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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  Good car overall - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By JustBoughtMazda - June 24 - 6:13 pm

  Bought a Mazda6 iTouring with Convenience package, includes Bluetooth, leather trimmed seats, power driver seat, Blind Spot Monitoring system, Dual climate control, steering mounted audio controls, HID headlights, tire pressure monitor, Information display which shows MPG, temperature, time, miles remaining, etc. Inspection not due for another 4 years. Build quality of the car is great. Instrumentation panel is sleek. Definitely has sporty appearance. Cant comment too much on the ride right now b/c I bought it today. Driver seat is not the most comfortable, but it might take some getting used to. I will post again after I have put some mileage on the car.

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  Solid and stylish and fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Johno - June 24 - 5:50 pm

  Loving this car. Ive had it for 1/2 a year now and it still feels and looks brand new. Its very roomy for a compact. (Im 65" and there are still a few inches of room above my head.) My biggest gripe with the car is the road noise. Its invasive at times. Theres no wind noise and the engine is quiet and responsive and the car handles extremely well. My last car was a 1990 Mazda MX-6 and it performed well for 14 years with minimal repairs. Im hoping this car will last as long.

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  An Excellent Car for a Surprising Price - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By TexasGuyJD - June 24 - 12:36 am

  This car has many refined features and amenities of much more expensive cars. I would much rather drive it than my moms pristine Lexus. This car is nimble, versatile with the back hatch, fold downs, and comfortable. I get compliments all the time on it. It is Metropolitan Grey Mica; sun/moon roof, heated power seats, Bose stereo independent suspension and a computer for about anything you can thing of, this thing just ROCKS. It is plenty quick and comfy at 85+ on the expressway if thats your bag. I stayed away from the turbo charger because the dealer in my home town wasnt certified to work on them, so I didnt want to chance it. I get 30+ M mixed driving! The AT, with manual mode is fun.

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  One of the Best Minivans - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Big Papi - June 23 - 9:40 pm

  Bought our 03 LX in late 03 when they had great rebates. This van has done it all for us. It tows a popup camper (our LX has the tow package), hauls the kids AND the grandparent thanks to the 3 row seats and has conquered the New England winters. We also like the size (a bit smaller than the Honda, Toyota). No serious mechanical problems, all the little things were covered under warranty. V6 had plenty of power and is rides very well on the highway. Do yourself a favor and check out the used MPVs - they are a bargain!!

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  I love my Mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By supermom1450 - June 23 - 4:30 pm

  Our 1992 Buick Regal just died and we needed a 2nd vehicle..bad. Since Im the chauffeur, I needed something that was good on gas so I could drive the kids around 6 days a week to their various activities as well as maintain my 3 jobs. I love how she handles corners and I wish she were a stick but shes not. We have a lot of snow in New Brunswick and she handles better in the snow and ice than our 3.1L Dodge Grand Caravan. She has such a sporty feel and my kids find her more comfortable than the van. She really likes to go "Zoom Zoom". She has under 150,000km, and she starts up very easily in -25C. When she goes to Mazda heaven Ill be getting another one..sorry GM.

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  Initial thoughts - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By choppa - June 23 - 3:00 am

  Previous Honda Accord owner who in the end was looking for something a little bit different. With the latest Consumer Reports Auto edition praising the new Accord, along with my bias towards Honda, I was sure I would end up in a new 2013. Driving what everyone else drives wasnt a big concern to me. However, I took the time to get to know the redesigned Mazda 6. There were many positives - styling, interior look/quality (especially on GT), EASY to use tech features, fun to drive factor, innovative skyactive engine, chasis, tranny (for those not into CVTs) and Mazda reputation for quality. In the end, there was enough to push me in a new direction. Time will tell but I like it so far.

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  CX-9 Fan - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-9 Fan - June 22 - 7:03 am

  Traded a Volvo XC90. I was a little leary about moving from european to japanese make. The car has been flawless. Feels very solid. Handles beautifully. Feels very safe. Quiet, smooth & powerful. I look forward to driving this car to work each day.

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  Nice when it starts - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mustang Christy - June 22 - 6:13 am

  Ive had this car about a year and have had a major problem with it not starting all the time. They tell me that it is caused from vapor locking. They have replaced several things and it still hasnt solved the problem. Mazda finally agreed to buy it back from me so that I can purchase a RELIABLE car. This car has left me stranded several times. Another dislike is how you have to first leave the car running for 20 minutes before you shut it off.

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  Not reliable or maybe not lucky!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sam - June 21 - 7:16 pm

  I bought the car 4 years ago. Recently, the engine started making a loud sound and it seems that it may cost me over $1200 to repair it (with only 86,000 miles on the engine). I was hoping to keep the car longer. At this level not sure if Im willing to spend that much money on a car thats only 4 years old. What would happen in few months if I fix the car! Would it brake again! This is a major maintenance for a car this new. So I would have to say that Mazda Protege5 is not a reliable car or Im an unlucky guy! I hope my comments helped.

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  engine stalled while driving 60 mph hwy - 1998 Mazda 626
  By T - June 21 - 1:20 pm

  I purchased this car last year from a private seller. 2 months after having the car, no more then 80,000 miles on it, the transmission went out. Beginning of April 2009 I drove it to Georgia. It handled the mountains very well. Now that I was confident in this car I allowed my 18 year old daughter to use the car to go approximately 118 miles out of town. On her trip back the engine stalled while she was going 60 mph on the highway..now it was towed today and I want to know what other safety hazards I must be aware of with this car. It was my first luxury car and it let me down and almost killed my first born. Where do I go to file a safety complaint? Others need to be aware of this danger!