supposed cradle you wind up digging into my shoulders. Im 5 10" and 180lbs, and these seats just dont work at all. Road noise is pronounced due to the low profile tires. And we already have rattles in a couple areas, one in the door after the first week. And one of those silly tires has a bulge already

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  Mazda does it again - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Glenn Loveless - October 22 - 4:50 am

  My last Six cars has been Mazdas, four of which were CX9s. Ive found the build quality of Mazdas cars to be excellent. They are reliable, attractive, and cost-effective. I will continue to purchase or lease a Mazda car as long as Mazda continues build cost-effective and reliable automobiles. Now if I can only get reliable service and attention to details from their dealership Ill be a happy camper.

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  Good overall minivan - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Steve - October 20 - 4:56 pm

  First family minivan has been a good one. This van purchased at 88K needed a front axle, and minor items up to 115K and still happy. Runs great and been reliable.

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  Zoom. Zoom. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacob - October 18 - 11:06 pm

  The car is awesome. Ive had it for about a month and have had no problems yet. I bought it used with about 8500 miles. It has good engine performance as well as pretty tight handling. The 6-disc cd changer is nice and the sound system is okay (its no bose, but not bad). Overall its a good, reliable car to get around town.

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  03 Mazda Protege ES - 5 speed - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By 03 Mazda Protege ES - October 15 - 12:03 pm

  This really is a great solid little car. Fun to drive! Very reliable, always starts, never needs repairs. The ES has several added features, alloy wheels, power sun roof, spoiler, 4 wheel disc brakes. NICE! I have the five speed and it helps the gas mileage about 5 mpg over the automatic. Get about 27 in town if I drive it right! Car is tight, and everything always works. If your looking for a (not too) small, and dependable car that gets good mileage, this is it. Ive had Hondas and the Mazda is very comparable. I cant say theres much I would change on the car, except the 5th speed overdrive design. (not enough difference between 4th and 5th speed). Brakes are excellent.

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  Not a good over 120,000 vehichle - 2000 Mazda 626
  By dusnth - October 14 - 7:00 am

  My husband & I purchased this vehicle used with about 55,000 miles on it. Was very reliable with very few problems until it reached around 120,000 when we were constantly dealing with issues. From A/C issues that had to be fixed because they were needed for other systems, to main engine trouble, this car turned into a money pit with high miles. I noticed most reviews have been written with the cars still under 100,000 miles. If you are wanting a car that will last, get rid of your 626 before it hits 120,000. We wish we did. The repair man just told us it would be another $700 to fix the issues this time. We said forget it, and revived an older car we had. A much more reliable choice.

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  My BMWVOLVOCIVICMUSTANG 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Maz6i - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Here are the cars that remind me of my Mazda 6i and the reasons why. The steering and handling are the closest to that of the 1992 thru 98, BMW 3 series of any car on the market! The suspension tuning makes the car ride just like an S40 Volvo, (small penalty for the razor sharp handling!). The interior looks a lot like a Honda Civic Si after puberty and the outside possesses a subtle earthy Mustang GT quality. Handsome, fast, comfortable, with handling prowess that exceeds anything in its class and then some! The best of many cars in one!

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  Pizza love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By frichardc - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Loved the vehicle when I first got it and most of my 39 month lease. Lately it has developed electrical and mechanical problems. Warning lights come on when nothing is wrong. The windshield has developed a leak and worse of all the transmission shudders when shifting in and out of overdrive. I was going to by it but am now happy to return it to the dealer with only 26000 miles on it.

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  A low power beauty - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Lin - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car that is low on power. Beware of an annoying auto trans whine between 24 and 38 mph with light throttle. Mazda states this noise is normal for auto trans models. 195/50X16 Dunlops are good tires, but usualy takes a few days to locate.

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  Great Van For the Value - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By mommyof3 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I love this van! We have the ES model that has leather which is great for clean-ups w/the little ones. Drives very smoothly. Very fun to drive. 0% financing was also a great deal. Not as roomy as other vans, but works well enough for us.