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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  No Title - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Terri1191 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with it and would consider purchasing another one. Really wanted the Mazda SUV, but it wasnt available at the time. The only problems that I have are the power and gas mileage. It has a hard time making it up some of the hills in the area. And, the gas mileage is terrible. Other than that, I am pleased.

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  MPV ES 2002 - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By AAS - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Owned for 2 weeks, we love this MPV ES, it handles and accelerate very well. It has comfortable ride, just that wind noise above 50mph, but it could be jut the roofrack

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  Pro5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By stallion - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical at first of the Pro5, since I was in a Z3 prior to, but I was pleassantly surprised how much fun it is to drive! It handles like a sporty car (not quite a sports car) but is still very practical for hauling and storing for long trips. It is extremely economically priced including several options. I received all options I wanted and still kept it around $21,000. I highly recommend the PROTEGE5.

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  mazda tribute ES - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ed villere - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute. Since I bought my 1st Mazda GLC in 1982, I have owned 12 Mazdas. I have purchased both new and used and at present own the Trbute, 1998 2500 truck,and 1996 MX-6. The only things I would change on my TRibute are the following: add compass and thermometer to rear view mirror, temperature setting automatically on air conditioning, auto door lock when the car put in gear, cd player that has random disc to disc capabilities, Thats about it.

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  Mom with a sports car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By G Law - July 11 - 9:16 pm

  I love my Mazda 6, I am usually one to trade a car after a year or two. This is the longest Ive ever owned a vehicle and I plan to keep it as long as I can. I love the way people think because its sedan, it has no get up and go, Im proud to say my 6 keeps up with the big dogs. My husbands Nissan is luxury filled but I love the sportiness of the 6 and prefer it any day of the week. Before my 6 I always wanted to drive his car and now he always wants to drive mine. The bold style turns heads and you can be a cool mom with four doors. Mazda hit the mark on this one. Routine maintenance is all its ever needed and with that Im grateful. My husband says its deceptively fast!

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  Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kalimotxo - July 11 - 6:50 pm

  Although I just got this car I love it so far. Its exactly what I wanted except I could not get a 2005 model with a sun roof. Otherwise, the sport model looks amazing. A nice blend of sporty and refinement. Given its rather taught suspension it rides very well, is quiet at highway speeds and offers respectable interior room. Acceleration is very good and braking seems to be decent.

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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By disapointed owner - July 11 - 3:56 am

  Indicated oil consumption of 1 qt /1000 miles, leaves an engine vulnerable when the car design doesnt have an oil light that will illuminate when oil is low. This spells disaster for a car owner. Low end torque minimal, must wind the engine up all a time when starting from a dead stop. This is probably not good for an engine either, especially one constantly consuming oil.

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  Sweet SIX - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By zeppelin - July 10 - 10:03 pm

  I have had this car for just over a year. It is a great overall car. It is built very solid and looks great with the Black exterior and black interior. Performs pretty well for a 4 cylinder, especially at higher rpms. The gas mileage could be tad better. Averaging in 50/50 mixed driving around 24mpg. No mechanical issues with over 9k.

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  Glad Im on Earth - only place with MX5 - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SCAREY - July 10 - 8:23 pm

  We have had our MX5 2000 (silver) for three days. (39,700 kms) I have run out of excuses to drive it - now I drive it in my sleep. Well almost. We were thinking buying a motorbike, and I am beginning to think this is more fun than a bike: as a past BMW bike owner I can throw this car into a corner just as fast and not worry about falling over. I was worried driving with the top up with restrict visibility a lot, but this is less of a worry than I expected. Today I drove in the rain for the first time on the freeway and there were no leaks. I am slowly getting used to the car, and the more I drive it, the more I like it.

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  Fun little car to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Padre52 - July 10 - 4:23 pm

  Love the mileage & performance of my new mazda 6 with the 2.3 4cyl. Very comfortable to drive, I drive nearly 200 miles per day. My one complaint is the red lighting and location of clock, radio station info, if the sun is shining through the windshield you cant see any of the information. Miss the automatic door-locks and headlights from my previous vehicle.