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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  Good pick overall!! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jridg - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the ES over 2 1/2 years with apprx. 40,000 highway miles. Its a very responsive car and handles well on the highway and off. It has very good zip at the start and rides well, but bogs down as soon as the air conditioning goes on. As far as room, Im 62 and this is, by far, the roomiest small car Ive been in. It even has more space than the Honda Accord!

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  so far so good - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By canadaboy25 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  so far so good

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  What to expect with buying/owning theCX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Steve - September 28 - 9:56 pm

  Well this is my first SUV. I have driven full sized Tahos and what nots and they are comfortable but the gas mileage always kept me away. This CX9 is very snazzy. It feels fancier than you would expect. There is lots of room and it is comfortable. Plenty of power and a lot of cool gadgets. Im very pleased with it. Its fun to drive and you dont see many on the road. The bad things include: Of course the gas mileage we average 17.5 but have gotten as low as 15.5 which doesnt sound that bad till you need to fill up again after 300mi. The nav is beautiful but kinda stinks. You cant make adjustments on the fly we usually just use the iphone. The heated seats you can barely feel but we still love it

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  Wagon master - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By keeper - September 28 - 8:46 am

  I bought this new; the gas mileage was rated 21-27 and it took a year to reach that. On our last trip of 1000 miles we got from 25-30 which I thought was outstanding. Its fun to drive, corners nicely and has good brakes. The only problem Ive had is the air conditioner had to be worked on twice to get the proper cooling. Love the automatic climate control. Wish it had come with roof racks for my bike. Electric control for seats would have been great also, but its a good vehicle. Love the side air bags and safety features. It would be hard for a tall person to get in with a hat on.

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  The Best Car I have Owned - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By mazdazoom22 - September 28 - 7:50 am

  Before buying this car, I had previously owned a Chevy Malibu & Chevy Cavalier (both stunk!). Ive had the car for 4 years now and have 30,000 miles and not one major thing had gone wrong with it. Power is better than a Honda, with more style and character for the price. Easy to keep clean with no major defects and comfort is the best that I can find. I wanted value for my money and even my husband agrees that this car is the best value out there. My only caution would be to watch out for used ones that belonged to rowdy teenagers who didnt upkeep the car and liked to rev the engine up as much as possible. I love this car!

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  Great Car, Limited Features - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cynthia - September 27 - 11:16 pm

  This Car was my first "newer" car.Its looks were just amazing. It was sporty yet family friendly. As I have drove the car for the past year ive noticed that it has few features compared to a competition car such as a AUX port and automatic lights. It has also been having popping noise like a motor mount is went out. Its a great comfy car but it seems maybe it needed a little more built into it!

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  First Zoom - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By onedriver - September 27 - 6:09 pm

  My first Mazda and im not disappointed. The car feels very light and its very nimble compared to other models I test drove. I decided on the manual since I like to feel more involved when driving, the trans is smooth and has short throws compared to others. The design is sporty and refreshing compared to other mainstream sedans. 250 miles in and avg 30mpg but have been driving pretty aggressively, well have to see when the excitement subsides and see how much more I can get out of skyactive. Love driving this sporty sedan and the stares I get everywhere I go is a sign that Mazda has a winner here.

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  206,000 miles - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Aeromech99 - September 26 - 10:10 pm

  Replaced transmission (about $800.00 used) but bought car for $500.00, great exterior condition, black with excellent paint. Will install a tranny cooler since none on car from factory. I drive about 50-60 miles a day and get satisfactory mpg. Best used car I ever bought. Need to fix A/C. Looks like a slow leak. Transmissions are hard to come by used, expect about $900-$1400 rebuilt with warranty. Shifts hard into 2nd gear, also hard on the downshift to 1st. Most gear heads i speak to say this is fine. If motor goes I will replace with 6 cyl.

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  This is my 2nd 6s - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg Cotton - September 26 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 2003 6s, which my brother now owns. I put 97,000, mostly highway miles on it in just under 4 years. I loved the car! The 2007 is as close a replacement as I could get. However if I could get a new 2003 instead I would have. I prefer the 16 in wheels, the 5 speed automatic (the 6 spd downshifts at very modest hills and get the same mileage), the key/remote is way too big, and a number of small amenities in the interior have been dropped. The only thing I like better is the smoother frequency response of the new speakers: I find the 6 CD changer to be a pain, though. All that said, I still love the car, just not as much as my 2003!

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  Good Value for a Minivan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By wordslug - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First, the bad news. We had to completely replace the auto transmission within the first year of ownership. Otherwise, this has been a great vehicle for our family of 5. Looks good, drives well, has nice features like sliding middle seat, windows that open, folding rear bench. The size is about right, and the driving experience is car-like.