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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  Sports car in its purest form - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Applan - June 19 - 5:40 am

  In terms of value for money in the sports car category, the Miata has no equals. It is quite simply a pure sports car. Like the British sports cars of the 70s but with excellent reliability. Other reviews have said it is lacking in performance - Ill bet that they are changing gear at under 4000 rpm. You see the Miata begs to be driven hard, you feel its power rising smoothly all the way to red line at 7000 rpm. You can absolutely throw it around corners, and it stays completely flat. Oh and dont believe it if somebody tells you its a chick car. Take a look around and youll see that most SUV drivers are chicks, most Miata drivers are not!

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  2003 6i 4cyl Auto Redfire Metallic - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By texas6 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the 6 for a few days now I am very impressed by what Mazda has done with this car. Distinct eye catching exterior styling is sporty yet simple. Interior quality is excellent, nearing Honda in terms of materials and design. Performance all around is amazing. From making quick highway passes, carving into turns, to stopping on a dime I am impressed at what this sub $20K automobile is capable of. In terms of value, quality and performance the Mazda 6 IMHO cant be beat. I bought this car used with 16K miles on it for under $14K.

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  My 2002 Mazda Miata MX Special Edition - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By J.J. Hemingway - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This special edition 2002 Miata as it was with my first a 1991 Miata---is fun to drive, great handling and the SE is a head turner. Amazing how many times Im asked if its a BMW, or what kind of car is it. This one came with all the lights, whistles, and bells. So its fun, fairly practical and again like my first Miata--one of the most dependable vehicles Ive ever owned. Only problems--the power antenna doesnt always go up when the radio is turned on, and the filler cap release for the gas tank doesnt release on the first pull. Very frustrating!!! Especially when its cold here in Spokane.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kelman - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I have the 3.0 V-6 Mazda 6 S. This car wants to go. Youll want to drive it in a low gear around town, so that the revs are up, and the horsepower is available. At low revs, it doesnt have much snap. But if you are cruising at 3,000 rpm, you can seriously surprise some of those high-priced sedans youre running next to.

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  Few niggles, but a good buy overall - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Andy - June 17 - 10:50 pm

  Got an attractive offer for one of the last 07 cars so went for it. Stylish interior, nice functionality (bluetooth, bose). Would have liked mp3 capability with stereo. Still unsure about the looks from the front, but looks great from rear. Keyless entry and engine start is cool but ultimately irritating. Felt exclusive initially, but now seeing more on the roads. Overall happy with the car, and excellent value for money.

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  One awesome vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Happy Owner - June 17 - 10:30 pm

  Mazda hit a home run with this vehicle. We are very happy with everything. We couldnt ask for anything better in the Mazda 5. The size looks small, but, it is perfect for our family of 4 plus two others when needed. Plenty of comfort, room, quiet, and peppy engine - now I know why they say zoom zoom in the commercials! Have had the car two weeks and just filled up the tank yesterday. MPG was 23, with mostly city driving. I expect a couple more MPG with a broken in engine. I cant wait for a road trip. I expect 28-30 on the highway - if not, Ill write another review. This is a must see and drive on your list. We bought it over a new Honda Odyssey due to cost and fuel mileage.

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  My PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Alfie - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Great value, Fun to Drive, Excellent handling, Good looks, Easy on the wallet due to good gas mileage, Its Worth It!

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  Bargain Lexus? - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By antonio - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Was attracted to this car at first mainly for its styling. After taking it for a test drive, we didnt look any further. The whole packeage impressed us so much and after finding the right dealer bought the car on the spot.

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  Second time around - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By c. fears - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Mazda Millenia. Excellent vehicle for traveling (am in sales/marketing)or in-town showing off...looks great, runs with the "big dogs". Hold the curves without braking!Gets lots, I mean lots, of compliments ---even from the 18-30 Y/O crowd.

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  Hybrid Car? - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By LX - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an LX in Feb. The only minor beef I have is the placement of the inside roof safety handle on the passenger side. Im 6 so the handle sits about 1" from my head, perfect whacking distance on tight curves and speed bumps! Also, according to our dealer, the LX is the "top of the line" but Edmunds and many other websites list it as the midrange. See Pacific Mazdas website: pacificmazda dot com. The only thing I can attribute this to is maybe the scheme is different in Canada. Many of our "LX" features appear to be only available on the ES: Air Conditioning, Power Everything, Cruise Control, ABS Brakes and a 1.8 L engine.