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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  Cant Beat It - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ktp - December 15 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the malibu LTZ (v6), accord EX-L v6, and altima the choice was obvious for me. Mazda all the way. I have never owned a mazda, but the features and amenities are 2nd to none and with current manufacturer rebates/incentives, I simply couldnt walk away. I ended up getting my loaded mazda 6 grand touring at about 3400 under invoice. The mazda6 is still relatively new, so its nice to not be one of the crowd.

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  Eastern NC - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Randall Tyndall - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks great, lot of compliments, most controls within easy reach. Cannot see under visor when in down position. Recommend extended cab for taller drivers. Difficult for entry/exit for shorter operators. Great mileage for truck - 23 - 25 average.

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  Car exudes excitement - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ron - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Great sporty look, powerful, excellent manouverability, impressive interior.

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  diy Mazda 6s 5spd owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By maz6s - December 14 - 6:21 pm

  Since 07, my 04 6s(v6) has been strong. I bought it at ~60,000 miles. All maintenance done early except the spark plugs. Dont drive too long with a misfire/vacuum leak/hesitation. Lucky I had knowledge of precat failure prevention so I didnt find out the hard way like others...keep an eye on fluid level and color esp oil. Since about 90-100,000 miles I noticed the oil level drops a lil every 1500 miles which is normal on most vehicles. Dont trust oil change places, they only pour 5qts in, but this engine takes 6...oh and Honda seekers dont buy Automatic Accords, my wifes tranny died@100,000 miles...fluid drained and filled every 10,000 miles since 40,000 miles. 2004 Accord EX V6. Thx

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  Still Love it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By likeitquiet - December 14 - 10:06 am

  Ive had it for a year and love it as much now as on day one. Its made several long road trips around the country at this point, so mileage is quickly increasing but condition, reliability and handling are still superb. This little gem is highly recommended as a keeper - so grateful to Edmunds for aiding in the extensive research process before purchase - not a single regret.

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  Great car for a great price - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil S - December 13 - 6:26 am

  I put 211,000 miles on my 1993 Protege without a fault. Bought a 2008 Honda Fit Sport 14 months ago and it was totaled. Drove the 2009 Fit Sport, Saturn Astra, and Mazda3 5dr and the game was over. The Mazda is much more car than the Honda and much nicer. The Astra is nice but awkward and the lack of an aux input for the MP3 player just shows a lack of consumer focus. The Honda feels "empty" and lacking when compared to the Mazda. The prices are all very close so its a good comparison in my book. Id like the sunroof to be an option by itself.

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  Excellent family car - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By jzwerl02 - December 12 - 7:10 am

  Recently turned in our Lexus RX 350, looking to spend a little less this time around. The car is great (its my second Madza; I also have a Mazda3). The only two things I can think of to complain about are the navigation screen is a bit small, and the interior material just feel a little cheap. But I guess they have to cut corners somewhere if Im going to save this much $$$!! Otherwise the car is great!

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  little disappointed - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By valley - December 12 - 3:43 am

  The car looks are great, however I have had it in the shop a few times. I think the seats are the poorest quality I have ever seen in a car. I have had my Mazda since July of 06 and the front seats looks so worn, they are awful. The gas mileage is not as good as they say either. The car is not too comfortable, I wish I could have had a 30 day money back/trade in because it would be gone. Like I said the looks are great, but they need to improve on some quality issues...interior is very cheap...the lumbar on drivers seat has already broken.

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  Zoom zoom, with a good price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Charlie5 - December 10 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my black 2006 Sport i 4 door for quite a good price with some hard bargaining. It is a fun drive to say the least. Took it on some mountain roads, and its low stiff suspension was a blast to drive. The Triptronic transmission that comes with the 5-speed auto is fun to drive. The car shifts through the first 2 gears real fast, and in its 5th gear overdrive, its smooth and quiet. Its quiet overall, and feels much more solid around turns compared to the Accord I tried. It hugs the road and is well balanced. Even at 160hp it is still accelerates fast and takes over other cars on the highway with ease, and fun.

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  Title? - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By vanninit - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Very solid vehicle. I leased it originally because I was unsure of the engine/transmission combination.. while its not particularly powerful, I cant say its been a huge negative, and in fact I purchased the vechicle when it came off lease.