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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  Mazda6 I Sport Soul Red - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By svminn - April 29 - 11:51 am

  1st. TY to all the reviewers, I read before I purchased. As others have covered a nice looking car and handles well. I like the car but some things to look at that you many not notice on a test drive. Note these are the cloth seats in the sport. The height and lean mechanisms seem cheap. There are big gaps in the adjustment levels. I found it hard to find a comfortable seating position. Check the fit for you on a long drive. The OS mirrors are set back more than any car I have driven and take some getting used to. A plus for me = you can turn off the AC in defrost mode and you contol if air is circulated from outside or in

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  Quality Auto - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Ted W. Lee - April 28 - 3:46 pm

  In the ten yrs.that I have owned the car, with the exception of when the battery "died" it has never failed to start and has never stalled. Its always been parked outside(in Mich.) The only major negative problem has been the suspension the last couple of yrs. Going over the slightest bump results in a very noisy and "rattley" ride.It sounds and feels like the suspension system has completely failed.I have about 90000 miles on the car.The car still looks almost like new (because of a paint sealant applied each year.) Never a problem with wheel alignment(never had it done).

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  Happy so far - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Familyoffour - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an MPV. Great value/features for the price. We have an LX with the LX Plus package, traction control, side airbags, roof rack and power side doors. Love the look of it. Adequate power and very quiet inside. We like the overall size, although there could be a little more leg room in the 2nd row. The fact that the gearshift blocks the radio isnt good but is offset somewhat by the steering wheel controls. Parking brake shouldnt be on the floor, it blocks access to the rear. Full removeable center console would be nice. Transmission a little clunky switching from 1st to 2nd. We are very happy with it so far.

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  A Civilized GTI? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By B.B. Rich - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Twenty years after the original GTI came out we have a better "pocket rocket" than ever before. I have recently purchased the 5-speed hatchback with few options. Only ABS/Side air bags were added to the base model. There is very little not to love about this car, though it could be better... the price could be another $20,000 too. A TERRIFIC value by todays standards. 17" wheel/tires; A quick shifting/close ratio 5-speed; A taut suspension and seats; Power windows/locks/remote, and the list goes on, it would seem, forever. The A/C is weak. The driving position and view of the instruments could be better. Rear/side view could be better too.

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  maintenance costs - beware - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By TKK - April 27 - 7:23 pm

  Have had the car almost two years. Every 30K miles maintenance runs $750! Cheap price to buy, with expensive maintenance. Wouldnt buy another Mazda for this reason. My past Hondas didnt require this much maintenance.

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  engine problems - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdasucks - April 26 - 3:06 pm

  I had to replace the engine at 57000 miles.

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  Sports Car meets SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kevin S - April 26 - 5:10 am

  Great vehicle all around. Unfortunately Im only averaging around 20 mpg. The remote start doesnt work with the keyless feature (Mazda working on solution).

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  Mazda cx-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By chels_moore - April 25 - 11:40 pm

  Awesome car, lots of fun to drive.

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  Great Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Jake - April 25 - 2:13 pm

  Van is very dependable. After 140K miles, still runs great. Issues are sluggish engine, cheap sliding door handles (both broke, one side twice). Only maintenance is shocks/struts, air filter and fluid changes. Check engine light for air intake sensor but I never fixed it and never and had issues after 60k miles!

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  Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nickohos - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I love the way my car feels when I drive it because it handles like a dream. What the Protege5 lacks in power compared to its competitors, it more than makes up for in torque and excellent handling. I test drove quite a few cars and none of them were as fun to drive as the Mazda.