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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  Best car I have owned - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Tommyo - March 1 - 1:23 am

  I purchased this car as a left over. Its an ES protege. This car replaces my 2000 Honda Prelude. Its no where as fast as my lude but it holds the road and is as fun to toss around the curves. The transmission and clutch work crisp and silky. The build quality is supurb The red dash lights are cool. this car is better in every respect and faster than a civic ex. This car has plenty of room for my 63 body. All around visibility is excellent. Never one problem. consumer reports car and driver and motor trend rate the ES high always above its competitors. All proteges are fully made in Japan. Its a tight car and rides good. The engine sounds good too. Proteges always have A#1 reliability.

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  Not what I thought a Mazda would be - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By christy22 - February 28 - 11:49 am

  I bought my 2008 Mazda 6 with 36,000 miles on it. Right away, I had A/C issues. With 90,000 miles on it, I had to have the transmission rebuilt and change out the valve body. As I now understand it (reading consumer reviews on the issues of this car), the valve bodies are made overseas and built with a poor grade metal so these cars have transmission issues. I finally sold the car 1 month ago having rebuilt the transmission and fixed the A/C 3 times. I had only heard good things about Mazdas, but I wont buy another one.

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  Reliable as the Sun - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By trogglbey - February 27 - 11:53 pm

  I have a paper route; that is 60 miles a night of continuous stop and go with a heavy load of newspapers. This car never complains. Still has excellent get up and go with almost 150000 miles of hard driving. Never been in the shop for anything aside from a belt replacement and an AC recharge. Most reliable and solid little car Ive ever owned. No rattles, clunks, or squeaks to drive one crazy. I love this car.

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  Zoom gloom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By k1200gt - February 26 - 9:20 pm

  At initial purchase all was good, however when it came to getting an appointment it was hard, CD player did not work from day one, they told me I stuck something in it. But on further inspection the opening for the CD was NEVER cut through. when I shut the car off the a/c fan comes on , when the car is off and I turn on the parking lights. Guess what, the a/c fan comes on. I press the remote for the doors, guess what comes on in unison.. yup the a/c fan and it will run for 5 min and up to 30 and has at times killed my battery. They said "we never heard of such a thing." Well I have proof in the shape of a CX9, also loud squeakiness as if it uses leaf springs from the 1950s wont buy another

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  Fun to Drive and Rear Windows - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Buffy - February 26 - 9:13 pm

  This is one fun Mini-van to drive. Our first long distance trip was a breeze. My husband loved the way it drove and looks forward to our next trip. (28 mpg highway) The kids love the rear windows and all the cup holders. I love that its not huge and fits in our carport just like our former Mazda 626.

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  Great Car For The Money! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By David - February 26 - 11:00 am

  This car is a fantastic deal with all the incentives they were and are still offering due to the popularity of the Mazda 3. Unlike the 3 this car comes standard with ABS, T&S Control & EBD which are real safety musts recommended by most car experts; we also added the side curtain airbags. She chose titanium grey with and A/T and A/C as additional options. The net cost with everything was $500 more than this sites similarly equipped Mazda 3 "What others are paying" price. She loves the car, finds it easy to handle/park, plenty of power (previous car Acura Integra) and fun to drive, while averaging only 2 MPG less than the 3 model ratings but with 10 more HP and a lot more room.

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  2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dgraym3 - February 25 - 9:53 pm

  great car! love the styling and interior, shifter and clutch are probably the best in its class of cars. Im easily getting 38-42mpg with mix of country back roads/highway. Why by a boring Yotarolla when you can have something with more style and fun to drive. Being really picky: There is a small light rattle in the passenger front door area that I havent hunt down yet.

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  Fun and Stylish - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DognPony - February 25 - 6:50 pm

  This is a fun compact that begs you to thrash it! Powerful (but thirsty) big 2.3L engine gets you there in a hurry ... great handling, and the looks of my 5 door turns a lot of heads. For $18,000 its loaded with most of the goodies (everything but GPS and leather in mine). You really wont believe how much fun this car is!

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  Great Young Person Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chickities - February 25 - 10:40 am

  I havent even had mine a full week yet but I am in love. My boyfriend is actually jealous. I managed to talk the dealers into giving it to me for way less than what they wanted, so dont let them try to stick it to you for full price. Mines fully loaded without navigation and was under 18K. Fun car to drive, and I get way more double takes from guys than I did driving my Accord.

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  good looks, many problems - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By raslov - February 24 - 9:30 pm

  I was drawn to the Mazda 6s because of the exterior styling and price, but after only a few months of owning noticed really bad front wheel brake dust followed by a bad sulfur smell coming of the engine; then noticed the colling fan was really loud. Most recently my right front speaker blew out and just this week my check engine light came on. Needless to say Ive been spending a lot of time at the dealership and theyre starting to be less sympathetic. I stuck with Mazda after owning a Mazda Protege for the last 7 years without any problems but this will be my last!