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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  Love this car. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By awestley - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Time to change my car I wanted something a little sportier. This was it. I love this car. I feel like I am in my twenties again. It handles very smoothly and rides like a dream. It almost seems to hoover above the road, very good suspension and the five star rating for safety is a big plus. Comes with an excellent warranty which goes to show that the makers believe in this car. 10 stars in my book.

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  Great, Fun Car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By buck40 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mazda 6s for about a month, and I couldnt be happier. I looked at a wide variety of cars and decided this car won the "bang for the buck" contest. It is a blast to drive (I have the 5 speed MT, sport package, leather, Bose sound). My partners think this is my "midlife crisis" car - they have no idea how practical it is!

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  MAZDA 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Elmir - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, but dosnt have auto headlight which is important and only thing that is missing to this car, and everyting else is cool i love to drive everybody is looking when next to me on stop light its cool car. Thats all Thanks....

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  Excellent - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacqueline Brown - September 26 - 10:00 am

  August 14, 2003 I was in a serious car accident. I am grateful that I was driving my Mazda 6 which was totalled, but it saved my life. I am going to buy another Mazda 6, because this car lives up to the NTSB review in the crash test. Everyone that has seen my car after the accident cannot understand believe that I am alive and only had 2 broken legs. I have had 3 Mazdas and sware by them. I love my Mazda.

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  playa hotcakes - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By chons - September 26 - 10:00 am

  supurb. fun to drive. i put on too many miles driving it so fun and so much.

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  My 2003 Mazda 6i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nolesfan03 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I would not trade my Mazda for any other car on the road. I LOVE MY MAZDA! I did have a problem with the paint, but Mazda repainted the car at no cost to me.I love having my stereo controls and cruise control on my steering wheel. That has got to be the best feature of the car!! Talk about spoiled! The car rides and handles great! I am now a MAZDA fan. It was well worth the asking price! The fuel economy is good, comfort is good,pickup is good and its roomy enough for 2 carseats in the back seat. I like the fact that MAZDA has such a great customer satisfaction attitude. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  real truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By father - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great value in todays market. No fancy "Look at Me" crap, just an honest hard working truck.

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By bridge - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Easy to drive. Takes the curves well. Good gas milege. Ike the seat going down and it is a wagon.

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  I finally found the love of my life - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By suzpaintit - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have to tell you I have always wanted a fun sporty little car and this little yellow bird brings my heart back to my teens. Its kicken! runs like shes on rails and still lets me do the Mom thing and when people stop and watch us drive by well let me tell you. This is the car everyone should drive at least once I know youll have as much fun as I have will will continue to have

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  great little car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By bcsiny24 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Runs great looks great great value