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:

• 

  Dont buy this car whatever you do. - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Harry B. - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The suspension is horrendous and the ride nauseating on anything other than perfectly smooth roads.The Protege requires a double dose of Drammamine to avoid the use of a barf-bag enroute. You literally will find it difficult to change radio stations or take a sip from a beverage because of the pulsating and shakey ride. Both the dealership and my own personal mechanic told me there is nothing wrong with the car it just has the suspension tuned this way. I will trade mine in as soon as I can and even though I will loose a lot of money it will be well worth it to get rid of the bouncemobile.

• 

  Good Move - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bill Cupo (The Coop) - July 1 - 2:33 am

  I traded in a Mazda Protege 5 for this SUV and found a vehicle that was just as much fun to drive and believe it or not, not that much worse on gas mileage. This 4 cylinder SUV has plenty of pick-up for me since I wont be towing a camper or boat anytime soon. Plenty of front leg and head room, good view of the road, and comfortable on long rides, I plan to keep this vehicle for a while.

• 

  Should have gone with a Honda! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By wjw9075 - June 30 - 2:10 pm

  I bought the Mazda6 as a replacement for a Mazda3. The mazda6 was my first brand new car. I love how it drives, and handles! Zoom Zoom... but at 11,500 miles I had the transmission replaced. At 13,000 I am having the transmission fixed, and the front suspension fixed. Sound strange to you? I live in a big city, no backwoods dirt roads, just city pavement. I am so upside down in this car, that I could never get out of it at this rate. I am about to bite the bullet and trade it in anyway, for a Honda. I hope no one else is having these problems.

• 

  Great find - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Jun - June 30 - 10:33 am

  This CX 9 is a replacement for my wifes 03 Highlander. We compared it to the 08 Highlander and the 08 Murano. When my wife first sat in the CX 9, we knew that we found her next SUV. We bought the GT, and even with the 20 inch wheels, it rides just fine with us. My BMW 540 with the Sports package rides firmer than this.

• 

  love this car!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Edward - June 30 - 8:13 am

  just purchased my 3 yesterday, dealership approximately 60 miles from my home, loved the ride back, very comfortable, feels like youre driving a BMW, looks like a 325i from a distance, the car looks really expensinve, interior is beautiful, shoppped around for about 8 other cars but this one kept jumping at me, finally decided to shop for this car, once i test drove it, I WAS SOLD !!!!

• 

  Cant Beat a Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MazdaFan - June 30 - 3:33 am

  Holds up to the roughest of treatments and keeps on going. I drive in incredibly difficult traffic situations when timing and skill are important. Hit the gas and it goes. Stops on a dime in all kinds of weather. Repair costs are minimal and the dealerships are impeccable. Cars are a necessary evil for me. Mazda is low cost and low maintenance kicks but when you hit the gas. Ive owned the Mazda Protege orginally and now the Mazda6 have never been disappointed. The Protege went 178,000 miles before I sold it and I expect this one to go as far! BTW, the only major repair on the Protege in 178k mi was the exhaust pipe. Wahoo!

• 

  Good used value, but no Toyonda - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Nick Naylor - June 29 - 6:33 am

  Good value used...bought the car real cheap, and since it looks like a Lexus and has similar interior craftsmanship it is a great value. Very comfortable seats. Nicely equipped. Good brakes and nice handling. A joy to drive on windy roads. However, not all is well. Transmission needed replacement at 65k miles. Even after replacement, 1-2 shift is somewhat harsh, a seemingly common issue with this car (does not lead to long term confidence). Check Engine light is perennially on (EGR Valve). slight oil and coolant leaks. Previous owner or subpar reliability in general? In general, a comfortable nice car that is not a paragon of Japanese quality.

• 

  a better compact car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By good car - June 29 - 12:03 am

  Well my wife decided on the mazda 3. I believe it suits a female pretty good, although Ive been driving the heck out of it lately(62 220lbs). It surely beats my jeeps(11-13MPG) getting on average 29-31 MPG. Its peppy with plenty of commuting power, not a race car though. Very comfortable and very stylish inside. Overall its a very good car to own and drive. Although Ive been leaning towards the hybrids-45-50MPG. Im commuting on average 200 miles a day with the mazda 3...OUCH!!! I strongly believe this car gets above average MPG for a car this size and non-hybrid.

• 

  After 7 years this is a great car! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By joelybeau - June 28 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this car to drive to and from my workplace. The road I take is all curves. This car will still make any of the curves at twice the posted speed limit; however I never would break the law ;~) This car has been the best "fun per dollar" ratio of any car Ive owned. No mechanical problems ever, period! Put gas in it, change the oil, keep the tires pressurized correctly and drive it. If you are looking for a fun low priced car, get one of these!

• 

  Game Over - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By fenstersponge - June 28 - 3:11 pm

  Already put over 1000 miles on my new Mazda6 GT. I agree with an earlier post stating that this car is easily best in class. I drove everything multiple times and read tons of reviews. Drove Passat (gas and diesel), Accord, Fusion, Altima. It was down to the Passat and the Altima. The Passat was roomy and solid, the Altima had all the bells and whistles. Then I drove the Mazda. Game over. This car looks terrific both inside and out. Very classy interior. Lots of soft touch materials. Switchgear feels expensive. Take my advice and spring for the GT. The leather seats are AMAZING. I got the almond leather. Does not heat up in the July heat.