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 Truck without Personality - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Bill - July 4 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased this truck new, trading in a 2000 GMC Sierra. I got a lot of truck for the money. The truck has been reliable except for odometer failure (warranty) and EGR flow sensor. The 4.0L engine and 5-speed auto transmission are a fine drivetrain. The main problem is that this truck just has no personality to distinguish it from the crowd. The tin-can sound of the doors closing doesnt help. I recently installed a Magnaflow catback exhaust which has given the truck a distinctive sound.

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  Nice, Fun to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By NiceRide - July 4 - 10:46 am

  Have had the car since 11/09 and still get excited to hop in and go for a drive. There was one comment on road noise below, which it has some of but, much less than the new Accord we test drove. Getting about 23 MPG mixed. Great response when stepping on the gas and wanting to pass, dart, or just show off.

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  The car for me! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joseph J. Palermo - July 3 - 6:53 pm

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  great all around with odd omissions - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By brant82 - June 28 - 7:14 am

  After getting a monthly lease down below $185CAD we could talk about the base model. I couldnt have been happier to find out that the base model does NOT have the horrible tablet slapped on the dash. My requirements were a 6spd manual, blue tooth and a trunk large enough to hold my golf clubs year round. The hatch did not have enough space for the golf clubs so it was out and for the price point no other auto maker had anything that could compare.

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  Can I buy another, please? - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By a_mightywind - June 24 - 11:13 pm

  Ive found this to be a terrific car. Its not your typical stodgy wagon. It is fun to drive, the interior fittings are excellent as is the build quality. I still love the aggressive exterior styling. Theyre not being offered in Canada anymore but, Im told, they are being offered in Europe. I hope that situation changes because I would be another for sure.

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  good reliable car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Maline Johnney - June 24 - 12:56 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle it was used with 24,000. The only major expense was the 02 sensor and a oil leak from the transmission after traveling 159,000 miles. This vehicle has traveled from Wyoming to North Carolina numerous times and continues to allow me to travel to another state bimonthly to take care of my mother. Would recommend this to anyone who is looking for an economical value and a reliable car. Looking to purchase another Mazda along the lines of the new CX-7. Just have to save up for it.

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  Fun Drive - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hmm3 - June 23 - 4:33 am

  I have driven the car for about 600 miles. It is fun to drive, steering is precise and gives a great feel for the road. Acceleration is plenty good for an engine this size. I have bee n getting 38-40 miles per gallon driven 2/3 highway 1/3 city. The ride is firm, much more than a Corolla or a Accord. I think it is great for the driver, not so great for every body else. Seats are comfortable with good lumbar support. The blind spot warning system and the adaptative lights are great and function flawlessly. The Bose stereo is very good but not outstanding. Trunk space is limited but OK for a commuter car.

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  Warrantys over - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By m5indg - June 21 - 5:53 pm

  My wife and I loved this car when we bought it and still love to drive it. 3 years old now with 25k mostly around town miles on it and and experiencing some of the same problems that others have posted. OEM tires need replacing. Right rear shock blew just recently. Clutch engages very high on the pedal and will probably need replacing soon. Plus the car has always pulled to the right even after it was aligned and re-aligned. Other than these issues, we still find the car very functional for carting the kids around and taking family trips. My wife still loves it, but Im starting to think that it may be come a money pit in the next few years.

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  2010 Mazda CR-7 4cyl 2.5L - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By A. Figueroa - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like the car a lot. My biggest concern is that the windshield gets really foggy to the point that forms water droplets in the inside of glass. Another issue is that when I close the window in the auto mode, sometimes it opens half way by itself (both driver and passenger windows).

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ddcast1 - June 17 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this car for work. I drive a lot and needed something good on gas and not to expensive. So far I am happy with it. I have put 10000 miles on it and only have one complaint. The transmission doesnt shift properly all the time. Doesnt happen enough for concern and the dealer said they couldnt find a problem. The ride is nice and it looks great.