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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  $500.00+ for 6 spark plugs/tune up - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By no more mazdas 4me - March 25 - 7:16 am

  Transmission went out at 50,100 miles during my stay in Dallas after evacuating hurricane katrina. Mazda paid about 45%. I have no boat, have not pulled anything, just three small kids then. The coil packs that replaced the spark plug wires are terrible. If you have a problem with any of the back 3 cylinders bend over!!! Tires seem to wear very fast, though evenly, on the potholes of New Orleans streets. I see I am not alone with these problems.

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  economy car? - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By bklynbruce - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned an 1999 lx protege, the car was a nice car but lacked pizzaz.As soon as i saw and took my first test drive of this pr5 i knew i wanted it.I loved the 2.0 it had plenty of juice for a car this size,i was able to zip in and out of traffic with ease, the cargo space isnt huge but really great to have when the seats are down,there was more than enough room for my needs.

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  A drivers car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By lanshahan - March 21 - 10:00 am

  After two fun years with the Protege ES I can report that this cars best feature is the well developed suspension. The steering provides great feedback, and is properly weighted.Brakes are up to the task even with the low tech drums out back. The motor is adequate but who doesnt want more power. Styling is clean both exterior and interior and is holding up well to the rigors of the day to day grind. On the downside I have found that this is a noisy car and I have had to add some insulation to the rear panel and doors. Additionally I had the vehicle undercoated. I have also had to solve a couple of rattle/buzz issues.

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  Solid car - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Stamper2 - March 21 - 3:50 am

  This is my first Mazda. Went from a mini-van to a GT/AWD CX-9. Love the shape, style and performance. I highly recommend this car.

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  So far so good... - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Pat1usmc - March 19 - 5:23 pm

  So far I am very happy with my purchase and enjoy driving my Tribute very much. A lot of expert reviews complain about the engine and handling but I find the 6 cylinder to be very peppy when you step on the gas. Its no musclecar, but its more than satisfactory. Handling seems very solid, as it stays very flat through turns. Steering feel is also excellent. I bought it for the space, comfort and ability to handle offroad situations once in a while. Most SUVs that reviewers say are better than the Tribute can not go offroad. The price can definitely not be beat either. AWD Grand Touring edition at more than $2700 off MSRP! I feel like I got a lot of car for the money.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Predator - March 16 - 2:00 am

  probably the most versitile, enonomical, fun-to-drive car on the market. Right at home in bumper-to- bumper traffic or carving up the twisties on a country road.

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  Gas Mileage review - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Tom A - March 15 - 12:16 am

  Replaced LF strut. Bad from factory; had to align at 2000 miles. Gas mileage was 29 to 31 first trip. Gas mileage was 19 second trip same route. Cant figure out what changed. Dealer of course does not know why.

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  blind spots a problem - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ash - March 14 - 7:23 am

  I needed a small hatchback, and of the ones I compared, liked this one the best (and the price was right). But after driving it a bit, we both were troubled by the blind spots; The window dividers make it difficult to see whats next to you or coming up. Weve not had that problem with other cars. We are getting used to it, but its something for others to consider when purchasing this car.

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  Good affordable car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By shannon - March 13 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car used in 2001. Had 35K miles on it. It now has 125K miles on it. Its a good car to get you from point A to B, and it looks nice if you keep it cleaned up. But its life span probably wont exceed far past 150K. I havent had a wreck, and Ive kept up the maintenance. At 100K, a/c vents started spewing plastic filter pieces (just annoying, swivel still works, but slowly). CV boots cracked, twice (clicking when turns). At 120K, the oil started leaking, engine began vibrating, a/c pulled too much power (engine vibrates when its on, computer timing is off). Lots of problems, but at 125K, what can you expect from this quality of car.

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  Best in class mid-sized sedan - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greg16891 - March 11 - 11:19 am

  After placing an order in March of 13, I got my vehicle in August and I now have 16K trouble free miles on it. After reading virtually all of the available reviews on affordable mid sized sedans and driving those that I was willing to consider (Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Hyundai and Subaru), buying a 6 was an easy decision. The car has met all of my expectations for a fun to drive sedan that gets solid gas mileage and that does not look like everything else on the road.