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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  Gorgeous - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By skyactivity - March 9 - 11:36 am

  For the same price as a boring old camry, you can have the Mazda6, an extremely good looking, road-hugging, fuel sipping beast of a car. It looks like an infiniti with more character, it drives like a low and light bimmer, and costs half of either. While not perfect on the inside (the seats leave me a little sore; maybe its just cause Im 64") its definitely a no brainer to get.

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  The i Sport Value Edition is Value - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark D - March 9 - 8:13 am

  I was driving a 2002 Mazda Tribute and when gas prices shot up to $3 per gallon I decided to trade it in for something with better gas mileage. The Mazda 6 i Sport Value Edition is the perfect car for buyers who want 4-cylinder gas mileage but dont want to sacrifice good looks, performance and comfortability. I am averaging 25MPG on the highway after 4k miles, I usually speed in the left lane. This car is very comfortable to drive.

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  Good - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DB - March 8 - 3:40 pm

  With neither the proper (last-gen) Golf nor Focus available, theres not much competition so Im happy with what I get! The 3 drives well although the handling can be described as great only by comparison to something quite wobbly. The shift is tops but the steering isnt too precise. We couldnt get traction ctrl and/or ABS on our model. This is a top-spec (S) yet the power window has no one-touch up. Having just paid the toll you either hold the window-up button with a line of angry Boston drivers behind you or pull away into the Boston winter with the window open. Plus the buttons are placed too far ahead and arent illuminated. Please, a few LEDs for 17K!

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  AWESOME - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By idiotboxer - March 8 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST DRIVE POWER COMFORT

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  Excellent automobile - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By rds - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Owning my pro5 has been a wonderfull experience. This car is the third Mazda I have owned, and the second Protege. As with the previouse two this has had virtually no issues or problems with the exception of a rattle that was taken care of at the dealer. It is as much fun to drive as the first generation RX7 I had in the past, and it has a much more people friendly rear seat than any other simmilar small wagon I compared it to. In a nut shell it always gets looks and makes me smile the minute I turn the key.

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  Lets Keep This a Secret - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Happy Girl - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had had my Protege 5for about two days. I was looking at Volkswagon Golfs but found the the PR5 to have a better value. Its a lot more fun to drive and seems roomier than the GTI or Golf. Overall, Im really suprised that I dont see more of these buggers out on the road, considering all the manufacturers great incentives. The car seems overwhelming with its perks, considering that I was driving a gas guzzling 4x4 pickup before.

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  Miatas are GREAT - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ceyowsr - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Miata, as I have all of our other Miatas

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  GREAT - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By LARRY GIRSCH - March 8 - 2:00 am

  PERFECT FOR TWO SENIORS. DONT HAVE TO STEP UP TO GET IN AND DONT NEED HELP GETTING. MORE SENIORS SHOULD GET THEM. PEOPLE THINKS IT IS FOR YUPPIES [WRONG] IT IS GOD SEND FOR OLDER GENERATION.

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  The perfect car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jmurphRX8 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. I previously had an 03 tiburon and this was a huge jump for. this is two cars in one, classy and sporty. The handling is amazing and the ride is smooth. The six speed shifts quick, really fun to drive. I love this car.

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  The best! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By andyady - March 7 - 11:45 pm

  I just got myself a 2014 Mazda GT with all the options available and I could not be happier. This car got style, a bold look, a great quality interior, the leather is great, sunroof is great, the acceleration and the manual mode are really fun. I love all the sensors including the backup, blind sports, night and rain sensors. The cruise radar is a must have. Can I also say that I love the 19" rims? Interior room is enough for what I need and I am 6.4. This car is great to drive and I love how it easily adapts to driving conditions. As far as gas mileage I think the authors estimates are not accurate however it does depend on how you drive it. I am close to 30 MPG combined, first tank.