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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  Almost 120,000 miles in 6 years!! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By CR - September 28 - 12:36 am

  Ive driven this car A LOT -- long road trips, extended periods of stop & go local driving, and commuting up a mountain and back 6 days a week for almost 2 years. It is very comfortable. The only downside is the tiny engine. Ive maintained my car well and it now has 163,000+ miles. I am finally in need of a new one. The struts are shot and so are my motor mounts. I think these issues may have been caused, in part, by my driving around for a month with a broken sway-bar link (part of the suspension). Ive never had a problem with my transmission, or engine. Id get my car fixed, but with 163,000+ miles it is hard to say how much longer the transmission will last...Ill miss my car :-/

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  Towing with CX5 Touring Model (with 5000 miles) - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kokenfarm - September 27 - 10:11 am

  I tow a Waverunner (1500lbs) with my CX5 and it does fine. Went from TN to WI round trip and got 24 miles per gal.while pulling. The SUV does fine pulling the Waverunner in and out of the water. With tow wiring installed the BSM does not work which is to bad. The tow wiring kit has been installed correctly. The Reese type 3 trailer hitch does not rattle while driving. The first hitch installed rattle terribly at 2300 RPMs. Initially my highway gas mileage was lower than expected when not towing (was around 30 mpg), but that is improving as I add mileage; currently getting 33 mpg. The CX5 has plenty of umph you just have to put your foot into it, especially when towing.

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  Mazda RX-8 A practical sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Greydog9 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. It drives like a much more expensive sports car. The car is small but with plenty of room inside. Im 63" and used to drive a Town Car.

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  Weak transmissions - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Fenderroads - September 26 - 4:56 pm

  I bought the car for my daughter in 1998 for her to finish high school and go off to college in. The car has never left her stranded, but the automatic transmission has greatly increased the cost of a higher education. Ive had the transmission replaced twice, once at 55K miles, and again at 120K. The clutch packs appear to be the weak link in the transmission. I had to change the heater coil in 2000. I made the repairs myself one week end. Ill never do that again.

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  Wish I put more thought into it. - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By jterrozas - September 26 - 10:47 am

  All though the price was reasonable it really doesnt replace a van. By the time you put up the third row there is nothing left for storage. We bought this to replace our T&C because we wanted better gas mileage but could hold four kids. It can hold four kids, but thats it. No stroller, no shopping bags. It is made for either the occasional back row seating OR as a four seater with a trunk space.

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  Allaroundgood - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jga - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This was the only vehicle my wife and I agreed on. We shopped for other SUVs and sedans. The value is amazing, I mean you try to find a 200hp V6 SUV for around 20K. We like its looks and functionality, it has only needed suggested maintenance and one sensor went out (repaired during dealer oil change) Customer service seems great both dealer bought from and service at, and corporate feedback.

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  A really fun-to-drive family sedan. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By denali856 - September 25 - 9:26 am

  I REALLY enjoy driving this car. The handling is really tight and the car LOVES twisty roads and high revs. Pluses: Driveability, seating comfort, performance (at high revs). Minuses: Base-level stereo is only OK, turning radius is wide, fuel economy is mediocre (~24). The interior is nice if a bit bland, but the seats are quite comfy. The controls and gauges are well-designed and easy to reach/read. Coming up on 17k miles and everything is still tight, no rattles, so reliability so far has been good. I marked down the performance because of a slight lack in low-end torque, but with the 5-speed sport-auto transmission its easy to keep the revs where you want them when you want to really drive.

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  2000 mazda 6 with 281k miles and still running! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By tamoshanter - September 23 - 8:17 pm

  i bought this car new in 5/00 with 16 miles. since then, i now have over 281,000 miles on it and its still running strong. A/C replaced 2 yrs ago, front axles replaced last year and transmission is going out (5 sp man), but with almost all highway miles, im going to drive it into the ground. otherwise, runs smooth, good pick up, comfortableand gets me there and back reliably! happy enough that we bought a 2009 mazda 6 that my wife now drives around!

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  This one is a lemon - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Miyah - September 23 - 8:03 am

  My wife bought this car because it was rated a consumer best buy. I think we want our money back on that one. This car has had the radiator replaced at 2 years the power locks at 2 and half years something dealing with the steering replaced at 4 years and numerous issues with the links on the overside of the car rusting out and breaking. It would be easy to blame the driver but she actually has taken very good care of this car; it is just a lemon. I dont think I would pay a Mazda price to get Ford quality. Also, why would Mazda put racing tires that cost $140 each on a 125hp small seda. Makes no sense and I never thought about the tires until going to get new ones.

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  Fun to drive, plenty of power, reliable - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Chuck W - September 22 - 1:10 am

  I own a 1990 Miata which has been bulletproof and a blast to drive. When looking for a family car, the 626 seemed like a logical choice. Its a great highway cruiser, the handling is fantastic for a mid priced 4 door sedan, and its been reliable. The gas mileage could be a little better, but it is a v6. From the research Ive done and the posts on this site, it looks like the Mazda made v6 engine and tranny are the way to go.