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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  great car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jeff h. - October 30 - 2:00 am

  very nice car would recommend to anyone

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  Words best SUV - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Mazda Guy - October 29 - 5:03 am

  Just last week, we picked the Soul Crystal Red CX9 GT with black interior. I didnt have guts to go with a red. I have to thank my wife, as she persuaded me to go with the red. Now, I realize it is a gorgeous color and gives a great modern look. It emits different shades of red, depending upon the lighting condition. The chrome piece in the front and the one in the back are a masterpiece. There are chrome accents in the sides and this is one of the best looking vehicles on the road. Even the closing of the door gives a premium feeling. The black interior is phenomenal. No plastic, plush interior with piano black and aluminum like materials in the console. Another suv, that I test drove had hard plastics all around. Then you start the car and amazed by the driver-centric features like the heads-up display, control knob, radar cruise control, etc. Heads-up display alone is enough to justify a CX 9 over other mainstream three row suvs. Speed, blind sport monitoring info, speed limits, lane info, navigation info all come in the heads up display. Naturally I only drive looking at the HUD and my neck doesnt hurt, as I dont have to look down or to the sides that often. The Bose center-point surround system is good. I only stream from my phone. It sounds great with a good base. Tried aha radio and the quality is good too. Navigation system is OK but not that user friendly. Hope Mazda will bring android auto soon, so that I can just use the google maps instead. And now the driving. It accelerates very fast from traffic lights. Usually the car in the next lane will far behind, when you have reached the posted speed. Funtastic. If you are thinking of buying a 3 row, do not wait. Just go and buy one. Bet, you will be delighted like me.

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  I like it but ready for something else - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By atomic13 - October 28 - 8:00 pm

  Bought the 6 in a pinch when our other car died. I wanted an 06 Civic but was too expensive. I put off testing the 6 but when I finally did (5 cars later), I was pleasantly surprised. Great acceleration, very roomy, comfy interior, huge trunk, "zoom zoom" and excellent handling. Only had it for a year and a half, normal maintenance. Had an issue with a dirty throttle body (seems to be common) which was easy to clean myself instead of paying dealership. Last week, my drivers window stopped working so Im trying to figure that out. Otherwise, have been happy with my "on-the-fly" purchase, since it wasnt what I wanted originally. Good family car, and sporty-looking

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  Get The Automatic!!!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By iceplusplus - October 28 - 12:36 am

  I have always liked to drive a stick and so I opted for the 6 speed manual. It is a mistake on this car. The gearing is such that the car revs at 3000 RPM or higher on the highway at 65-70 MPH. I drove an automatic when on a trip recently, and it only revs at 2000-2500 RPM at highway speeds. This gearing is probably why the automatic gets better mileage. The automatic shifts fast and smooth and is no slouch either. If I had it to do again, automatic all the way. The four isnt bad. But the six kicks tail. If you can get the six for a good deal, jump on it. You wont regret it even with the lower gas mileage. Option wise, it is almost in a class with a Lexus

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  Great car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By RaysFan2008 - October 27 - 2:20 pm

  I love my 6! This is the first time Ive purchased a Mazda and its been great. I get about 24 MPG. in the city and about 30 MPG. on the highway so its pretty decent and its got a really big tank.

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  Take It From Me - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By TRO - October 27 - 11:13 am

  I have been an auto detailer for years, and just started college in Oregon. I needed a reliable car with good gas mileage to drive from Washington. This car is everything and more. I have the 2.3 Mazda 3 Hatch S. On average, now this is average about 28 miles per gallon. On highway only I have averaged about 36. I know its insane. Driving on the highway the noise is actually very quiet. This car has tons of room and very spacious. The manual transmission is very smooth along with the steering. Easy to use controls on the steering wheel. I would recommend this car to ANYONE. I have driven hundreds of other cars through my auto detailing, and nothing compares to a Mazda. Nothing.

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  Average car for below average cost - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By leprofd - October 27 - 5:03 am

  You get what you pay for. The ride is harsh and the space limited for a minivan but if you compare with small to mid size wagon and have only one or two children to transport, then its an OK vehicle with a few extras for a limited budget. The model is discontinued and for good reasons. If you can live with the limitations you should get great deals from eager dealers. Just do not expect a Sienna or an Odyssey.

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  Economy Car wants to be a sport car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By BOBK - October 25 - 10:00 am

  2002 ES Automatic. Sharp look and style for interior/exterior. Road handling is great. Sleek and clean look in and out makes car look more expensive. Torque good enough to zip out of most turns. Feels like a sport car except for acceleration which is no worse than other cars I tested in this range. The engine makes a sturdy, raspy type sound when I get on it and gives a sport car feel. Dont expect sport care performance. Sport-shift mode is uselss because it does not respond immediately and feels no different than switching gears on an auto. Great car for the money. If it had 200 horses it could be a blast but thats a little much to ask at this price.

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  Fun family van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By daveinla - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I first wanted to wait for the new 04 Quest for its stylish look and peppy engine but the lack of lateral adjustable 2nd row and the 2nd row window that dont go down made me go for the MPV 03. Its a very pleasant and fun van to drive with a very good level of trimming and material quality on the ES model.

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  super purchase - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By howell - October 25 - 10:00 am

  purchase about six weeks ago. handles and rides great not too harsh not too soft. easy to get in and out of. solid features for the money.