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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  Ooh, Torque! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thebeansoldier - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The 3s (2.3L) is fun to drive! I got the MTX and the torque I feel compared to my previous car (95 base Neon ATX) is very strong. Its very quiet on the freeway- didnt notice I was doing 80mph until I looked at the speedometer.

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  Best car I have ever owned!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By marib - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a Mazda6 and It is the best car I have ever bought. Its fun, fast, practical and has a sleek design (inside and out). (I bought the V6 sports sedan w/ rear spoiler. . a must) I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  my nightmare - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mj - October 4 - 8:46 am

  Several recalls which is normal for a new model. Had 13,000 miles on car and smoke started coming from exhaust pipes upon start up. Smelled like transmission was burning up. Been back to the dealer 5 times. First I was told I may have picked up plastic bag. Dealer cant find problem. It now developed coolant leak and Mazda suggested they replace radiator. Smoking occurs every 5 to 6 weeks and only once on initial start up. Anyone have a problem like this?

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  Outstanding Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Greg - October 4 - 4:20 am

  I have had my CX-9 for almost a year now and we absolutely love it! The only complaint is it could get better MPG (I am averaging about 16 mpg). I researched and test drove about every crossover out there and none felt as good to drive as the CX9. The stereo is awesome, especially the surround sound when playing a DVD. Xenon headlights are great. Anyone who has never been in this car before is surprised how nice it is and cant believe it is a Mazda. The handling and performance are second to none in the crossover segment. The transmission is silky smooth. The GPS with back up camera are great features. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty crossover.

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  Not so Zoom-Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Munna Bhai - October 4 - 3:16 am

  I got this car yesterday. Car is pretty big but for this size of car an I-4, 170HP is not enough. Im sure this car will be a lot of fun with V6 240+ HP in touring trim. Car is not alot of fun to drive. When you accelerate it, it feels like car is working hard. Interior is good but there is generous use of hard plastic that doesnt suit a 20K car. Exterior is dashing Overall I might not go for an I-4 170HP for this size of car in the future

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  ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By SHamptonNY - October 1 - 11:40 am

  After owning two BMWs Its a pleasure to find a quality car at this price that doesnt sacrifice handling or safety. My hats off to Mazda.

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  Overall we love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By maz5maz6 - October 1 - 12:10 am

  Bought this new and have over 50K on it after 4.5 years. Only issues have been an LCD display problem (very recently at the 4.5 year mark so its out of warranty) and the plastic around the lower end of the steering wheel column rubbing against something and sometimes "creaking" very low as you drive -- otherwise the fit and finish of the car was/is excellent. We avoided the 6cyl version as that was a Ford engine with noted reliability issues. Besides being a little underpowered, the 2.3 4cyl has been excellent so we bought the same the next year in our Mazda5 (which has also been excellent after 50K miles). Overall weve been very pleased with our Mazda6 "Sport" (hatchback).

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  bang for the buck - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By prazvt - September 30 - 4:00 pm

  Interior design is superb, ergonomic, tasteful,. the 5mt shifts nicely, and the engine doesnt sound obnoxious. Climate control is almost too effective. Aux input works beautifully. All available speaker systems (bose and stock) stink. Replaced the speakers (but not tweeters), so thats remedied. Aux input works w/ iPod beautifully. 27 mpg thus far which is awesome! No rattles or initial failures the first month. Corners wonderfully. Thus far, no real torque steer under hard acceleration. Great clutch - not on/off or stiff. Awesome brakes, though sometimes Ive noticed squeaking. Steering wheel controls work well.

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  Unbelievable car for the money - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By nyminute - September 30 - 3:50 pm

  I have a 2001 Protege LX 2.0 with a 5 speed, bought it Sept. 01. It has over 150,000 miles and still runs great. But whats really incredible about this car is it still gets 30 MPG on the highway and other than brakes, tires, timing belt (which you should do before 120K) and an oil change every 8-10K miles, it has not been one single problem! Never in the shop, never on the side of the road, starts right up every day for almost 6 years and still runs like a champ! Same battery even!. Great car, if you can get one with the optional 2.0, buy it!

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  Sulfur Smell!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By SID - September 30 - 2:00 am

  A nice design but Mazda has a serious problem with alot of MPVs having a TERRIBLE sulfur smell. My dealer and Mazda headquarters are not at all helpful. Buy a Honda, Toyota and you will be happier.