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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  Best Wagon for the Price - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By gray - June 6 - 4:10 am

  Want a sports wagon that wont break the bank? This is the car. Ive owned a Dodge Magnum (big, fast, stops poorly) and several BMW sedans. This car is more BMW flavored than Magnum, with good handling, decent enough power, and excellent braking.

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  A FUN 4 Door at last - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By starybrat - June 4 - 2:30 pm

  After driving the most popular American sedan for nearly 10 years (I had a Ford Taurus and a Mercury Sable), I decided that I needed a change. After driving no less that 15 different cars, I decided that the Mazda 6 was the car I wanted. Far more pep than most cars in its class, both American and foreign, it was the car that came out in front. I drove some Toyotas and some Hondas and they werent bad at all, but the Mazda 6 were nicer looking, inside and out and the Mazda feels like a better performer. The Mazda also has its trademark "engine growl" that adds to the excitement. The ride is tight; you really can feel the road so if you like a soft ride, this car isnt for you. Zoom zoom!

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  Excellent alternative to Accord/Camry - 1999 Mazda 626
  By paulbl - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall a vehicle that has exceeded my expectations. Very reliable, not a single problem, just routine maintenance. Excellent fuel economy with the 4cyl 5sp - 30-31 mpg in daily driving (in the horrible Seattle traffic), 36-38 on the hwy. Runs fine on regular unleaded and has adequate power for merging and passing. Great seats, more comfortable than the ones in my parents Passat! Great leg room front and rear, 4 six-footers fit fine in this car. Could have less road noise, changing the tires helped here (to Yokohama Avid Touring radials), as did adding noise reducing material behind the front doors. Overall highly recommended.

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  good truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By johnboy - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used with little mileage on it. Got a great deal. So far, so good. It runs smooth and the mpg is acceptable. AC is great. I live where it gets very hot, so that is important. For the price, its great.

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  Nice little car with electrical defects - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By joz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in 2003 as a new vehicle. Was good until 10000 miles, when a fuse blew that shorted out the tail lights, dash lights and lights on and door open chimes. Fuse was replaced and blew within a few weeks. Now the fuse blows as soon as the car is turned on. The car has been in the dealership for a week now, and they are stumped. Nobody seems to be able to determine the problem, but we have no car for my daughter to drive (unless she drives without tail lights). Mazda corporate didnt know anything about this problem, so it may be just a lemon, but buyer beware of the electrical problems with this car.

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  Real seats for adults in the 3rd row - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By kona - May 28 - 10:53 pm

  I needed a true 7 seater & CX-9 has a 3rd row seat that can actually seat full grown adults like myself (Im 511") with leg room. Since the second row of seating can be adjusted fore and aft, 3rd row riders can get enough leg room without compromising legroom for the 2nd row of passengers. For those more inclined to enthusiast type of performance, no other SUV in its class comes close. The CX-9 never feels heavy or ungainly.

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  V6 tows great - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By ddeemo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Owned a LX V6 4WD for over 2 years and now have almost 35,000 miles. It gets decent gas milage for a SUV with so much power. Tows very strongly, towed car and equipment on trailer 3000 miles cross country with no problem. Able to pass many cars up hills that could not go faster, while pulling about 3500# trailer load with little effort. Reliability concerns initially with a leaking brake master cylinder, security key error and a few minor problems fixed under waranty. It has been reliable last 25000 miles and has not left me stranded ever like my friends BMW X5 has 3x.

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  No Regrets - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By torchum - May 25 - 1:20 pm

  The wife purchased this vehicle and although it does not have the bells and whistles of an optioned model (sure wish it had a few more basic ones though) we are very pleased with it. Working with dealership on a few issues but over all very impressed. The 2009 motor vs the 2010 motor is night and day and the main reason for buying an 09

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  Big enough, small enough... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay - May 24 - 10:03 pm

  We purchased this car 2 years ago because it was the only car of its description sold in this country - smaller than a minivan, but with great space efficiency and the availability of a manual transmission. Pros: Space efficiency, smooth shifting manual transmission, unique exterior, loads of head room, better gas mileage than a minivan. Cons: While weve found it adequate (with tinted windows), AC could be stronger. Engine strains a bit - contrary to report elsewhere, you will NOT get higher than 31 or 32 mpg even under ideal conditions. We average about 28 mpg. Original tires wore out way too quickly (about 20,000 miles).

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  First Mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John - May 21 - 6:13 pm

  This vehicle is just ok. We traded in our Eddie Bauer Expedition so its hardly fair to compare the two. The Mazda is louder inside than we expected and the mileage isnt really that great. Comfort is ok when you consider the size.