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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  As fuel efficient as a dinosaur - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Roz - October 7 - 10:36 pm

  We are a family of five with three young children and grandparents who like to come along for the ride. We needed an SUV with a true third row, and this was the best option (the Acadia and Enclave were not being leased at the time). Although I find the interior fairly comfortable, it does not compare to the Lexus RX 350 we had before this car. Also, the fuel economy is horrible -- I average 14 MPG with combined city & highway driving. My husband has a Toyota Highlander and gets much better fuel economy. Needless to say, this will be our last CX-9.

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  Mazda6s - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - October 7 - 6:16 pm

  After a year of ownership, I traded it in for an 06 MX-5. I wanted to love this car, but only liked it. Interior rattles started after a few thousand miles. Ive tried to like FWD cars, but still hate them, even after this car. The engine is powerful, but you dont feel it until you reach higher revs. Comfort and space are fine. Interiors a bit cheap - too much plastic, hard leather. Great interior storage areas. Long-throw shifter doesnt inspire. Poor pedal placement, which makes heel and toe driving very difficult. It got me around for a year. But I sensed too much Ford influence in the (lack of) build quality. With that said, cost/performance is a relative bargain.

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  Great car so far - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By adamjf - October 7 - 10:49 am

  Have had the car for two months and 3400 miles so far and it has been great. Love the styling. Could be getting better gas mileage; if driven cautiously and try to milk the gas some, get about 30 mpg mixed driving with about 60/40 freeway, town driving. When driven more aggresively I am getting 28 mpg. That is still not bad for stepping on it quite a bit.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ProtoJoe - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This car currently has less than 1000 miles, but I am pleased thus far. I dont think you can find another car of this variety that offers the features and style given for the price. My car was one of the first built, so were a couple of minor problems that were probably corrected in later builds. This car loaded came in about 4000 less than a WRX. Granted it lacks the HP and AWD, but if you are going to be carrying a child, it causes you to drive a little more sensibly. ;-)

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  great little car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By raindrop - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have about 2500 miles on my Protege, and have to say that it is a great little car. I am having fun driving it around. I have a DX with an automatic transmission, and it has great pick- up. I test drove the Dodge Neon, Chevy Cavalier, Ford Focus, and the Protege beat them hands down.

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  Save Your Money-Spend it Elsewhere - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda-Hater - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Actually I have a 2002 Mazda that had to have a new transmission at only 18,000 miles. The dealership was very unhelpful. First they stated that compressor for the air conditioner came in but, after a week they stated not all the parts were there (who knows why it took them a week to discover this). Then they did not have the tool to fix the car (I would think that they had tools to fix the cars they sold). They had our car for two weeks and still did not fix two of the three problems (one was supposed to be fixed by the new transmission). I would not recommend this car to my worse enemy! We are currently looking to replace the car.

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  Traded a 2007 for 2010 - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By BAM2010 - October 6 - 6:43 am

  Just traded my 2007 Mazdaspeed3 for a new 2010 Speed 3. Only have 100 miles, so more on the handling and performance later. But initial impressions are all positive. Quick comments: 2007-09 versus 2010: Facts: Gone are the HID headlights and LED tail lights. Temp gauge is gone BUT now has a turbo boost gauge. I like that trade, but both would be better. Standard stereo is only a single CD changer not 6-disc Rear cargo liner from 07 fits perfect in the 2010. Winter mats from 07 fit fine in rear and OK in the front. Some gaps in front. 16” winter wheels and tires from my 07 fit on the 2010. Lug pattern, and hub diameter are the same. Still no heated mirrors.

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  Zoom Zoom Baby - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By JessicaD - October 5 - 12:00 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! Before I bought the Mazda 6 I looked at the Acura TSX, Lexus, and Saturn Aura. The Acura was too compact in my opinion, and the aura was not worth the price for what you get. I dont have many bad things to say about the Lexus ES other than the Mazda looks almost about the same inside and out. For the same price, I could have picked up a basic Lexus ES or get a souped up Mazda 6 with beautiful leather interior, terrific sound, comfort, and quality. Black exterior and blond Interior. I couldnt be happier with my decision!

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  Great Car w/ room - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sprigs - October 5 - 6:30 am

  Purchased this car as a fuel efficient commuter ride. I travel 30 miles of rural roads to and from work and from day one I have been getting 32 mpg. I am 64" and have taken the car on several day trips with my wife and three teen age kids. We fit snugly into the cabin, but everyone seems to have enough room to be comfortable. When alone with the seat back there is ample room and the seats are extremely comfortable. The 3 is very fun to drive, the fit and finish is a good as any car out there. The buying experience was the best Ive experienced an would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cool ride with good fuel mileage.

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  Unlucky - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Unlucky Owner - October 4 - 12:16 pm

  Ownweship experence, Wow where do I start, one alternator, four coils, new breaks all around,a front drive shaft and today a sensor costing 1200 before labor & taxes all before reaching 100,000K. Mazda claims there are no problems with the Tribute, but I say they need to look into it more closely. The SUV is just getting broke in at 97,000 what happened to having a product you could see 100,000 miles on.