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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  Mixed Bag - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bobby - March 6 - 2:56 am

  I am easy on my vehicles and drive them for 10-12+ years. I hope this car passes the Toyota quality/dependability test. Inside quality seems good (although the small door forward of the shift lever comes unhinged and a lens on the lower driver door light fell out) Controls for the HVAC are dumb. Did any of the designers try to work these things? Knobs either need to project farther and have knurling on them or they need to be rotary dials. Ditto for the radio. The same goes for the multi-function stalks. Move the rear wiper to the dash and simplify. Fuel mileage stinks. I would like to see the 4 cylinder and 16" tires available in the full tilt wagon pkg. I hope reliability is good.

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  Wish I knew better - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Scott - March 5 - 3:56 pm

  Love the car. Definitely best in class. Then the problems started. Heated seats stay on and wont go off until the battery dies. Mazda has no solution. Cant get the same answer from the dealer and Mazda corporate. Depending on you you listen to - its a faulty design - and Mazda is working on a solution. My issue is that this problem has been around since October. Why did Mazda knowingly sell me a car with features that they knew did not work? If you expect the manufacturer to be there to support you when you have problems - this is not the car for you!

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  A Fun Driving Companion - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Becker - March 3 - 3:23 am

  I bought this new as my primary car. Well start with the downs. This car gets horrible mileage for a midsize family sedan. It gets around 17/25. It also is not the quickest in a straight line (a V6 Camry will smoke it). But now the ups. It is a good looker in and out, and has decent space all around. It is also a quality product. It is a great tourer and is comfortable for the long and short haul. But by far the best thing about this car is that it is fun to drive. It is very sporty and carves corners like a pavement scalpel. This car is just a laugh and its great. It will do standing front drive burnouts all day long,& it will take a racing line around a neighborhood like a pro. Its great!

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  Its still a great car. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kiwi - March 2 - 6:46 am

  I bought the V6 when it first came out. I loved the styling of the car, especially compared to the Camry & Accord. It handles much better than those two as well, tighter, stiffer. I think its looks are holding up very well. Yes, there were a few teething problems with it. Squeaking/knocking noise when turning slowly at full lock(lower control arm issues). Rattle that comes & goes from the headliner. The very annoying shifting issues from 1st-2nd, 2nd-3rd(this was a defective throttle body problem that cost me $600 last year).

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  Very Impressed...! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By triton189 - March 1 - 1:10 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle and I am very impressed. I am in sales so I have a had a lot cars over my 20 plus years. I also sell parts to the auto mfgs so I know a little bit about build quality, etc. The build quality on this car is very good. But what really shines besides the exterior design of the car is the engine. I have taken two trips with the car and one I got 40.5 MPG the other 37.5. Both trips I had the air on and speed was approx 70. Although, the 37.5 trip I was going a little faster. The car also does not feel like a mid size sedan and it feels like a small sports car when driving. So far the only thing I dont care for are the seats as they seem very hard.

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  Fun to drive, but not enough power - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By NRutkowski - February 29 - 6:00 pm

  The car handles well and is fun to drive around corners. The problem is the lack of real power. Be prepared to downshift several gears to get any usable power. Gas mileage is another big concern. I am getting an average of 18-20 MPG, and I drive mostly on the highway. Everything inside the car in positioned well and within reach (though the digital speedo does take some getting used to). Overall, it is a great car with the lack of passing power and fuel consumption being the only real concerns.

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  Fun to Drive, Excellent Value - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Vicki - February 27 - 7:53 pm

  This a fun car to drive, easy to park. I like to be able to haul "stuff" and people. It works well with my teenager on trips, also easy for my mom to get in and out of. I am a fan of the captian seats and negotiated leather seats in my deal for ease of maintenance. Have taken 2 road trips, the seats could be a little more cushy driving for 12+hours and do not leave the AC in the rotating interior air position or the AC will "freeze up" and not work. You have to then let it "unfreeze." If I had read the owners manual more closely, it is in there. I cant see spending 25-30K on a vehicle, though not perfect, I think this is a great deal. I hope it lasts for many years to come.

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  Excellent value! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By cchen - February 26 - 11:49 am

  I looked at all the compact SUV in the price range, and before deciding on the CX-7, CRV and RAV4 were my other final candidates. Simply put, CX-7 just felt more expensive. It offeres a combination of style, refinement, and driving pleasure that is very rare in this class. In addition, where else can you find power and heated seats, rear view camera, auto A/C, moon roof, and bluetooth all for $25K. Yes, the CX-7 can use more room and power, but it never felt slow in my daily communite, and it is large enough for my family of 4 plus a 120LB dog. CX-7 looked stunning inside and out, and you probably wont find another same car in the same parking lot.

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  2008 Mazda3 s hb - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By dukefirst - February 25 - 8:39 am

  Just traded our 2008 3 for a new 2012 Mazda5. Sad to see it go, the car has been absolutely bulletproof for us from Day 1. Cant recommend it enough. 67k miles and nothing other than scheduled maintenance for us! The is the poor [smart?] mans GTI.

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  A reliable car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Sundar Ramamoorthy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 99 Mazda, march 1999. Till date I have travelled 62000 miles. All I changed are the tyres and brake pads.