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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  Favourite Van of its Era.. - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By yunush - April 4 - 3:12 am

  Bought the van brand new in 2000, 13 years later and its still running strong with 230,000kms... Recently with my abuse ( I run it around 4 - 5000kms a month) its started giving minor problems such as the alternator and stabilizer links, but that is expected of a car of its age. Gas milaege is great compared to other vans, awesome people hauler, and great flexibility with the seats. Fun to drive.

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  Great car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Zuumer - April 4 - 2:03 am

  I bought my Protege new and have had very little trouble with it. I usually get 32-33 mpg on the highway (occasionally 35-36) and 25 in the city. It accelerates well and handles great. Plenty of head room and great visibility. Sunroof still works perfectly after 7 years, no leaks. CD players LCD screen often goes partially blank until I push on it. Right rear door power lock broke around 60k. Replacement tires (195 55 15) are expensive.

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  Our fifth Mazda! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By anitajoe - April 3 - 9:26 am

  I agree with everyones comments on the new Mazda 6. Were already a "Mazda family" but this one is the best weve ever had. The ride is superb, and the electronics are awesome..especially the push-button start and the blind spot monitoring system. Were getting 27-29 MPG with the 2.5 4 and I know it will improve with age. If youre considering another vehicle, drive the Mazda 6. Youll end up buying it, just like I did!

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  Fun Car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By J Wilson - April 3 - 4:00 am

  Wow! This car is great. This is the first Miata that Ive owned so the experience is new for this brand. I have owned several other rag-tops, but none as fun as the Miata. It is a blast to just let the top down and drive anywhere. Took it on a long trip (800 miles each way) to Key West. No problem on the highway. Cruised just fine.

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  Still Zooming! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DT - April 2 - 3:13 am

  I had driven 10 company cars over the years, and when it finally came time to purchase one myself, I chose the MP5. I had one in 2002 when it was new, and loved it. Have driven Volvo XC70, Cadillac SRX, Ford Freestyle, Focus, Mazda6, Matrix, Fusion and this car beats them all. Outstanding handling, 4 wheel disc brakes, its a blast to drive. This car always puts a smile on my face. My wife loves it because Im like a teenager when theres an errand to be run - I love driving this car! Its stylish, and since it was only sold in the US for 2 years, it stands out without being seen everywhere.

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  The worst car I ever had! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mike - April 1 - 11:41 pm

  I bought the brand new 2016 MX-5 Club manual based on my several test drives. In about 2 weeks, the vehicle developed a terrible rattle with the top up. Several trips to the dealer (awful experience) resulted in more noise and vibrations. The car felt used with only 700 miles on the odometer. This is not a car foe people who value quality and craftsmanship, this is a joke. I sold it at a huge loss in a about a month and I will NEVER shop Mazda again.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jct06 - April 1 - 1:26 pm

  I just got rid of my 98 E320 Mercedes and I could not be happier. I only have 35 miles on my new Mazda and I love it!! I will never buy a Mercedes again and I should have bought a Mazda years ago. It is a very fun car and I can now rest and not worry if my dash light check engine is going to come on. I am really digging it and for those of you who are reading this and are not sure I say go do it. Buy a Mazda. If you want fun and sporty check out the 3s.

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  Zoom Zoom with room - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By midnightmike - April 1 - 12:53 pm

  I had previously owned a Chevy Avalanche for my dj business. Even though I loved my truck, I felt it was time to downsize. I saw the Mazda wagon at the Chicago Auto Show. My wife and I liked the car very much. The next day, we bought one. She had a 2001 Protege so I knew about Mazdas reliability. This car handles all of my equipment without a problem. This car can really move and handle like a race car. I just love driving it. The color is Steel Gun Grey and it is fully loaded. Everyone I run into thinks its a Dodge Magnum. The Dodge is too expensive and really isnt that much roomier than the 6. You really cannot beat the price of the 6 and everything you get for the money.

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  Must-a-got-a-lemon - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By eugene5 - April 1 - 2:06 am

  Differential needed to be replaced at about 4,000 miles. Blue tooth stopped functioning at 9,000 miles. So far dealer has not figured out how to repair. First recall about same time for door checkers. Just waiting for the next problem. Unfortunate because it is quite a nice ride.

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  I love it... - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tli - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I wish they still made em exactly this way. Its a blast to drive and blows anything else in its range completely out of the water.