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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  Pro5; love/hate relationship - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jw82 - May 10 - 1:03 pm

  You know, I absolutely loved this car up until about 5k mile ago. I love everything about this car except for the poor design/build quality of the engine and wheel bearings. Had to replace right front wheel bearing at just under 60k, and now the engine is going out on it. My Mazda dealer says its either a wrist pin or rod bearing crapping out at ONLY 64,XXX miles. Other than that, this car would be absolutely perfect! If you plan on buying one of these beauties, be cautious and buy the extended service plan! Better safe than sorry

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  2004 Sport Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cbohrer - May 10 - 3:03 am

  Purchased used with 56K on it. Love the handling and the styling. Different than the typical midsize car. I get a lot of double takes when driving it. Handles as well as my BMW 528it. Good size vehicle. Comfortable ride and good visibility. Only have had the oil changed, no problems yet. Plenty of get up and go, but the mileage could be better. I drive mostly interstate and have been averaging 26-27 MPG. I used to get nearly 30 MPG on the Bimmer, and it was bigger and heavier. It is noisier on the road, but this could be the tires on it. Two are OEM and two are different brand. I like the dash lighting.

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  Very Nice for the Price - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dub75 - May 9 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Mazda6 in November of 08. I traded an 06 Mazda 6 V6. I never thought I would own a Mazda but after having owned two I am a loyal customer. The only problems thus far with the car is the stripping around my windshield just above the dash has melted from the Texas heat. I took the car into the dealership and the service manager informed me they would have to take my dash out to replace the stripping. He advised not to do this because it may have rattles in the dash after re-installing. I am questioning the A/C. It sometimes doesnt seem to cool properly. My previous 6 had A/C issues. Hope this one is not the same. All in all it is a very nice car for the price.

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  Great Value! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kim - May 8 - 8:26 pm

  The Mazda5 is a great care for the money! It handles the road really well and has a great turning radius so it is easy to fit into smaller parking spaces!! It also gets great gas mileage. The only problem we had, and thought we might, is the low profile tires. They dont absorb much shock so if you happen to hit a big pothole, it will probably bend your wheel. (this happened to us) Also one of the tires is wearing from the inside out. We will replace the wheel and get better tires. Hopefully this will not be a repetitive problem.

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  Happy Mazda Owner - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DanM - May 8 - 10:30 am

  I like to drive the car, it handles great on Vermont mountain roads, is great on longer runs on the Interstate and has given me no trouble. Performance is good, plenty of power. Highly recommend one. I just wish they would offer an all wheel drive model.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Chris - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car four years ago with a little over 70,000 miles on it. In that time, the only big repair Ive had to make is replacing the axles due to the CV boots, which were busted when I bought it. Other repairs were minor, including new spark plugs, plug wires, new battery, and a valve cover gasket. Regular maintenance has kept it on the road and relatively problem- free. I trust it to get me to work and back and to occasionally drive almost the full length of Texas and back, which Ive done a few times now. The car isnt sexy, but the looks have held up for close to ten years now. Not fun to drive because of the 4 cyl engine. Its just a tool to get from A to B, and its done it well.

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  Nearly perfect for my purpose - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By MindDrive - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I needed a good vehicle, nothing fancy, that would fit my large music keyboards, but not be a monster truck. Mazda 5 is a "micro-minivan" (hip term for station wagon.) It has room for two adults up front, 2½ adults in the back (typical nonsense about a 3rd adult in the back, no way,) and 2 kids all the way in the back. The 4 back seats fold down for a lot of cargo room. All this and it still drives like a car. It is well configured overall.

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  Slides around in snow really bad - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Deb - May 7 - 10:43 pm

  If you are considering buying a used 07, this car is great, until there is snow on the road. It isnt anywhere close to being safe in the winter. The tires are too low. Id have to change the wheels to get an all weather tire on it and with those big brakes, Im not even sure it could be done. If you live where it doesnt snow, the car is great, buy it. If you live where it snows, dont even consider it. If I didnt also have a 4- wheel drive pick-up to drive, I would have sold this car the first winter I had it.

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  Great car - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Peter - May 7 - 4:56 pm

  Its a great choice for people who are looking for a small minivan. Definitely many notches more practical than most SUVs. Use it to transport people & large items. Fuel economy is pretty good.

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  fun to drive but window worries - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By sue sellman - May 7 - 7:40 am

  I researched this car for weeks before making my purchase (lease) in January of09. The car is so much fun to drive and is really a good looking vehicle- I have black on black. I have been having weird problems with the car, though. At first I thought it was driver error, but no. Occasionally when I would return to my locked vehicle I noticed the windows were half way down on the front, and the moon roof was partially opened. Once in a while after turning the key off the driver seat would automatically go back. Well, the window thing kept occurring so I took it to the deal and they replaced the main "brain modular". Now it is happening AGAIN!! Unsure on the quality of this vehicle!